Kalamazoo Underage OWI Lawyer

Defending Minors Accused of OWI in Kalamazoo, MI

If your child or a young person you care about has been charged with an underage OWI in Kalamazoo, MI, the consequences can be life-altering. At Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law, we understand how overwhelming and stressful this experience can be—not just for the individual charged, but for their entire family. Our experienced legal team is committed to providing skilled, compassionate, and aggressive representation to protect your child’s rights, future, and reputation.

In Michigan, underage drinking and driving laws are particularly strict, and even a small amount of alcohol in a minor’s system can lead to criminal charges. As your dedicated Kalamazoo underage OWI attorney, we fight to minimize the penalties, explore alternatives to conviction, and work tirelessly toward the best possible outcome.

Contact us online or call (269) 218-8880 today for a free consultation.

What is an Underage OWI?

An underage OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) in Michigan refers to operating a motor vehicle with alcohol in the system while under the legal drinking age of 21. Michigan enforces a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drivers, which means that any detectable amount of alcohol—a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.02% to 0.07%—can result in an underage OWI charge.

There are two primary categories for underage drinking and driving charges in Michigan:

• Zero Tolerance OWI (Underage OWI): Applies when the driver is under 21 and has a BAC between 0.02% and 0.07%.
• Standard OWI: If the BAC is 0.08% or higher, an underage driver can be charged with the same offense as an adult.

While Zero Tolerance violations may seem minor, they can have lasting implications on a young person’s education, employment, and driving privileges.

Penalties for Underage OWI

Underage OWI offenses in Michigan come with serious legal and administrative penalties—even for a first offense. Here’s what you can expect:

First Offense (Zero Tolerance)

• Fines up to $250
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• 4 points on the driver's license
• License restriction for 30 days
• Possible alcohol education or substance abuse classes
• Increased insurance premiums

Second or Subsequent Offense

• Fines up to $500
• Up to 60 days of community service
• Up to 93 days in jail
• Longer license suspension
• Mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment

Aggravating Factors

If any of the following factors are present, the penalties can be significantly enhanced:

• BAC above 0.08%
• Presence of drugs or controlled substances
• Property damage or injuries caused
• Refusal to take a chemical test (implied consent violation)

These cases can also potentially be charged as misdemeanors or even felonies, depending on the circumstances.

FAQs About Underage OWI in Kalamazoo, MI

Can an underage OWI affect college admission or scholarships?

Yes. Many colleges and universities in Michigan and beyond consider criminal records during the admissions process. An underage OWI can also affect eligibility for scholarships, financial aid, and campus housing.

Will my child lose their license for an underage OWI?

A first-time offense typically results in a 30-day restricted license, but subsequent offenses or high BAC levels can lead to full license suspension. Our attorneys can often negotiate for restricted or hardship licenses when applicable.

Can an underage OWI be expunged in Michigan?

Yes, in many cases. Michigan allows for the expungement of certain first-time OWI offenses after a period of time and under specific conditions. Our team can guide you through the process of clearing your child’s record.

What if my child refused the breathalyzer?

Refusing a chemical test may result in automatic license suspension under Michigan’s implied consent laws. However, we can challenge these administrative penalties in a separate hearing.

Why Choose Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law?

Our goal is always to protect your child’s future and minimize the long-term impact of a single mistake. We treat each case with the seriousness it deserves and provide tailored legal strategies to suit your specific needs.

Here's how we can help:

• Local Experience: We know Kalamazoo courts, judges, and prosecutors.
• Youth-Focused Defense: We tailor our approach to minors and understand how the system treats underage defendants.
• Personalized Attention: Your family gets our full focus—we’re not a volume firm.
• Results-Driven: We explore every option to reduce charges, keep your child out of jail, and protect their record.

An underage OWI doesn’t have to define your child’s future. With the right legal strategy, it’s possible to minimize the damage and move forward.

Contact us today at (269) 218-8880 to let our Kalamazoo underage OWI lawyers handle your case.