Penalties for Drunk Driving

First Offense:

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) or Operating With Any Presence of a Schedule 1 Drug or Cocaine (OWID)

Typically, first offense penalties are a fine from $100 to $500 and up to 93 days in jail. In addition, as much as 360 hours of community service may be included in your initial sentencing. This is on top of a license suspension for 30 days and then a restricted license for 150 days; The court may also add: vehicle immobilization and ignition interlock, $1,000 Driver Responsibility fee per year for 2 years (OWI) OR $500 Driver Responsibility fee per year for 2 years (OWPD). Additionally, the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) will add 6 points to your driving record upon conviction.

Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI) by Alcohol or by Drugs

A fine of up to $300, and a maximum 93 days in jail with as much as 360 hours of community service. Your punishment may also include a restricted driver's license for 90 days (if OWVI by alcohol) OR 180 days (if OWVI by drugs). Added deterence mechanisims may include: vehicle immobilization within the court's discretion, and $500 Driver Responsibility fee per year for 2 years. Additionally, the SOS will add 4 points to your driving record upon conviction.

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)

A fine ranging from $200 to $1,000, and from 5 to 365 days in jail, with at least 48 hours being served consecutively; from 1 to 3 months of community service; driver's license revocation for a minimum of one year (to remain revoked until reinstated by the Michigan Secretary Of State after a DAAD hearing); license plate confiscation; immobilization of your automobile from 3 to 6 months unless the vehicle is forfeited; forfeiture of vehicle within court's discretion; $1,000 Driver Responsibility fee per year for 2 years. Additionally, the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) will add 6 points to your driving record upon conviction.

Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)

A fine in the amount of $200 - $1,000, and from 5 to 365 days in jail, with at least 2 days being served consecutively; from 1 to 3 months of community service; license revocation for a minimum of at least a year (to remain revoked until reinstated by Michigan Secretary of State after a DAAD hearing); plate confiscation; immobilization of your automobile from 3 - 6 months unless the vehicle is forfeited; forfeiture of the vehicle at the court's discretion; $500 Driver Responsibility fee per year for 2 years. Additionally, the SOS will add 4 points to your driving record upon conviction.

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)

A fine in the amount of $500 - $5,000, and from 1 to 5 years incarceration OR 30 to 365 days in jail, along with probation; from 2 to 6 months of community service; license revocation for a minimum of 5 years (to remain revoked until reinstated by the Michigan Secretary of State after a DAAD hearing); plate confiscation; immobilization of your automobile from 3 - 6 months unless the vehicle is forfeited; forfeiture of vehicle at court's discretion; denial of vehicle registration; $1,000 Driver Responsibility fee per year for 2 years. Additionally, the SOS will add 6 points to your driving record upon conviction.

Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)