Michigan DUI (OWI) Charges During the Holidays — What Happens Next?

Dec 2

A 2025 Guide for Drivers in Bay, Saginaw, and Midland Counties

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for Michigan OWI and DUI arrests. Between holiday parties, family gatherings, football games, and increased police patrols, December and early January consistently bring a sharp rise in traffic stops and operating-while-intoxicated charges.

If you or a loved one was recently arrested for OWI, it is normal to feel overwhelmed — especially during the holidays. This guide explains exactly what happens next, what deadlines you must protect, and how Triton Legal PLC can help you safeguard your license, your record, and your future.

1. What You Were Likely Charged With

Most Michigan drunk-driving arrests fall into one of these categories:

OWI – Operating While Intoxicated (MCL 257.625(1))

This is the standard “DUI” charge. It means the officer believes you were operating with a BAC of .08 or higher, or that your ability to safely operate a vehicle was substantially affected.

High BAC / “Super Drunk” (.17 or higher)

Penalties increase significantly, including longer jail exposure, higher fines, and mandatory alcohol treatment.

OWVI – Operating While Visibly Impaired

A lower-level offense alleging you were impaired by alcohol or drugs even without a specific BAC number.

OWI Second or Third Offense

Repeat-offense DUIs carry harsh consequences including mandatory jail time, vehicle forfeiture, and lifetime driver’s license sanctions.

2. What Happens Immediately After an OWI Arrest

No matter how stressful the situation felt, you should understand the legal roadmap ahead:

You will be released with paperwork

This may include a citation, court date, ticket, or bond conditions such as:

No alcohol use
No drugs
No leaving the state
Mandatory testing

You will have an arraignment, sometimes within days

The court formally reads charges and sets bond conditions. Hiring an attorney before this step can often reduce bond restrictions.

Your driver’s license may face restrictions

For a first OWI, your license is not immediately suspended, but it will be upon conviction unless handled properly. High BAC and repeat offenses trigger harsher sanctions.

The case will proceed quickly

Michigan DUIs move faster than many other criminal cases, especially in Bay, Saginaw, and Midland Counties.

3. What the Prosecutor Must Prove

OWI cases typically involve three categories of evidence:

1. The traffic stop

Police must have had a legal reason to pull you over. If they did not, the entire case may be suppressed.

2. Field sobriety tests

These tests are subjective and often done improperly, especially on icy December roads.

Errors can lead to case dismissal or major negotiation leverage.

3. Breath or blood test results

Breath-testing machines, testing procedures, and blood draw timelines are all challengeable.

A strong defense attorney will examine every detail, including video footage, machine calibration logs, and constitutional issues.

4. What Penalties You Are Facing (First Offense OWI)

Penalties vary by county, but Michigan law allows:

Up to 93 days in jail
Up to $500 in fines (more for High BAC)
Up to 360 hours of community service
Possible vehicle immobilization
Mandatory alcohol education or treatment
Driver’s license sanctions

License Consequences for First OWI

OWI: 30-day suspension plus 150-day restricted license
High BAC: 45-day no-drive period plus 320-day restricted license with ignition interlock
OWVI (Impaired): 90-day restricted license

These consequences increase dramatically for repeat offenses.

5. How an Attorney Can Help, Especially During the Holidays

Holiday OWI cases move quickly because courts often want them resolved early in the new year. Acting quickly can result in:

Reduced charges (OWI to OWVI or a non-alcohol offense)
Avoiding jail time
Avoiding ignition interlock when possible
Protecting your driver’s license
Challenging faulty breath or blood test results
Identifying constitutional violations during the traffic stop

When you hire Triton Legal, we immediately:

Evaluate your stop and arrest for suppression issues
Request videos, police reports, and testing records
Protect your driver’s license
Negotiate aggressively with prosecutors
Prepare mitigation to reduce penalties
Build a targeted defense strategy tailored to your situation

6. Arrested for OWI Over the Holidays? Take These Steps Now

To protect your case:

Do not talk to police or prosecutors without an attorney
Save all paperwork from your arrest
Write down everything you remember about the stop and testing
Contact an attorney immediately

Timing matters. The earlier you take action, the more options you have.

7. Triton Legal Handles OWI Cases Across Mid-Michigan

We represent clients in:

Bay County
Saginaw County
Midland County
Arenac County
Tuscola County
Gladwin County
Clare County
Isabella County
Iosco County
Ogemaw County
Roscommon County

Whether your case involves alcohol, drugs, refusal testing, High BAC, or a repeat offense, Triton Legal can help.

Learn more:

You may learn more about intoxicated driving charges here.

Read our drunk driving FAQ here.

Contact Triton Legal Today

If you were charged with OWI during the holidays, do not wait. The decisions you make in the next few days will impact your license, record, and freedom.

Call us to discuss your case.

Joseph Blata