Bloomfield Township DUI/OWI
Convictions & Penalties
In Michigan, operating while intoxicated (OWI) is defined as operating with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more, 0.04% or more in a commercial vehicle, and 0.02% or more when the driver is younger than 21 years of age. On the other hand, operating while visibly impaired (OWVI) means driving a motor vehicle and being visibly affected by alcohol or drugs . The penalties depend on the nature of the offense and the defendant’s drunk driving history.
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A first-time OWI conviction (misdemeanor) is punishable by the following penalties:
- A maximum 93-day jail sentence
- Up to 36 hours of community services
- Fines of up to $500
- Driver’s license suspension for up to 30 days and a restricted license
However, if a driver’s High BAC was at least .17 percent—more than double the legal limit—a first High BAC offense carries a jail sentence of up to 180 days, a maximum $700 fine, and driver’s license suspension for up to one year.
First-Time OWVI Penalties in Michigan
A first-time OWVI conviction results in the same jail sentence and community service hours as a first OWI offense, but with OWVI, a drivers license is only restricted for 90 days, (unless drugs are involved) and fines are worth up to $300.
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Remember, just because you have been arrested, doesn’t mean that you are guilty. With a former prosecutor and former police officer on our legal team, our clients are given a unique insight into Michigan law, as well as effective and personalized legal solutions to either reduce the charges they face or get their entire case dismissed. We are ready to fight for you from start to finish.