If you are convicted of a drunk driving offense such as OWI, you will undergo a series of steps before being sentenced by the judge.
- Interview with Probation Officer: The first step of the sentencing phase is an interview with a probation officer who will ask you questions about your drinking and drug use habits, criminal history, employment background and personal background.
- Probation Officer’s Recommendation: Following the interview, the probation officer will assess your circumstances and provide a recommendation to the court for sentencing and, if necessary, treatment.
- Sentencing Hearing: You will eventually present before the Court to learn of your sentence and to provide a statement. It is important to take accountability and express regret for your actions at this stage, as it may result in a more lenient sentence.
Types of Sentences
- Payment of fines
- Community service
- Potential jail time.
- Alcohol or drug counseling
- Ignition Interlock Device: In some cases, the Court may order this device to be installed in your vehicle as a condition of sentence. You must breathe into the device to start the vehicle, and if your BAC is over the limit, the vehicle will not start. The results are saved and downloaded by your probation officer to ensure compliance.
No Expungement: The state of Michigan takes a hardline stance against expunging or erasing from your record a OWI conviction. If you convicted of an OWI, it is important to make sure you do not make the same mistake. The first offense is a misdemeanor, but repeat offenses risk having a felony on your record.
