An OWI charge in West Bloomfield, MI moves fast—The Friedman Law Firm’s DUI/OWI attorneys give you honest answers and a clear defense strategy from day one.

Key Takeaways:

  • Michigan OWI penalties escalate with each offense, from up to 93 days in jail for a first to felony charges and a five-year license revocation for a third.
  • Michigan’s administrative license suspension process runs on its own timeline and does not wait for your criminal case to resolve.
  • The Friedman Law Firm’s West Bloomfield DUI/OWI attorneys bring over 70 years of combined experience to Michigan impaired driving cases.

One moment can pivot everything. You were driving home, got pulled over, and now you’re standing on the side of the road while your license gets handed over and a paper permit gets issued in its place. That paper has an expiration date, and so does your window to take action. The decisions made in the first few days after an OWI arrest set the trajectory for everything that follows, which is exactly why waiting to consult an attorney is one of the most costly mistakes people make.

At The Friedman Law Firm, our West Bloomfield DUI/OWI attorneys bring over 70 years of combined experience to Michigan impaired driving cases and a direct, judgment-free approach that gives you real information when you need it most. We tell you where things stand, what your realistic options are, and what needs to happen next.

Book your no-cost consultation today.

Michigan OWI Penalties by Offense: What You Could Be Facing

Michigan treats impaired driving as a serious offense at every level, and the consequences build on each prior conviction. Understanding the full picture before your case develops is the starting point for making smart decisions.

  • First offense. Up to 93 days in jail, fines of $100 to $500, license suspension of up to 180 days, and six points added to your driving record. A restricted license may be available after the first 30 days of hard suspension. If your BAC was 0.17 or higher, Michigan’s High BAC law applies and the penalties are steeper.
  • Second offense within seven years. Five days to one year in jail, fines of $200 to $1,000, a mandatory minimum one-year license revocation, and installation of an ignition interlock device. Unlike a suspension, a revoked license does not come back automatically when the period ends.
  • Third offense. Felony charges, one to five years in prison, fines of $500 to $5,000, vehicle immobilization or forfeiture, and a minimum five-year license revocation. A felony conviction carries implications for employment, housing, and rights that extend well beyond driving privileges.

West Bloomfield MI DUI/OWI attorneys providing experienced criminal defense for impaired driving charges

Defense Angles Our West Bloomfield DUI/OWI Attorneys Examine in Every Case

Every OWI case is different, and the right approach depends entirely on what actually happened and what the evidence actually shows. That said, there are consistent angles our team evaluates in every matter.

The legality of the traffic stop is often the first place to look. Law enforcement needs a legitimate, articulable reason to pull you over. If that justification doesn’t hold up, the stop may be challengeable, and evidence gathered during an unlawful stop may be suppressible. An unlawful stop can change the entire direction of a case.

The accuracy of the chemical test results is another key area. Breathalyzer equipment requires calibration and proper handling. Blood testing procedures must be followed precisely. Certain medical conditions can affect readings. When testing wasn’t conducted properly, the results may not withstand scrutiny.

Procedural compliance during the arrest also matters. Specific protocols govern how OWI arrests are conducted, and when those protocols aren’t followed, the resulting evidence may be inadmissible. Details that seem minor at the time can make a real difference later.

Charge reduction is a realistic possibility in some circumstances. A reduction from OWI to Operating While Visibly Impaired carries meaningfully different consequences for your license and your record. Our seasoned West Bloomfield DUI/OWI attorneys evaluate whether that path is viable based on the specific facts of your case.

Why Clients Trust Our West Bloomfield DUI/OWI Attorneys in Their Most Challenging Moments

Right now, the uncertainty about your license, your record, and what happens next is likely the loudest thing in the room. What you need is straight answers, not reassurance designed to make you feel better about a situation you don’t fully understand yet.

The Friedman Law Firm gives every client direct access to the attorney handling their matter. You won’t be handed off or left waiting days on a basic question. Our team has spent decades handling OWI cases in Michigan courts and understands how local proceedings work and where genuine defense opportunities tend to exist. If you’ve been charged, the time to act is now.

Here is what sets our West Bloomfield DUI/OWI attorneys apart:

  • 70+ years of combined experience across Michigan criminal and family law matters.
  • Direct attorney access — you hear from the person who knows your file, not a paralegal.
  • Honest case assessments — we tell you where things stand, including the hard parts.
  • Flexible payment plans available, because a criminal charge doesn’t wait for financial convenience.

Don’t let the window close on your options. Book your no-cost consultation today and get a clear picture of where your case actually stands.