Suppose you were pulled over and arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI); you are likely wondering what happens after an OWI arrest in Michigan. Learning about the post-arrest process is important, as building a strong defense soon after an arrest can help you avoid or minimize Michigan OWI penalties.
If you have been arrested for an OWI in Michigan, an attorney from our firm can help.
An Overview of OWI Cases in Michigan
Impaired driving is one of the most common reasons to be arrested in Grand Rapids. In Kent County, there were 572 OWIs and 1,520 operating under the influence of liquor cases in 2025. It is found that 30% of traffic fatalities in the United States involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, which is above the legal limit of 0.08 in Michigan OWI laws.
What Happens During the Booking Process
After an arrest, you can be taken into police custody for booking. This typically happens at a local police department or county jail. For example, in Grand Rapids, booking may occur at the Kent County Correctional Facility at 703 Ball Avenue NE, Grand Rapids.
Several things happen during booking in OWI cases, including:
- The police take your personal property, such as your phone or wallet, to be documented and stored until you are released.
- The police collect your personal information, such as your name, address, and driver’s license information.
- The police can take your fingerprints and photographs.
- A chemical test, such as a breath, blood, or urine test, is administered to determine your BAC or the presence of any drugs.
- You can be issued a driving permit that grants you temporary driving privileges.
- The police file an official report of the arrest.
- The police may interrogate you or ask for a personal statement about the offense.
Once the booking procedures have been completed, you may be held in jail or released on your own recognizance. From here, you are awaiting your first court appearance, known as an arraignment.
Why Your First Step Should Be to Hire an OWI Lawyer
Law enforcement is using the time after an arrest to gather evidence that can be used against you in court. This includes recording your personal statements or answers to questions, administering a chemical test, or gathering evidence of possession of alcohol or drugs.
Because police begin building a case against you as soon as an arrest is made, you should hire an OWI lawyer as soon as possible. A Grand Rapids OWI lawyer can prevent you from providing unnecessary evidence by communicating on your behalf and advising you on what to say and do. They can also guide you through the process of preparing for a trial once the booking process is completed.
When you are arrested, it is important to comply with the arrest and booking procedures. However, you should avoid speaking about the case. Instead, request to contact a lawyer and then remain silent.
Speak With an Experienced OWI Lawyer From The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC
The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC, is a family law firm that aggressively defends every client, drawing on our experience as former Army JAG and Army Reserve LTC. We provide free, 120-minute case consultations to help you understand the applicable OWI laws and what to do next after an arrest. Contact us to get started.
