In Michigan, a High BAC conviction (0.17 or higher) can lead to up to 180 days in jail and a mandatory 45-day hard suspension of your driver’s license, followed by 320 days driving with an ignition interlock device. Early legal intervention is crucial to mitigate these consequences.

Why Clients Choose Us

Our firm is dedicated exclusively to criminal and DUI defense in Metro-Detroit. With over 30 years of experience and deep familiarity with local court systems, we know how to approach both High BAC and regular OWI cases with precision and strategy.

  • 30+ years of DUI defense experience in Michigan
  • Extensive knowledge of Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne County courts
  • Immediate filing of OHAO hearing requests to protect your license in chemical test (Implied Consent) refusal cases
  • Careful examination of all evidence and intelligent plans to challenge any that is compromised
  • Strong track record of getting High BAC charges dismissed or reduced to standard OWI and even lesser charges
  • Step-by-step guidance through ignition interlock and restricted license process
  • Transparent flat-fee pricing—no hidden costs

We provide comprehensive defense strategies for first-time DUI and repeat offenses. You will receive honest, compassionate representation focused on avoiding a conviction and minimizing penalties.

How Much Jail Time Could I Face for a High BAC Conviction?

Under Michigan law, a first-time High BAC conviction carries a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail. However, jail can usually be avoided. What ultimately happens depends on both the facts of your case, location of the court, and the judge handling your case. Fortunately, even when the evidence is solid, most courts in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties often prioritize education and rehabilitation over incarceration.

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we use our knowledge of local sentencing trends to advocate for alternatives to jail, such as probation, alcohol treatment, or sobriety court. We also examine every case for opportunities to challenge the BAC result or negotiate a reduction to a standard OWI or even further down to the least serious DUI charge of Impaired Driving (OWVI, or “Operating While Visibly Impaired”), both of which carry a maximum of 93 days in jail. 

As noted above, jail can usually be avoided in most first offense DUI cases. Early legal intervention is critical. The sooner we begin working on your case, the more options we have to protect your freedom and your future.

Can I Drive to Work After a High BAC Conviction?

A High BAC conviction in Michigan results in a mandatory 45-day “hard suspension” of your driver’s license, during which no driving is allowed, not even to work. After that period, you become eligible for a restricted license, but only after you install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) and meet all court and Department of State (Secretary of State) requirements.

Our team helps coordinate with an approved BAIID provider to minimize delays. We also ensure you understand and comply with all requirements to maintain your driving privileges and avoid further penalties.

What Are the Penalties for a 0.17 BAC vs. a 0.08 BAC?

The penalties for a High BAC (0.17 or higher) offense are significantly more severe than those for a standard OWI (0.08–0.16). A High BAC conviction may include:

  • Up to 180 days in jail (vs. 93 days for standard OWI and OWVI)
  • Fines of $200–$700 (vs. $100–$500 for standard OWI, and $100 to $300 for OWVI)
  • 45-day hard license suspension followed by 320 days of restricted driving with BAIID (vs. 30 day hard suspension followed by 150 days restricted license for standard OWI, and NO hard suspension and just 90 days restricted license for OWVI)
  • Mandatory alcohol treatment program (not required for either standard OWI or OWVI)
  • Required ignition interlock device for nearly one year (not required for either standard OWI or OWVI)

Both High BAC and standard OWI convictions carry 6 points on your driver’s license (OWVI only carries 4 points) and up to 360 hours of community service. However, the added requirements for High BAC, especially the mandatory treatment and interlock device, can have a greater impact on your daily life and employment.

We carefully assess each case to find the best way to either get it dismissed, or do everything possible to negotiate a charge reduction. In the majority of the hundreds of High BAC cases we’ve handled, we’ve successfully negotiated the original charge down to either standard OWI or even OWVI, significantly reducing the long-term consequences for our clients.

Can a High BAC Charge Be Reduced to a Standard OWI?

Yes, it is often possible to reduce a High BAC charge to a standard OWI, and in many cases, even further, down to OWVI, particularly the farther your BAC was below the 0.17 threshold. Of course, it also matters if there were procedural issues during your arrest, or if you otherwise have a decent record. Even though the High BAC law technically applies only to first-time offenders, prosecutors may consider reductions for someone who had a prior offense more than 7 years ago if a long enough time has passed since that prior OWI conviction.

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we are experienced negotiators who know how to present mitigating factors, challenge BAC and other evidence, and leverage local court practices to seek outright dismissals and charge reductions.

Every case is unique, but early legal action gives you the best chance at a favorable resolution.

What to Expect When You Contact Jeffrey Randa and Associates

When you contact our firm, you’ll speak directly with a friendly person who can answer your questions and explain how things work. We’ll review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and immediately take steps to protect your license.

We offer flat-fee pricing and transparent fee structures, so you’ll know exactly what your defense will cost. There are no surprise fees. From arraignment through sentencing, we’ll protect your freedom, your record, and your ability to drive. 

We’ll guide you through each step of the process and help you comply with all court-ordered requirements, including any necessary or recommended alcohol counseling and ignition interlock installation. We understand how overwhelming a High BAC charge can be. That’s why we focus on clear communication, fast action, and results that protect your future.

Talk to a Metro-Detroit DUI Attorney About High BAC vs. Low BAC Charges

If you’ve been charged with a High BAC or standard OWI offense in Oakland, Macomb, or Wayne counties, or anywhere else in Metro-Detroit, don’t delay. The window to protect your interests is already running. 

Contact Jeffrey Randa and Associates today for a confidential consultation. We know the local courts, we act quickly, and we fight to keep you driving and out of jail.

JEFFREY RANDA & ASSOCIATES LOGO
High BAC vs. Low BAC Offenses
In Michigan, a High BAC conviction (0.17 or higher) can lead to up to 180 days in jail and a mandatory 45-day hard suspension of your driver’s license, followed by 320 days driving with an ignition interlock device. Early legal intervention is crucial to mitigate these consequences.

Why Clients Choose Us

Our firm is dedicated exclusively to criminal and DUI defense in Metro-Detroit. With over 30 years of experience and deep familiarity with local court systems, we know how to approach both High BAC and regular OWI cases with precision and strategy.

  • 30+ years of DUI defense experience in Michigan
  • Extensive knowledge of Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne County courts
  • Immediate filing of OHAO hearing requests to protect your license in chemical test (Implied Consent) refusal cases
  • Careful examination of all evidence and intelligent plans to challenge any that is compromised
  • Strong track record of getting High BAC charges dismissed or reduced to standard OWI and even lesser charges
  • Step-by-step guidance through ignition interlock and restricted license process
  • Transparent flat-fee pricing—no hidden costs

We provide comprehensive defense strategies for first-time DUI and repeat offenses. You will receive honest, compassionate representation focused on avoiding a conviction and minimizing penalties.

How Much Jail Time Could I Face for a High BAC Conviction?

Under Michigan law, a first-time High BAC conviction carries a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail. However, jail can usually be avoided. What ultimately happens depends on both the facts of your case, location of the court, and the judge handling your case. Fortunately, even when the evidence is solid, most courts in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties often prioritize education and rehabilitation over incarceration.

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we use our knowledge of local sentencing trends to advocate for alternatives to jail, such as probation, alcohol treatment, or sobriety court. We also examine every case for opportunities to challenge the BAC result or negotiate a reduction to a standard OWI or even further down to the least serious DUI charge of Impaired Driving (OWVI, or “Operating While Visibly Impaired”), both of which carry a maximum of 93 days in jail. 

As noted above, jail can usually be avoided in most first offense DUI cases. Early legal intervention is critical. The sooner we begin working on your case, the more options we have to protect your freedom and your future.

Can I Drive to Work After a High BAC Conviction?

A High BAC conviction in Michigan results in a mandatory 45-day “hard suspension” of your driver’s license, during which no driving is allowed, not even to work. After that period, you become eligible for a restricted license, but only after you install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) and meet all court and Department of State (Secretary of State) requirements.

Our team helps coordinate with an approved BAIID provider to minimize delays. We also ensure you understand and comply with all requirements to maintain your driving privileges and avoid further penalties.

What Are the Penalties for a 0.17 BAC vs. a 0.08 BAC?

The penalties for a High BAC (0.17 or higher) offense are significantly more severe than those for a standard OWI (0.08–0.16). A High BAC conviction may include:

  • Up to 180 days in jail (vs. 93 days for standard OWI and OWVI)
  • Fines of $200–$700 (vs. $100–$500 for standard OWI, and $100 to $300 for OWVI)
  • 45-day hard license suspension followed by 320 days of restricted driving with BAIID (vs. 30 day hard suspension followed by 150 days restricted license for standard OWI, and NO hard suspension and just 90 days restricted license for OWVI)
  • Mandatory alcohol treatment program (not required for either standard OWI or OWVI)
  • Required ignition interlock device for nearly one year (not required for either standard OWI or OWVI)

Both High BAC and standard OWI convictions carry 6 points on your driver’s license (OWVI only carries 4 points) and up to 360 hours of community service. However, the added requirements for High BAC, especially the mandatory treatment and interlock device, can have a greater impact on your daily life and employment.

We carefully assess each case to find the best way to either get it dismissed, or do everything possible to negotiate a charge reduction. In the majority of the hundreds of High BAC cases we’ve handled, we’ve successfully negotiated the original charge down to either standard OWI or even OWVI, significantly reducing the long-term consequences for our clients.

Can a High BAC Charge Be Reduced to a Standard OWI?

Yes, it is often possible to reduce a High BAC charge to a standard OWI, and in many cases, even further, down to OWVI, particularly the farther your BAC was below the 0.17 threshold. Of course, it also matters if there were procedural issues during your arrest, or if you otherwise have a decent record. Even though the High BAC law technically applies only to first-time offenders, prosecutors may consider reductions for someone who had a prior offense more than 7 years ago if a long enough time has passed since that prior OWI conviction.

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we are experienced negotiators who know how to present mitigating factors, challenge BAC and other evidence, and leverage local court practices to seek outright dismissals and charge reductions.

Every case is unique, but early legal action gives you the best chance at a favorable resolution.

What to Expect When You Contact Jeffrey Randa and Associates

When you contact our firm, you’ll speak directly with a friendly person who can answer your questions and explain how things work. We’ll review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and immediately take steps to protect your license.

We offer flat-fee pricing and transparent fee structures, so you’ll know exactly what your defense will cost. There are no surprise fees. From arraignment through sentencing, we’ll protect your freedom, your record, and your ability to drive. 

We’ll guide you through each step of the process and help you comply with all court-ordered requirements, including any necessary or recommended alcohol counseling and ignition interlock installation. We understand how overwhelming a High BAC charge can be. That’s why we focus on clear communication, fast action, and results that protect your future.

Talk to a Metro-Detroit DUI Attorney About High BAC vs. Low BAC Charges

If you’ve been charged with a High BAC or standard OWI offense in Oakland, Macomb, or Wayne counties, or anywhere else in Metro-Detroit, don’t delay. The window to protect your interests is already running. 

Contact Jeffrey Randa and Associates today for a confidential consultation. We know the local courts, we act quickly, and we fight to keep you driving and out of jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I have to use an ignition interlock device after a High BAC conviction?

If convicted of a High BAC offense, you’ll be required to use a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) for 320 days following the 45-day hard suspension.

What happens if I miss the 14-day deadline to request a driver’s license hearing for a Chemical Test Refusal?

If you refuse a breath or blood test, you have a 14-day deadline from arrest to request an administrative hearing with the Michigan Secretary of State to challenge the implied consent suspension. If you file too late, or you lose at your hearing, your license will be suspended for a year, but we can go to circuit court and seek a hardship license.

Separately, if charged with High BAC, the criminal case has its own timeline. Criminal license suspension consequences (45-day hard suspension + 320-day restricted driving) are mandatory upon conviction for High BAC and cannot be avoided through an administrative hearing. Seek criminal defense representation immediately.

Does a High BAC conviction stay on my record permanently?

A High BAC conviction is a misdemeanor that remains on your criminal record until removed and can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. However, under Michigan’s Clean Slate Law (effective February 19, 2022), a first and only High BAC conviction is eligible for expungement after five years if you can demonstrate that you have resolved any underlying alcohol or substance abuse problem through treatment or support programs. While expungement may be possible in the future, the best way to protect your record is to avoid a conviction through charge reduction or dismissal.