DETROIT CRIMINAL LAW BLOG
- July 27, 2026
- Drunk Driving
A first DUI arrest can leave you wondering what happens next. In most Michigan cases, you’ll go through booking, be released on bond or held until arraignment, appear in court, and begin dealing with both the criminal case and any driver’s license consequences. Although the process varies slightly from one court to another, most first-offense cases follow the same general steps under Michigan’s OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) law.
If you haven’t hired a Michigan OWI defense attorney yet, contact the Law Office of John Freeman for legal guidance. Meanwhile, here’s what you can generally expect after getting arrested for a first-time DUI.
The Booking and Release
After an arrest, officers typically take you to a local police department, county jail, or detention facility for booking. This usually includes fingerprinting, photographs, recording personal information, and, in many cases, a breath, blood, or urine test. Where you’re taken depends on where the arrest occurred. In contrast, if you were arrested in Detroit, you may be processed through the Detroit Detention Center or a local precinct before appearing in court.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be released after posting bond or receiving an interim bond or remain in custody until your arraignment before a judge or magistrate. If you’re released after booking, it’s often a good idea to contact an OWI defense lawyer in Michigan as soon as possible to prepare for the next stages of your case.
Your Arraignment
Your arraignment is usually your first court appearance. During this hearing, the judge will explain the charges, advise you of your rights, address bond conditions, and ask for your plea. Most first-offense OWI cases begin in the district court serving the city or township where the arrest occurred.
If you haven’t already spoken with a DUI defense attorney, try to do so before your arraignment. They can explain the court process, discuss possible bond conditions, and help you understand what to expect at future hearings.
What Happens to Your Driver’s License After a First-Time DUI Arrest?
Your driver’s license may be suspended for 30 days if you are convicted (not just arrested) for OWI. However, different rules may apply if you refuse a chemical test. Under Michigan’s implied consent law, MCL 257.625c, refusing a lawful chemical test can trigger separate administrative penalties that affect your driving privileges, even if you were only arrested for OWI.
How Does a First DUI Case in Michigan Move Through the Court System?
After your arraignment, the court may schedule one or more pretrial hearings. During this stage, the prosecutor and your attorney may exchange evidence, discuss a possible plea agreement, file motions challenging the evidence, or prepare for trial if your case can’t be resolved. The timeline varies depending on the court, the facts of the arrest, and the legal issues involved. Staying informed, attending every court date, complying with your bond conditions, and staying in contact with your Michigan OWI defense lawyer can help the process proceed as smoothly as possible.
Let Our OWI Defense Attorney in Michigan Guide You Through The Process
While a first-time DUI arrest doesn’t equal a conviction, the steps you take after can significantly impact how prepared you are for what comes next. Find out how our Michigan OWI defense lawyer at the Law Office of John Freeman can help you by scheduling your complimentary case assessment online or calling our office at 248-519-2313.