If you’ve been arrested for OWI in Grand Rapids, the clock is already ticking against you. Your license suspension starts in days — not weeks. The prosecutor is already building a case. And every hour you wait without a defense attorney makes my job harder.
I’m Shawn Haff, and I’ve spent over 25 years defending people charged with OWI in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. Our firm has handled over 1,500 criminal defense cases — delivering acquittals, dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements throughout my career. I know how to beat these cases — and I know the prosecutors and judges in every courtroom where your case could land.
The call is free. I answer 24/7.
Michigan OWI Law — What You’re Actually Facing
Under MCL 257.625, Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan means operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, or while visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs. Michigan does not call it “DUI” — the charge is OWI, and the penalties are serious.
A first-offense OWI conviction carries:
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Fines of $100 to $500 plus court costs and surcharges
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- 6 points on your driving record
- 30-day hard license suspension followed by 150 days of restricted driving
- Mandatory alcohol screening and possible treatment
A conviction will follow you for years — impacting your insurance rates, employment opportunities, and even your ability to travel to Canada. But a charge is not a conviction. That’s where I come in.
How I Fight OWI Cases in Grand Rapids
I don’t negotiate from a position of weakness. I build a defense, and then I negotiate — or I take it to trial. Here’s how I attack OWI charges:
Challenging the Traffic Stop
The officer needed reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the stop was based on a hunch, a minor equipment issue that didn’t actually exist, or the officer can’t clearly articulate why they stopped you — I file a motion to suppress. If the stop gets thrown out, everything after it goes with it.
Challenging the Datamaster Breath Test
The Datamaster DMT is the breath testing instrument used across Michigan. These machines are not infallible. I look for:
- Calibration errors — when was the machine last certified?
- Operator errors — was the officer properly trained and certified to run the test?
- 15-minute observation period violations — the officer must continuously observe you for 15 minutes before the test. If they looked away, left the room, or didn’t document compliance, the result may be inadmissible.
- Mouth alcohol contamination — burping, belching, GERD, or recent use of mouthwash or medications can produce falsely elevated results.
Challenging Blood Draws
If your BAC was obtained through a blood draw, I scrutinize the entire chain of custody. Was the blood drawn by a qualified person? Was the sample properly stored and transported? Was there fermentation or contamination? Blood test results are only as reliable as the process used to obtain them.
Challenging Field Sobriety Tests
The Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) — the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus — are subjective. Even the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration admits these tests are not 100% accurate. Fatigue, medical conditions, uneven pavement, poor lighting, nerves, and footwear all affect performance. I’ve gotten FST evidence excluded in case after case.
I Know Grand Rapids Courts — Inside and Out
Your OWI case will be heard in one of several local courts, and knowing the court matters. I appear in these courtrooms regularly:
63rd District Court
Grand Rapids. High-volume OWI docket. I know the judges, the prosecutors, and the tendencies of this court.
61st District Court
Grand Rapids. Handles misdemeanor OWI cases in the city.
17th Circuit Court
Kent County. Felony OWI cases (third offense and beyond) land here. I’ve tried cases in this courtroom for over 16 years.
62B District Court
Kentwood. Covers OWI arrests from the 28th Street corridor and surrounding areas.
59th District Court
Grandville and Walker. I regularly handle OWI cases originating from traffic stops on I-196 and Lake Michigan Drive.
When you hire me, you’re hiring someone who doesn’t need a map to find the courthouse. I’ve been in these rooms thousands of times.
My OWI Case Results Speak for Themselves
I’ve handled hundreds of OWI cases across West Michigan. Many resulted in complete dismissals. Many more were reduced to lesser charges like impaired driving or careless driving — keeping the OWI off my clients’ records entirely. Every case is different, but I fight every single one like it’s going to trial.
Want to see what I’ve done for other clients? Visit my case results page to see real outcomes from real cases.
Don’t Wait — Your License Is at Stake Right Now
After an OWI arrest, you have a limited window to challenge your license suspension. If you do nothing, your license will be automatically suspended. I can help you request a hearing and fight to keep you driving.
And if you’re worried about a prior OWI or other charges on your record, ask me about Michigan expungement. I have a 100% success rate on expungement cases.
Call me now at 616-438-6719. I offer free consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit my contact page to reach me online. Don’t let an OWI charge define your future — let me fight for you.
Learn more about Michigan drunk driving laws, first-offense OWI penalties, or super drunk OWI charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OWI and DUI in Michigan?
Michigan uses the term OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) instead of DUI. Under MCL 257.625, OWI means operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 or higher or while visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs. The legal consequences are the same regardless of what you call it.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Grand Rapids?
Refusing a preliminary breath test (PBT) at the roadside is a civil infraction. Refusing the Datamaster breath test at the station triggers an automatic one-year license suspension under Michigan’s implied consent law. However, refusal does not mean the case is unwinnable — contact an OWI attorney immediately.
Can a first-offense OWI be dismissed in Michigan?
Yes. A first-offense OWI can be dismissed if the traffic stop was unlawful, the breath or blood test was improperly administered, or there are other constitutional violations. Attorney Shawn Haff has secured many OWI dismissals and reductions in Grand Rapids courts over 25 years.
How much does a Grand Rapids OWI attorney cost?
OWI attorney fees in Grand Rapids vary based on the complexity of the case, prior record, and whether the case goes to trial. Shawn Haff offers free 24/7 consultations at 616-438-6719 so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment.
Will I go to jail for a first OWI in Grand Rapids?
Jail is possible but not automatic for a first-offense OWI in Michigan. Penalties include up to 93 days in jail, but many first-time offenders avoid jail entirely with the right defense strategy. An experienced OWI attorney can fight for probation, reduced charges, or dismissal.
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