OWI and DUI Charges in Grand Rapids

Helping you avoid the worst consequences

A Grand Rapids DUI arrest is a very serious matter. A conviction for DUI (also known as OWI in Michigan) can have a profound impact upon your life. If you are dealing with a drunk driving arrest in Grand Rapids, make sure you have an excellent attorney at your side. Call the Law Office of Jeffrey J. O'Hara now to take the first steps in mounting a good defense.

OWI and DUI laws in Michigan are complex. Do not be a victim of legal procedures that are beyond your understanding. Our DUI attorneys can help you mitigate the dire consequences that can result from a DUI arrest in Grand Rapids.

DUI first offense

In Michigan, breath alcohol results exceeding 0.08 percent constitute a criminal offense. A driver arrested for DUI is immediately put in jail for four to 24 hours, depending on blood alcohol level.

Specific charges under Grand Rapids DUI law can include:

• Operating under the influence of liquor (OUIL)
• Unlawful bodily alcohol content (UBAC)
• Operating while visibly impaired (OWVI)
• Operating while intoxicated (OWI)

Penalties vary for a first offense. They can include a fine of $100-500, up to 93 days in jail plus up to 45 days of community service. Penalties can also include probation, drivers license restrictions, car forfeiture, and imprisonment. All DUI convictions require screening for substance abuse, and perhaps rehabilitation at defendant's expense. The defendant may also be ordered to pay all prosecution costs.

Causing bodily harm to someone while drunk driving in Grand Rapids or elsewhere in Michigan can bring a five-year felony charge. If someone is killed, a 15-year felony charge may be imposed. In these situations, it is absolutely essential to have experienced legal representation.

Refusing to take a breath, blood, or urine test after a DUI arrest puts your driver's license at risk of suspension. But we can help you request an administrative hearing within 14 business days of your arrest to avoid this consequence.

DUI second offense

A second OWI charge is more serious. The penalties that can apply to a Grand Rapids DUI second offense include:

• Up to one year in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• Up to 90 days of community service
• Mandatory vehicle immobilization
• Possible ignition interlock during probationary period

DUI third offense

A Grand Rapids DUI (OWI) third offense carries even more severe penalties, including:

• Up to five years in prison
• Up to $5,000 in fines
• Up to 180 days of community service
• Mandatory vehicle immobilization
• Possible ignition interlock during probationary period

Contact us right away

It is vital that you act quickly to get help with OWI charges. Call the Grand Rapids DUI lawyer at The Law Office of Jeffrey J. O'Hara at (616) 235-2000 for a free consultation or contact us online.