What is the Penalty for Super Drunk Charges in Michigan?

Michigan laws carry serious penalties for anyone convicted of driving while intoxicated. The state’s DUI laws carry additional consequences for anyone found to have driven with a BAC of 0.17 or higher. You may be wondering, what are the penalties for Super Drunk charges in Michigan? This article outlines the key consequences you need to know.

Understanding Michigan’s Super Drunk Laws

Michigan enforces a Super Drunk law that applies when a driver is found operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.17 or higher. Penalties are harsher than a standard DUI and may include:

• Up to 180 days in jail
• Fines between $200 and $700
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• A one-year license suspension
• Potential requirement to install an ignition interlock if a restricted license is granted
• Mandatory participation in alcohol rehabilitation programs

While the law is meant to curb dangerous behavior, it can also lead to mistakes. In February 2025, Ryohei Akima was falsely arrested under this law after police alleged a .22 BAC, though a later test revealed only .02. He was deported but later settled for $320,000.

Whether due to DUI laws or other factors, some parts of Michigan are seeing declines in DUIs.

Recent audits show that from 2014 to 2023, drunk driving arrests in Oakland County dropped by about 20%.

Alcohol-related crashes statewide still numbered 8,817 in 2023. Drivers can be pulled over on major routes like Woodward Avenue, Gratiot Avenue, or Michigan Avenue and may spend the night at Oakland County Jail or Wayne County Jail.

Why the Courts Treat High BAC Criminal Cases Differently

Michigan law separates high BAC cases from standard OWI charges due to the societal consequences of a highly intoxicated driver. Any drunk driver is a danger on the road, but someone with a BAC of 0.17 is significantly more impaired and likely to cause a collision that could harm or kill someone.

Drunk drivers are more likely to drive well over the speed limit or cause a head-on collision. To deter drivers from engaging in this behavior, the laws impose harsher penalties under the Super Drunk law. These penalties send a message that drunk driving will not be tolerated in Michigan. The goal is both punishment and prevention.

The Collateral Consequences of a Super Drunk Conviction

A Super Drunk conviction in Michigan can bring consequences that go far beyond fines or jail. Defendants often face a one-year license suspension, which can disrupt employment, education, and family responsibilities.

Insurance premiums typically skyrocket following any DUI conviction, and some drivers may be dropped from policies altogether. Professional licenses, security clearances, or careers requiring a clean record can also be put in jeopardy.

The courts may require defendants to undergo treatment and install an ignition interlock, which can add further to the defendant’s hardships. The collateral consequences of a conviction can linger long after the court case ends, which makes it essential to fight the charges aggressively to preserve both your freedom and your future opportunities.

Hire a Super Drunk DUI Lawyer

An arrest under Michigan’s Super Drunk law can place your freedom in jeopardy. Your first step should be to hire a super drunk DUI lawyer in Michigan who can protect you from a conviction and serious super drunk DUI penalties.

An attorney with experience handling DUI cases can scrutinize the evidence being used against you and rely on their years of experience handling super drunk DUI cases to secure reduced or dropped charges.

Whether your case is resolved due to motions to suppress evidence, skillful negotiations, or a focus on addressing a substance use disorder, having representation from a Michigan super drunk DUI attorney can balance the scales of justice in your favor.

FAQs

What Happens When You Get Super Drunk in Michigan?

If you are pulled over and arrested for having a BAC of 0.17 or higher, you will be charged under Michigan’s Super Drunk law. This misdemeanor carries enhanced penalties beyond what a normal DUI would carry. You may be confined to jail for up to 180 days if you are convicted of this offense. Fines can reach $700, and you may be ordered to complete up to 360 hours of community service.

Do First-Time Offenders Get Breaks in Criminal Court?

First-time offenders stand a better chance of receiving leniency by the courts if the offense is non-violent and there are no aggravating factors tied to the case. A judge would be unlikely to go easy on someone found guilty of a Super Drunk charge, though.

Being caught with an extremely high BAC is viewed as reckless by the courts, which is why having strong legal representation is crucial for protecting your freedom.

How Many DUIs Are a Felony in Michigan?

In Michigan, a third DUI conviction at any point is automatically a felony. First and second offenses are typically misdemeanor offenses unless there are aggravating factors involved, like serious injury or death. A felony charge is a significant escalation that can lead to a lengthy prison term and the loss of your driving privileges. The courts also consider prior convictions at sentencing.

Can I Beat a Super Drunk Charge?

With strong legal representation, you can beat a super drunk charge. Beating a crime requires support and advocacy from an attorney who understands the state’s DUI laws and how to prevent prosecutors from meeting their burden of proof. With the right defense strategy, your charges can be reduced or even dropped altogether.

Michigan Super Drunk DUI Lawyer

A Super Drunk charge in Michigan is far more serious than a standard OWI and carries the risk of mandatory jail time, steep fines, treatment requirements, and the loss of your driver’s license. The consequences can affect not only your freedom but also harm your career and reputation.

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we bring decades of experience defending drivers across the Metro Detroit area. Our team is committed to challenging the evidence against you and pursuing strategies that protect your rights. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can defend you in court.