DUI & Drunk Driving

Expert Grand Rapids Drunk Driving Attorney

Limit DUI Consequences & Protect Your Future

A DUI (officially known as an ‘OWI’ or ‘Operating While Intoxicated/Impaired’ in the state of Michigan) charge will significantly impact your criminal record and your future. Whether it’s your first OWI offense or your third, an experienced Grand Rapids DUI lawyer can help you fight charges, reduce your penalties, and protect your rights.

Why Should You Hire a DUI Lawyer?

Navigating the Michigan DUI court process is not simple. Which is why it’s always worth the investment of finding a drunk driving defense lawyer to guide you through your specific needs so you can achieve the best possible outcome for your future.

  • Limit your conviction
  • Reduce penalties and consequences
  • Reduce the length of your driver’s license suspension
  • Lower the offense on your criminal record
  • Ensure you have the best chance at employment and housing opportunities

Take the best first step in protecting your future. Provide some basic information in the contact form below. We will then connect with you promptly (typically in the next 24 hours) to set up a free consultation:

DUI Lead Generation Form
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Already have a DUI on your record? Learn more here about how Mark Caldwell can make that go away.

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How Attorney Mark Caldwell Helps His Clients Win Cases and Protect Their Future

So you know you need legal counsel, but how do you find the best drunk driving lawyer in Grand Rapids for your specific needs? Mark Caldwell understands the anxiety and stress that comes with an DUI charge. That’s why he offers a free consultation to answer your questions, address your concerns, and build a defense strategy that’s specifically tailored to your needs.

Here’s how Mark Caldwell helps his clients WIN:

There are an overwhelming amount of options for legal representation. Here are some honest and practical tips on finding the best one for you:

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Outlines a Plan

Mark offers a step-by-step guide on the legal process of defending someone with a DUI. He knows the local Grand Rapids laws and advocates for your rights. If you’re under 21, he will help keep you out of jail and your future intact.
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Partners with You

He is a caring, helpful expert who will fight for you and your future.
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Creates a Personalized Strategy

He uses the facts of your case to give you the best defense against a DUI and reduce your criminal consequences. He can help you gain a better outcome by proving issues such as problems with the breathalyzer, inaccuracies in the officer’s testimony, or violations made during the arrest.
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Facing a DUI/OWI charge can be scary and confusing.

The best thing you can do is schedule a free consultation right away. But it also helps to educate yourself ​about how the Michigan Court system works so you can feel confident about making the right decision.

Here’s what you should know about Michigan drunk driving offenses and their associated penalties:

1st Offense

Low BAC Offenses (.16 or lower)

OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) or Operating With Any Presence of a Schedule 1 Drug or Cocaine (OWPD)

$100 to $500 fine and one or more of the following:

  • Up to 93 days in jail.
  • Up to 360 hours of community service.
  • Driver license suspension for 30 days, followed by restrictions for 150 days.
  • Possible vehicle immobilization.
  • Possible ignition interlock.
  • Six points added to driver record.

1st Offense

High BAC Offenses (.17 or lower)

OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) or Operating With Any Presence of a Schedule 1 Drug or Cocaine (OWPD)

$200 to $700 fine and one or more of the following:

  • Up to 180 days in jail.
  • Up to 360 hours of community service.
  • One year license suspension
  • The Secretary of State may issue a restricted license 45 days after the suspension starts if the person is otherwise eligible.
  • Proof of installation of an ignition interlock device is required before a restricted license will be issued.

Probation Violation

2nd Offense

Any combination, second offense within seven years:

OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) or Operating With Any Presence of a Schedule 1 Drug or Cocaine (OWPD)

$200 to $1,000 fine and one or more of the following:

  • Five days to one year in jail.
  • 30 to 90 days community service.
  • Driver license denial/revocation for a minimum of one year.
  • License plate confiscated.
  • Vehicle immobilization 90 to 180 days unless vehicle is forfeited.
  • Possible vehicle forfeiture.
  • Six points on driver record.

3rd Offense

Any combination, third offense within ten years (felony):

OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) or Operating With Any Presence of a Schedule 1 Drug or Cocaine (OWPD)

$500 to $5,000 fine and one or more of the following:

  • One to five years imprisonment.
  • Probation with 30 days to one year in jail.
  • 60 to 180 days community service.
  • Driver license denial/revocation for a minimum one year.
  • License plate confiscation.
  • Vehicle immobilization one to three years unless vehicle is forfeited.
  • Possible vehicle forfeiture.
  • Registration denial.
  • Six points on driver record.

Know Your Rights

Legal resources and guides so to understand the Michigan OWI process:

Contact Mark Caldwell for a Free Consultation