Highlights:
- A first-time DUI in Michigan can result in driver’s license suspension, a misdemeanor on your criminal record, and up to 6 points on your driving record.
- You likely won’t go to jail for a first-time DUI, but it can happen in some cases.
- You face steeper penalties if your conviction involves a BAC higher than .17, personal injury, or death.
- The cost of a first-time DUI can be anywhere from $100 to $5,000 However the The typical amount due depends on the court. The court fines and costs are usually between $600 to $2000.
- An experienced DUI lawyer can help you fight charges and restore your license sooner.
Table of Contents:
- What is a First-Time DUI Charge?
- Penalties for First-Time DUI
- Cost of DUI
- Steps to Take
- Finding a DUI Lawyer
- FAQs
If you’re facing a first-time OWI charge in Michigan, you’re far from alone, and there are steps you can take to improve your case’s outcomes. The penalties you could be facing depend on many factors covered below, but an experienced DUI attorney in Grand Rapids can help you lower the consequences that come with a first-time DUI offense. Learn about first-time DUI charges in Michigan, the penalties, costs, and what you can do to ensure the best outcome possible.
What is a First-time DUI Charge?
A first-time DUI (officially called a OWI or ‘Operating While Intoxicated’ in the state of Michigan) occurs when you’re arrested due to a BAC content of 0.08 BAC or higher while driving and haven’t had a conviction before. It also counts as a first-time offense if you haven’t had a prior operating under the influence conviction within the last seven years. Grand Rapids DUI laws involve three types of first-offense DUI charges: OWI, OWVI, and High BAC OWI. They are all slightly different types of convictions that, in essence, result in the same consequences. You can also be charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of drugs, such as a controlled substance, OWPD, operating with presence of drugs.
What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI Charge?
The penalties for a first-time DUI charge in Michigan include:
- A fine of $100 to $500
- Driver’s license suspension or restriction up to 6 months
- Up to 93 days in prison
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- A misdemeanor or felony on your criminal record
- Possible vehicle immobilization
- 4 to 6 points added to your driving record
The penalties for a first-time OWI charge with a High BAC (0.17 or higher) include:
- A fine of $200 to $700
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Driver’s license suspension or restriction up to 1 year
- A misdemeanor or felony on your criminal record
- Possible vehicle immobilization and license plate confiscation
- 6 points added to your driving record
If it’s your second OWI charge, you could face:
- A fine of $200 to $1,000
- Between 5 days and one year in jail
- Driver’s license suspension or restriction for at least one year
- 30 to 90 days of community service
- Possible ignition interlock installation on your vehicle
- Mandatory vehicle immobilization and confiscation of license plate
- A misdemeanor or felony on your criminal record
- 6 points added to your driving record
If it’s your third OWI charge, you could face:
- A fine between $200 and $1,000
- 30 days to 5 years in jail
- A minimum license suspension of 1 year
- A misdemeanor or felony on your criminal record
- Possible ignition interlock installation on your vehicle
- 60 to 180 days of community service
- 6 points added to your driving record
You may face steeper penalties if your drunk driving case involves an individual getting injured or losing their life. Prison time can be much higher, up to 15 years. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI to handle your case and advocate for your rights is both necessary and advantageous.
If your DUI or OWI case involves a passenger under the age of 16, these cases can carry enhanced penalties, it requires a minimum of 5 days jail or treatment. Depending on the court some Judge’s only impose treatment, however most will impose the 5 days jail.
Underage drunk drivers (younger than 21 years old) with a first-time DUI charge in Michigan face most of the same consequences as adults.
Resource: “Understanding DUI and OWI Offenses: Penalties & Sanctions Explained”
What are the Costs Associated with a First-time DUI Charge?
If you’re convicted of a DUI/OWI 1st first-time charge in Michigan, expect to pay a fine of $100 to $500 if your BAC was under 0.17. You will likely have to pay other fees as well, such as reimbursement to the police or probation oversight fees. So the total in fines and cost can be between $600 and $2000. If you attend alcohol education classes in Michigan, also called sobriety court, expect to pay $2,000 or more for the program.
For a High BAC OWI, expect your fees to be $200 to $700. However the fines and cost are similar to an OWI 1st. For second and third-time DUI offenses, fines can reach up to $5,000. If a DUI incident causes injury or death, the fine can be $10,000 or higher.
Restitution is also an issue with any accidents. The insurance companies can now come after you for the damages the vehicle hit. If there are any injuries, typically the injured party would file a civil suit against you.
Hiring a Grand Rapids DUI lawyer for an OWI 1st or OWI 2nd charge can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, with $3,500 being the average cost. Some cases can exceed $10,000 or even $25,000, especially if it involves a second or third offense, injury or death.
The fees depend on your specific case and the skill of the attorney you hire. Working with an experienced and dedicated lawyer who knows Grand Rapids DUI laws can help limit your conviction, the length of driver’s license suspension, and reduce the offense on your criminal record. The benefits far outweigh the costs.
Resource: “How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost for a DUI?”
What Should my Next Steps Be After Getting a DUI for the First Time?
After an OWI first offense in Michigan, it’s crucial to find a drunk driving attorney who knows the local laws and can advocate for your rights. Look for an experienced lawyer specializing in DUI, OWI, and drunk driving cases.
Finding legal representation early in the process can help you avoid pitfalls, unnecessary consequences, and fees. A DUI attorney in Grand Rapids can help guide you through the process, get your driver’s license restored more quickly, and reduce your criminal repercussions.
A DUI attorney can also help you gain a better outcome by proving issues with your case, such as problems with the breathalyzer, violations made during the arrest, or inaccuracies in the officer’s testimony.
Mark Caldwell – An Experienced West Michigan DUI Lawyer
Since opening my practice in 2007, I have handled thousands of OWI cases. With over 17+ years of experience, I have the knowledge and skills to protect you and limit the penalties you might face. I will represent you throughout the investigation and ensure you know how to navigate the system.
If you have a drunk driving citation, contact Mark Caldwell at 616-915-6576 or fill out this contact form below to set up your free consultation. I’m a highly experienced West Michigan DUI attorney with a proven track record of securing the best possible outcome for my clients’ future.
More Questions?
We’ve collected the most commonly asked questions from defendants facing a DUI charge and created a comprehensive FAQ guide to ensure you have the information you need.
