If my son was arrested for a first offense OWI, what is he looking at for penalty if he pleads guilty?

A first OWI offense is classified as a misdemeanor (a crime). If convicted, your son's sentence may include up to 93 days in jail, as well as a 90-day license suspension. Additionally, he can be fined up to $300 and be required to complete a court-approved alcohol education program and/or perform up to 360 hours of community service.

Further, there are more severe penalties if an injury occurred as a result of driving while impaired (although you did not indicate that this was the case). Finally, anyone driving with a BAC above .08% can also be charged with UBAL (unlawful blood content) regardless of whether their driving abilities were impaired. Due to the state’s Zero Tolerance Law, drivers under the legal drinking age of 21 can be charged with UBAL if their BAC is above .02% (verus .08% for those 21 or older). As a result, if your son failed a breathalyzer test or refused to submit to chemical testing, he may face additional/increased charges/penalties.

You really should consider hiring a DUI attorney to help him. The fact is that the consequences of an OWI (including aa first offense) can be severe. Your son can be effected even after his sentence is completed. Such a conviction will not only make it difficult to obtain affordable auto insurance but also permanently remain on his criminal record. Therefore, anyone performing a background check will see this conviction (a fact that can jeopardize future jobs, housing, student loans, etc).