Michigan OWI - Penalties for 3rd OWI arrest
The state of Michigan takes drunk driving very seriously. In fact, in 2007 the Governor removed the 10 year look back period for all drunk driving offenses in the state. The prior laws allowed for a third DUI conviction to be considered a felony only if it occurred within 10 years of the previous DUI arrest, but now if a driver is arrested for a third DUI and they have 2 previous drunk driving convictions they will be charged with a felony offense.Administrative penalties for drunk driving in Michigan
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Michigan's State Capitol in Lansing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)"]
Criminal Penalties for third drunk driving conviction in Michigan
Drivers arrested for a third OWI in Michigan are facing a felony charge. If convicted the driver can face the following penalties:- One to five years in jail
- Possible probation in lieu of some jail time but drivers generally may spend 30 days to one year in jail
- Minimum five year license suspension
- Mandatory fines up to $5,000
- Mandatory purchase of SR222 insurance
- OWI fee- drivers must pay $1,000 per year for 2 years
- Confiscation of a drivers license plates
- Attendance in drunk driving education classes
- Potential attendance in a Victim Impact Panel
- Possible community service
- Immobilization of a vehicle
- Registration denial of all vehicles which the driver is leasing or owns
Hiring a OWI Michigan Lawyer
If you have any prior OWI arrests and convictions it is time to talk to a OWI lawyer. Do not try to fight this charge alone. You are facing jail time and an extended license suspension. Fill out the FREE evaluation form for a FREE consultation.Related articles
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- Second DUI - will I go to jail? (duiattorneyhome.com)
- DUI: Can I win my drunk driving charge if BAC was 0.0%? (duiattorneyhome.com)