Facing a first-time DUI charge in Michigan can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. You are likely unsure what to expect, how serious the penalties will be, or how this charge might affect your future. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we understand how overwhelming this feels, and we’re here to get you through every step with compassion, experience, and practical advice for the best possible outcome.

For more than 30 years, we’ve defended our clients across the Metro Detroit area, including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, who were charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)—Michigan’s legal term for DUI. We’ll make sure you understand the process while we examine the evidence and do what’s necessary to protect your freedom, your driver’s license, and your record. 

We won’t let a mistake in judgment negatively impact your future.

Understanding a First-Time DUI (OWI) in Michigan

Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.625, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while visibly impaired or otherwise intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you can still be charged if officers believe your ability to drive was impaired.

A first offense DUI/OWI in Michigan is a misdemeanor, but the consequences can still be severe. The specific penalties depend on your BAC level and the circumstances of your arrest. There are three levels of DUI severity for a first offense.

The most common charge is OWI. Penalties for OWI include:

  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Fine ranging from $100 to $500
  • Up to 360 hours of community service
  • Driver’s license suspension for up to 180 days (restricted license issued after 30 days)
  • Six points added to your driving record

If your BAC was 0.17% or higher, then you will face a more serious first offense charge, known as “high BAC,” or “super drunk.” The penalties for this charge increase significantly:

  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • Fine from $200 to $700
  • Mandatory alcohol treatment
  • Up to 360 hours of community service
  • One year suspension of your driver’s license, with a restricted license issued after 45 days upon proof that an ignition interlock unit (BAIID) has been installed on your vehicle
  • Six points added to your driving record

Although it’s not commonly made as an initial charge, there is a far less severe OWI offense known as Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), and commonly referred to as impaired driving. When the evidence in an OWI case is strong enough to survive a legal challenge and the prosecutor cannot or will not agree to a non-alcohol-related driving charge, this reduced offense is what we try to negotiate. The penalties are much less severe:

  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Fine of up to $300
  • Up to 360 hours of community service
  • Driver’s license suspension for 90 days with a restricted license issued immediately (meaning no loss of the ability to drive for work, etc.)
  • Four points added to your driving record

The Court Process for a First DUI in Michigan

After an arrest, your case will move through several stages, including:

  1. Arraignment – You’ll formally hear the charges against you, enter a “not guilty” plea, and the judge or magistrate will set conditions for you to remain out of jail.
  2. Pre-trial conference – Your attorney will begin discussions with prosecutors after examining the evidence. This can lead to legal challenges or plea negotiations.
  3. Trial or plea resolution – Most first-offense cases are resolved through negotiations for a plea or sentence agreement.
  4. Sentencing – The judge decides what consequences to impose and what will happen to you. This typically includes a probationary sentence.

The legal team at Jeffrey Randa and Associates protects our clients’ rights at every stage in the process. We examine all aspects of the case, whether the traffic stop was lawful, if the breathalyzer was properly maintained, and whether police procedures were followed. Even small details can make a big difference in the outcome.

We recognize that for many first-time DUI clients, the charge does not reflect an underlying substance abuse issue. Nevertheless, courts frequently adopt a highly precautionary stance, often favoring mandatory counseling as a condition of a plea or a sentence. This makes it critical for us to protect our client from being ordered into expensive and unwarranted counseling when it’s not genuinely needed. 

On the other hand, should clinical evaluation or targeted treatment strategically benefit your defense, our team leverages its comprehensive clinical and legal knowledge to guide you toward effective, appropriate solutions that support your case without imposing undue financial burden. 

Will I Lose My License After a First DUI?

License suspension is one of the most common concerns for first-time offenders. In Michigan:

  • A first OWI conviction results in a 30-day license suspension followed by a 150-day restricted period.
  • A first OWVI conviction only requires that you drive on a restricted license for 90 days.
  • If convicted of having a high BAC, your license will be suspended for one year, with a restricted license issued after 45 days upon proof that you’ve had an ignition interlock unit installed in your vehicle.
  • A refusal to take a breath or blood test following arrest (chemical test refusal) triggers an automatic one-year suspension under Michigan’s implied consent law. We can file an appeal in circuit court to overturn that.

Because we are also genuine Michigan driver’s license restoration lawyers, we know how to protect your driving privileges, how to challenge any kind of implied consent suspension, and successfully get you through the license restoration process.

How We Defend First Offense DUI Cases

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we take a detailed, personalized approach to every DUI case. Common defense strategies include:

  • Challenging the validity of the traffic stop or arrest
  • Examining all the evidence, including the dash cam video from the traffic stop and police body camera(s) for legal defects
  • Disputing breath or blood test accuracy
  • Questioning field sobriety test procedures
  • Presenting evidence of rising BAC or medical conditions that affected those test results
  • Obtaining a substance use evaluation to demonstrate no underlying alcohol problem
  • Making a competent referral for counseling when doing so will be helpful to the case

Our goal in every DUI case is to either get the case dismissed outright or to avoid as many of the legal penalties and negative consequences as possible. We live by the motto that “success in a DUI case is best measured by what does not happen to you.”

Your Future After a First DUI

A first-time DUI does not have to define your future. Many clients are pleasantly surprised to learn there are ways to protect their record, avoid jail, and move forward once they have the right legal guidance. We’ll explain every option available so that together, we can make informed decisions about your defense and your next steps in order to get the best possible result in your case.

Protect Your Record and Your License

If you’re facing a first offense DUI in Michigan, contact our office. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we have helped thousands of clients successfully resolve DUI and OWI cases throughout Metro Detroit. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Call us today to discuss your first DUI charge and how we can help protect your future. All of our consultations are free, confidential, and done over the phone, right when you call. We are very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions and explain the process.

For over 30 years, Jeffrey Randa and Associates has represented clients across Metro Detroit and throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County, while also assisting individuals nationwide and around the world who face charges originating in Michigan.

First Offense DUI

Facing a first-time DUI charge in Michigan can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. You are likely unsure what to expect, how serious the penalties will be, or how this charge might affect your future. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we understand how overwhelming this feels, and we’re here to get you through every step with compassion, experience, and practical advice for the best possible outcome.

For more than 30 years, we’ve defended our clients across the Metro Detroit area, including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, who were charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)—Michigan’s legal term for DUI. We’ll make sure you understand the process while we examine the evidence and do what’s necessary to protect your freedom, your driver’s license, and your record. 

We won’t let a mistake in judgment negatively impact your future.

Understanding a First-Time DUI (OWI) in Michigan

Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.625, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while visibly impaired or otherwise intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you can still be charged if officers believe your ability to drive was impaired.

A first offense DUI/OWI in Michigan is a misdemeanor, but the consequences can still be severe. The specific penalties depend on your BAC level and the circumstances of your arrest. There are three levels of DUI severity for a first offense.

The most common charge is OWI. Penalties for OWI include:

  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Fine ranging from $100 to $500
  • Up to 360 hours of community service
  • Driver’s license suspension for up to 180 days (restricted license issued after 30 days)
  • Six points added to your driving record

If your BAC was 0.17% or higher, then you will face a more serious first offense charge, known as “high BAC,” or “super drunk.” The penalties for this charge increase significantly:

  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • Fine from $200 to $700
  • Mandatory alcohol treatment
  • Up to 360 hours of community service
  • One year suspension of your driver’s license, with a restricted license issued after 45 days upon proof that an ignition interlock unit (BAIID) has been installed on your vehicle
  • Six points added to your driving record

Although it’s not commonly made as an initial charge, there is a far less severe OWI offense known as Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), and commonly referred to as impaired driving. When the evidence in an OWI case is strong enough to survive a legal challenge and the prosecutor cannot or will not agree to a non-alcohol-related driving charge, this reduced offense is what we try to negotiate. The penalties are much less severe:

  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Fine of up to $300
  • Up to 360 hours of community service
  • Driver’s license suspension for 90 days with a restricted license issued immediately (meaning no loss of the ability to drive for work, etc.)
  • Four points added to your driving record

The Court Process for a First DUI in Michigan

After an arrest, your case will move through several stages, including:

  1. Arraignment – You’ll formally hear the charges against you, enter a “not guilty” plea, and the judge or magistrate will set conditions for you to remain out of jail.
  2. Pre-trial conference – Your attorney will begin discussions with prosecutors after examining the evidence. This can lead to legal challenges or plea negotiations.
  3. Trial or plea resolution – Most first-offense cases are resolved through negotiations for a plea or sentence agreement.
  4. Sentencing – The judge decides what consequences to impose and what will happen to you. This typically includes a probationary sentence.

The legal team at Jeffrey Randa and Associates protects our clients’ rights at every stage in the process. We examine all aspects of the case, whether the traffic stop was lawful, if the breathalyzer was properly maintained, and whether police procedures were followed. Even small details can make a big difference in the outcome.

We recognize that for many first-time DUI clients, the charge does not reflect an underlying substance abuse issue. Nevertheless, courts frequently adopt a highly precautionary stance, often favoring mandatory counseling as a condition of a plea or a sentence. This makes it critical for us to protect our client from being ordered into expensive and unwarranted counseling when it’s not genuinely needed. 

On the other hand, should clinical evaluation or targeted treatment strategically benefit your defense, our team leverages its comprehensive clinical and legal knowledge to guide you toward effective, appropriate solutions that support your case without imposing undue financial burden. 

Will I Lose My License After a First DUI?

License suspension is one of the most common concerns for first-time offenders. In Michigan:

  • A first OWI conviction results in a 30-day license suspension followed by a 150-day restricted period.
  • A first OWVI conviction only requires that you drive on a restricted license for 90 days.
  • If convicted of having a high BAC, your license will be suspended for one year, with a restricted license issued after 45 days upon proof that you’ve had an ignition interlock unit installed in your vehicle.
  • A refusal to take a breath or blood test following arrest (chemical test refusal) triggers an automatic one-year suspension under Michigan’s implied consent law. We can file an appeal in circuit court to overturn that.

Because we are also genuine Michigan driver’s license restoration lawyers, we know how to protect your driving privileges, how to challenge any kind of implied consent suspension, and successfully get you through the license restoration process.

How We Defend First Offense DUI Cases

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we take a detailed, personalized approach to every DUI case. Common defense strategies include:

  • Challenging the validity of the traffic stop or arrest
  • Examining all the evidence, including the dash cam video from the traffic stop and police body camera(s) for legal defects
  • Disputing breath or blood test accuracy
  • Questioning field sobriety test procedures
  • Presenting evidence of rising BAC or medical conditions that affected those test results
  • Obtaining a substance use evaluation to demonstrate no underlying alcohol problem
  • Making a competent referral for counseling when doing so will be helpful to the case

Our goal in every DUI case is to either get the case dismissed outright or to avoid as many of the legal penalties and negative consequences as possible. We live by the motto that “success in a DUI case is best measured by what does not happen to you.”

Your Future After a First DUI

A first-time DUI does not have to define your future. Many clients are pleasantly surprised to learn there are ways to protect their record, avoid jail, and move forward once they have the right legal guidance. We’ll explain every option available so that together, we can make informed decisions about your defense and your next steps in order to get the best possible result in your case.

Protect Your Record and Your License

If you’re facing a first offense DUI in Michigan, contact our office. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we have helped thousands of clients successfully resolve DUI and OWI cases throughout Metro Detroit. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Call us today to discuss your first DUI charge and how we can help protect your future. All of our consultations are free, confidential, and done over the phone, right when you call. We are very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions and explain the process.

For over 30 years, Jeffrey Randa and Associates has represented clients across Metro Detroit and throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County, while also assisting individuals nationwide and around the world who face charges originating in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after a first DUI arrest in Michigan?

Following a first-offense DUI arrest in Michigan, the initial phase involves chemical testing. This procedure mandates either blood testing, typically conducted at a medical facility, or breath testing, administered at the police station. Upon completion of chemical testing, the individual is transported to the police station for official booking and processing.

Subsequently, the court will issue a formal notice detailing the date and time of the arraignment, the first formal court appearance. This notice is commonly delivered via mail. At the arraignment, a plea of “not guilty” is formally entered, initiating the defense process. From that critical juncture, our legal strategy focuses intensely on the pre-trial phase.

Will I go to jail for my first DUI in Michigan?

While jail is possible, we can usually prevent that rather easily for first-time DUI offenders in Detroit. Courts in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and other surrounding counties will impose fines and probation with certain conditions. In addition, the court can also order you to complete community service and/or an alcohol education or counseling program, depending on your BAC, your record, and the facts surrounding your arrest.

Can a first DUI be reduced or dismissed in Michigan?

Yes. A first DUI may be reduced to a lesser charge, such as OWVI, if the evidence is weak or procedural errors occurred. In some cases, we can even negotiate an OWI charge down to a non-alcohol-related traffic offense.

Dismissals are possible when the evidence, like the stop, chemical tests, or circumstances of your arrest, was not legally sound.