Do I Need a Michigan OWI Lawyer for a First Offense OWI?

Getting hit with your first OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charge in Michigan can feel like your whole life just flipped upside down. Many assume it’s “just a mistake,” a minor traffic issue. But that’s not how Michigan’s criminal justice system sees it. An OWI is a criminal defense matter, not a civil infraction, and it can leave lasting marks on your criminal record.

If you’ve been arrested, now is not the time to wait and see what happens. The moment you’re facing charges, you’re up against prosecutors, police, and judges who do this every day. You need a Michigan OWI lawyer who knows how to fight back within the system. At LaBre Law Office, we combine experience and aggressive strategy to help you avoid the serious consequences of an OWI conviction.

Excellence is our standard, and that means protecting good people who made a mistake and need someone to fight for them.

What Happens if You’re Facing OWI Charges in Michigan?

A first-offense Michigan OWI can lead to:

• Up to 93 days in jail
• $100 to $500 in fines and added court costs
• Six-month driver’s license suspension
• Six points added to your driving record
• Possible vehicle impoundment or ignition interlock device

If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was above the legal limit or you blew a 0.17 or higher, that’s called super drunk driving under Michigan law, sometimes referred to as “High BAC.” It comes with severe penalties, including a longer license suspension, higher fines, and mandatory ignition interlock installation.

An OWI is not the same as being visibly impaired or charged with impaired driving, but both can lead to similar hardships, from job loss to a suspended or revoked license. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your stop and how police officers handled it, your defense attorney may find opportunities to challenge evidence.

That’s why people searching for criminal lawyers in Michigan are taking the right step. Having experienced representation can make the difference between a temporary setback and a life-changing conviction.

The Consequences of an OWI Conviction

Even a first-time OWI can have ripple effects. An OWI conviction can raise insurance costs, threaten your career, and cause long-term damage to your record. In some drunk driving charges, you could also lose your vehicle, face travel restrictions, or lose professional licensing.

When facing OWI allegations, the outcome often depends on how early your attorney gets involved. Hiring a lawyer immediately protects your options and, in many cases, can prevent a conviction altogether.

How Likely Is Jail Time for First OWI in Michigan?

Jail time depends on your BAC, the probable cause for your stop, and how the judge views your case. While some first-time offenders avoid jail, Michigan law allows up to 93 days behind bars. The court may also order community service, probation, alcohol education, or treatment programs like sobriety court.

Penalties can increase sharply if your case involves an accident, injury, or child endangerment. Repeat offenses or accidents can even lead to a felony OWI, one of Michigan’s most serious felony crimes. The right defense lawyers can often negotiate a reduction to “Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)” or another lesser charge, minimizing penalties and protecting your record.

Can You Represent Yourself in a Michigan OWI Case?

Representing yourself in a Michigan OWI case is like trying to fix your own engine without tools or training. Michigan OWI laws are technical, and one small error can derail your entire defense.

An experienced OWI attorney will know how to question every piece of evidence, including whether the stop had legal justification or if the breath or blood test was administered correctly. They’ll also check for violations of your constitutional rights.

The right lawyer will carefully examine police reports, video footage, and test results to spot legal issues that can weaken the prosecution’s case. Without that knowledge, you might overlook opportunities leading to dismissal or a lighter sentence.

What a Michigan OWI Lawyer Can Do for You

At LaBre Law Office, we don’t just show up in court. We fight strategically, analyzing each detail to protect your future. Our approach covering the different angles to defend your interests:

• Reviewing reports for errors in police conduct
• Challenging evidence and testing procedures in OWI cases
• Negotiating charge reductions when possible, especially for OWI charges that might otherwise lead to jail
• Exploring options in sobriety court for rehabilitation over punishment
• Representing you in a jury trial if the prosecutor won’t offer a fair deal

We also handle license restoration, plea negotiations, and trial strategy. For those facing criminal charges, our defense lawyers focus on exposing flaws in the state’s case and fighting to keep you from being found guilty.

Why You Should Act Quickly

If you are facing OWI charges, time is not on your side. Evidence can be lost, witnesses can disappear, and deadlines to appeal your driver’s license suspension can pass before you realize it.

Hiring a lawyer early helps you preserve opportunities to fight your case. The sooner you bring in legal representation, the stronger your defense can be.

If you’re already searching online for “ OWI lawyers near me,” stop guessing and take action. Call an attorney who knows how to handle Michigan OWI charges correctly.

The LaBre Law Difference

At LaBre Law Office, Excellence is our standard. We understand that one mistake shouldn’t define the rest of your life. We represent hardworking people who show up, take responsibility, and want to move forward. You can expect honest advice, straightforward communication, and determined representation.

Charged with an OWI? Don’t face it alone. Call us today at (269) 431-2058 or complete our online form to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Michigan OWI lawyer.

Copyright © 2025. LaBre Law Office. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

LaBre Law Office
68897 Cass St,
Edwardsburg, MI 49112
(269) 431-2058
https://labrelaw.com/