A third DUI offense in Michigan, legally called Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), is a felony that brings serious potential penalties, mandatory jail time, and long-term consequences that affect every part of your life. If you are facing a 3rd DUI/OWI charge, you need focused representation from a team that handles these cases frequently and understands how Michigan courts approach repeat-offense charges. We represent clients in Greater Detroit who are charged with third-time DUI/OWI offenses, and we work to protect your freedom, driving privileges, and future opportunities. 

If you want a legal team that will prepare your case with care and communicate with you clearly at every step, reach out to Jeffrey Randa and Associates today.

What Happens When You Are Charged With a 3rd DUI/OWI in Michigan

A third DUI/OWI offense is automatically treated as a felony in Michigan. You will appear in district court shortly after the arrest, and the judge will address bond conditions, alcohol testing, and travel restrictions. You can expect the prosecutor to take the case seriously because the law carries much stronger penalties for repeat DUI offenses.

Felony charges can eventually move the case from the local district court to the county circuit court. You can agree to “waive” your case forward or challenge the evidence. If you fight the charge, the judge will hold a probable cause hearing to determine if there is enough “probable cause” to transfer it to the circuit court. 

We step in as early as possible to examine the evidence, evaluate potential issues with chemical testing or traffic stops, and formulate an intelligent defense strategy based upon the facts.

Michigan Penalties for a 3rd DUI/OWI Offense

How penalties are imposed can vary by county and by the specific circumstances, but Michigan law outlines a range of possible consequences that courts can consider. Potential penalties include:

  • One to five years in prison, or at least thirty days and up to one year in jail if the court also orders probation
  • Fines between $500 and $5,000
  • Extensive community service
  • Possible vehicle forfeiture or immobilization
  • License revocation for up to five years, depending on the dates of previous convictions

You will also face long-term effects, including higher insurance rates, barriers to employment, and court oversight that may involve alcohol treatment or monitoring.

How We Build a Defense Strategy for a 3rd DUI/OWI Charge

A strong defense begins with a detailed review of all the evidence and every step in your case. We examine the legality of the traffic stop, how field sobriety tests were conducted, and whether the breath test or blood draw followed required procedures. Our goal is to identify opportunities to challenge evidence or negotiate a plea bargain to a lesser charge and reduce the severity of the case at the earliest stage possible.

We will look at all relevant:

  • Bodycam and police car dash cam footage and police reports
  • Calibration and maintenance records for breath and blood testing equipment
  • The timeline of the arrest and testing
  • Whether medical conditions could have influenced results
  • Issues in prior DUI/OWI convictions that may affect sentencing

From there, we work with you to decide whether a negotiated resolution or a contested hearing gives you the best chance for a better outcome.

Also, many district and circuit courts now have Sobriety Court and other Specialty Courts (Adult Drug Court, Veteran’s Court, etc.) programs. These offer extensive rehabilitative help to second- and third-offense DUI offenders. This is a possible option that should always be considered.

A Sobriety Court judge can override any Secretary of State’s driver’s license revocation, grant you a restricted license, and also skip the mandatory jail requirement in third offense DUI cases.

Driver’s License Revocation and What You Can Expect Later

A third DUI/OWI conviction can result in a mandatory license revocation. What happens depends on the timing of your past DUI convictions. It’s possible that you could be revoked for five years, only one year, or face no revocation at all under certain circumstances.

A revocation is NOT a mere suspension. Revocation means the license is terminated, and you must go through the formal administrative driver’s license restoration process after the minimum revocation period ends. 

We explain what documentation you should keep, how to stay in compliance with the court, and what steps give you the strongest chance of restoring your driving privileges when the time comes.

What You Should Do After a 3rd DUI/OWI Arrest

If you have been arrested for a third DUI/OWI offense, you can take several steps right away:

  • Follow all alcohol testing and bond requirements
  • Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney
  • Document what you remember from the traffic stop and arrest
  • Contact a lawyer who understands felony DUI laws in Michigan

The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect your interests and evaluate the case for potential defenses.

Contact Our Experienced Michigan DUI/OWI Defense Attorneys

A third DUI/OWI offense is one of the most serious charges a driver can face in Michigan, but you do not have to handle it alone. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we can review the case, explain your options, and work with you to pursue and ensure the best possible outcome. If you want guidance from a team that regularly handles these cases with care and clarity, contact us today.

We are very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions and explain things. All of our consultations are free, confidential, and done right over the phone.

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.
Third Offense DUI

A third DUI offense in Michigan, legally called Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), is a felony that brings serious potential penalties, mandatory jail time, and long-term consequences that affect every part of your life. If you are facing a 3rd DUI/OWI charge, you need focused representation from a team that handles these cases frequently and understands how Michigan courts approach repeat-offense charges. We represent clients in Greater Detroit who are charged with third-time DUI/OWI offenses, and we work to protect your freedom, driving privileges, and future opportunities. 

If you want a legal team that will prepare your case with care and communicate with you clearly at every step, reach out to Jeffrey Randa and Associates today.

What Happens When You Are Charged With a 3rd DUI/OWI in Michigan

A third DUI/OWI offense is automatically treated as a felony in Michigan. You will appear in district court shortly after the arrest, and the judge will address bond conditions, alcohol testing, and travel restrictions. You can expect the prosecutor to take the case seriously because the law carries much stronger penalties for repeat DUI offenses.

Felony charges can eventually move the case from the local district court to the county circuit court. You can agree to “waive” your case forward or challenge the evidence. If you fight the charge, the judge will hold a probable cause hearing to determine if there is enough “probable cause” to transfer it to the circuit court. 

We step in as early as possible to examine the evidence, evaluate potential issues with chemical testing or traffic stops, and formulate an intelligent defense strategy based upon the facts.

Michigan Penalties for a 3rd DUI/OWI Offense

How penalties are imposed can vary by county and by the specific circumstances, but Michigan law outlines a range of possible consequences that courts can consider. Potential penalties include:

  • One to five years in prison, or at least thirty days and up to one year in jail if the court also orders probation
  • Fines between $500 and $5,000
  • Extensive community service
  • Possible vehicle forfeiture or immobilization
  • License revocation for up to five years, depending on the dates of previous convictions

You will also face long-term effects, including higher insurance rates, barriers to employment, and court oversight that may involve alcohol treatment or monitoring.

How We Build a Defense Strategy for a 3rd DUI/OWI Charge

A strong defense begins with a detailed review of all the evidence and every step in your case. We examine the legality of the traffic stop, how field sobriety tests were conducted, and whether the breath test or blood draw followed required procedures. Our goal is to identify opportunities to challenge evidence or negotiate a plea bargain to a lesser charge and reduce the severity of the case at the earliest stage possible.

We will look at all relevant:

  • Bodycam and police car dash cam footage and police reports
  • Calibration and maintenance records for breath and blood testing equipment
  • The timeline of the arrest and testing
  • Whether medical conditions could have influenced results
  • Issues in prior DUI/OWI convictions that may affect sentencing

From there, we work with you to decide whether a negotiated resolution or a contested hearing gives you the best chance for a better outcome.

Also, many district and circuit courts now have Sobriety Court and other Specialty Courts (Adult Drug Court, Veteran’s Court, etc.) programs. These offer extensive rehabilitative help to second- and third-offense DUI offenders. This is a possible option that should always be considered.

A Sobriety Court judge can override any Secretary of State’s driver’s license revocation, grant you a restricted license, and also skip the mandatory jail requirement in third offense DUI cases.

Driver’s License Revocation and What You Can Expect Later

A third DUI/OWI conviction can result in a mandatory license revocation. What happens depends on the timing of your past DUI convictions. It’s possible that you could be revoked for five years, only one year, or face no revocation at all under certain circumstances.

A revocation is NOT a mere suspension. Revocation means the license is terminated, and you must go through the formal administrative driver’s license restoration process after the minimum revocation period ends. 

We explain what documentation you should keep, how to stay in compliance with the court, and what steps give you the strongest chance of restoring your driving privileges when the time comes.

What You Should Do After a 3rd DUI/OWI Arrest

If you have been arrested for a third DUI/OWI offense, you can take several steps right away:

  • Follow all alcohol testing and bond requirements
  • Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney
  • Document what you remember from the traffic stop and arrest
  • Contact a lawyer who understands felony DUI laws in Michigan

The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect your interests and evaluate the case for potential defenses.

Contact Our Experienced Michigan DUI/OWI Defense Attorneys

A third DUI/OWI offense is one of the most serious charges a driver can face in Michigan, but you do not have to handle it alone. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we can review the case, explain your options, and work with you to pursue and ensure the best possible outcome. If you want guidance from a team that regularly handles these cases with care and clarity, contact us today.

We are very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions and explain things. All of our consultations are free, confidential, and done right over the phone.

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

Can a third DUI/OWI ever be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes. We do this often. Reductions depend on things like location, the evidence, the prosecutor’s plea policies, and whether there are issues in the case. 

Will my vehicle be forfeited after a third DUI/OWI conviction?

Forfeiture is possible, but not automatic. Prosecutor’s offices often just want money to return a vehicle. Most courts are more inclined to require vehicle immobilization instead, depending on the facts and whether other household members rely upon it.

Can I install an ignition interlock device after a third DUI/OWI?

If you are granted a license through a Sobriety Court program, then an ignition interlock device (BAIID) will be required. Otherwise, a BAIID is not an option during any period of revocation.