A first OWI in Michigan is generally classified as a misdemeanor.
Jail: none – 93 days (180 days if High BAC 0.17+)
Fine: $100–$500 ($200–700 if High BAC; plus costs; 6 points; Michigan's driver responsibility fees were abolished 2019)
License suspension: 30 days suspension + 150 days restricted – High BAC: 45-day hard suspension + 320 days restricted WITH interlock (1 year total); hardship: restricted license is the standard path
Ignition interlock: Not required at this level — Mandatory during the restricted period for High BAC (0.17+) convictions.
Alternative disposition: Common plea-down: OWVI (visibly impaired) — 4 points, no hard suspension (90 days restricted). No statutory diversion for OWI itself.
Up to 360 hours community service; possible vehicle immobilization discretion.
Lookback period: 7 (second offense) / lifetime (third — Heidi's Law). Heidi's Law (2007): third offense is a FELONY regardless of how old the priors are (lifetime lookback); second-offense enhancements use a 7-year window.
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