Serious OWI Charges in Michigan Carry Lifetime Consequences
OWI in Michigan can have severe and long-term consequences.

August 24, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Serious OWI Charges in Michigan Carry Lifetime Consequences

In Michigan, drunk driving is no laughing matter: even first time offenders face stiff fines and potential jail time. But, the harshness of operating while intoxicated ("OWI") penalties increases exponentially for more serious infractions, namely a third time or greater repeat offense or causing a death in the course of OWI.

Considering federally-funded high-visibility enforcement efforts in Kent County and other Michigan jurisdictions, it is especially important to be well-informed of the possible consequences of a serious OWI charge.

Thousands in Fines, Years of Jail Time and Felon Status

Under Michigan law, you can be charged for OWI for getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater, or if any amount of alcohol or drugs has substantially impaired your ability to drive safely.

A third OWI offense in a lifetime is an automatic felony, regardless of how much time has elapsed between prior charges. Being designated a felon can have many disruptive consequences, affecting certain professional licenses, firearm ownership, employment opportunities and voting rights.

In addition to felony status, a third OWI conviction will result in a fine anywhere between $500 and $5,000, a "Driver Responsibility Fee" of $1,000 for two consecutive years and mandatory jail time. If probation is imposed, the jail term will range from 30 days to a year; but, if probation is not included in the sentence, a third OWI carries a prison term of one to five years. Sixty to 180 days of community service will also be required.

Even once you get out of jail, getting around will not be easy after a third OWI. Vehicular forfeiture is a possibility, but even if you get to keep your automobile, it will be immobilized for one to three years, your vehicle registration will be denied and your license plate confiscated and six points will be added to your driving record. Furthermore, your driver's license will be revoked for at least a year if two of your OWI charges were within seven years of each other or if all three occurred within ten years (you will lose your license for at least five years if it had previously been revoked anytime in the last seven years).

If a death or serious injury results from OWI, even if it is a first time charge, it is also an automatic felony charge. Causing a death can mean fines between $2,500 and $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 15 years (20 years if the decedent was an emergency responder) as well as driving privilege suspensions similar to those imposed for a third time OWI. Penalties for reckless driving that causes a death closely resemble those for OWI causing a death.

Protect Yourself

OWI Enforcement in the Grand Rapids area is up, and anyone facing OWI charges has a lot at stake.

If you have been arrested for OWI, contact an aggressive Michigan criminal defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

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