Royal Oak DUI/OWI Lawyer

A DUI/OWIconviction can have life-altering consequences, including hefty fines, license suspension, skyrocketing insurance rates, and even jail time. You don’t have to face this daunting process on your own.

Having a skilled lawyer who knows your rights and legal options can be the difference between a devastating outcome and a favorable resolution.

While Michigan’s DUI/OWI laws are tough, there are often defenses and strategies that could work in your favor. A Royal Oak DUI/OWI attorney at Friedman Law Firm can dramatically impact the outcome of your case and help you fight for the best possible result.

We can protect your record and future. Call us today.

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Royal Oak DUI/OWI Guide

Why Choose Friedman Law Office as Your Royal Oak DUI/OWILawyer

Here’s what sets us apart and why you can trust us to advocate for you.

Clear communication

Dealing with a DUI/OWI charge brings many questions. We believe in providing straightforward answers without legal jargon. You’ll know exactly what to expect at each stage of the process, from court appearances to possible outcomes. Transparency is key, and we inform you every step of the way.

Personalized defense strategies

No two DUI/OWI cases are the same. We focus on understanding the details of your situation. Whether we review police reports, examine breath test results, or question the legality of your traffic stop, we tailor a strategy that fits your needs.

Friedman Law TeamFocus on your goals

Your goals become our priority. Whether that means reducing charges, avoiding jail time, or preserving your driving privileges, we work to achieve the outcomes that matter most to you. We handle each case carefully, ensuring you have the best possible defense.

Experience in DUI/OWI cases

Our team has extensive experience defending DUI/OWI charges in Michigan. We understand how local courts operate and how to apply DUI/OWI laws. This insight lets us approach your case skillfully and confidently, giving you peace of mind.

Dedication to your rights

We are committed to protecting your rights throughout the legal process. From ensuring the legality of police procedures to challenging faulty evidence, we fight to ensure you are treated fairly. Everyone deserves a strong defense, and we are here to deliver it.

Compassionate approach

Facing a DUI/OWI charge can feel intimidating. Our team treats you with respect and understanding, knowing this situation affects your life and those around you. We build trust through open communication and a genuine desire to help.

Michigan takes an OWI/DUI, Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), very seriously. The state enforces strict penalties to combat impaired driving, but we know how—and if—these laws apply to your case.

What Constitutes DUI/OWI in Michigan?

You may face a DUI/OWI charge if law enforcement believes you drove while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Common OWI offenses include:

  • Operating under the influence of alcohol: A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher generally triggers a DUI/OWI charge.
  • Operating under the influence of drugs: Driving while impaired by legal or illegal drugs.
  • Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI): A charge based on visible signs of impairment, even without specific BAC levels.
  • Zero tolerance for underage drivers: Drivers under 21 can face charges with a BAC of just 0.02% or more.
  • Michigan’s high-BAC law: Drivers found with a BAC of 0.17 or more will face additional penalties.

Penalties for OWI/DUI/OWI Convictions

DUI/OWI penalties in Michigan depend on the severity of the offense and whether it’s a first or repeat violation.

Even for a first offense, you could face severe consequences.

First offense

  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Fines of $100 to $500
  • License suspension for up to 180 days
  • Six points added to your driving record
  • Possible community service

Second offense

  • Jail time of five days to one year
  • Fines ranging from $200 to $1,000
  • License revocation for a minimum of one year
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
  • Mandatory community service

Third offense (Felony)

  • Prison time of one to five years
  • Fines of $500 to $5,000
  • Vehicle immobilization or forfeiture
  • License revocation for a minimum of five years
  • Court-ordered treatment programs

Understanding these harsh penalties underscores the importance of having a strong defense.

Steps in a DUI/OWI Case Process

Understanding the DUI/OWI case process can help you prepare and feel more in control of your situation. Here are the typical stages involved in defending a DUI/OWI charge.

Arrest and initial charges

A DUI/OWI case begins with an arrest, often during a traffic stop or checkpoint. Police may conduct field sobriety tests or a Breathalyzer to determine alcohol levels before taking you into custody.

Arraignment

At your arraignment, the charges against you are formally presented, and you’ll have the opportunity to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Pleading not guilty allows the defense process to begin.

Evidence review

Your attorney will examine the evidence, including police reports, breath or blood test results, and testimonies. This step ensures police follow all procedures and seeks any errors that might help your defense.

Negotiating plea agreements

Some cases can resolve through plea agreements, which allow for potentially reduced charges or penalties. However, moving forward with this decision depends on your specific case details and goals.

Trial

The case may proceed to trial if negotiations cannot reach a fair resolution. During the trial, your attorney will build a strong defense to challenge the evidence and arguments presented by the prosecution.

Contact us for Help

(248) 932-0900

Common Defenses in DUI/OWI Cases

Several defenses may apply to your DUI/OWI case.

  • Kimberly DenoyerChallenging the traffic stop: Police must have a valid reason to pull you over. Without reasonable suspicion, the court could deem the stop unlawful.
  • Questioning test accuracy: Breathalyzer and blood test results can sometimes yield inaccurate readings due to improper calibration, incorrect testing methods, or health conditions.
  • Proving procedural errors: Law enforcement must follow strict procedures during a DUI/OWI arrest. Failure to adhere to these protocols could result in inadmissible evidence.
  • Lack of impairment evidence: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired. A lack of clear evidence can weaken their case.

The Importance of Protecting Your Driving Privileges

Your ability to drive plays a vital role in your daily life. A suspended or revoked license can disrupt work, family responsibilities, and personal freedom.

You may need to schedule administrative hearings with the Secretary of State to challenge license suspensions.

Proper representation during these hearings ensures your side of the story gets heard. Programs like ignition interlock devices may also help maintain driving privileges while facing certain restrictions.

The Science Behind Breathalyzer and Blood Tests: What You Should Know

When charged with a DUI/OWI, Breathalyzer and blood tests measure BAC and determine if someone is legally impaired.

We know how they work and their potential weaknesses.

How Breathalyzer tests work

FriedmanBreathalyzers measure the amount of alcohol in your breath to estimate your BAC. After consuming alcohol, it enters your bloodstream and lungs. When you exhale, traces of alcohol come out of your breath. A Breathalyzer analyzes this to produce a BAC result.

When a police officer asks you to blow into the device, the Breathalyzer uses sensors to detect alcohol levels. Most personal and law enforcement Breathalyzers rely on either fuel cell technology or infrared spectroscopy.

Potential issues with Breathalyzer accuracy

Breathalyzers, while helpful, produce fast but imperfect results.

Several factors can interfere with the readings, including:

  • Medical conditions
    Some health issues, like acid reflux or diabetes, can release substances in your breath that mimic alcohol and lead to false BAC readings.
  • Improper calibration
    Breathalyzers need regular calibration to remain accurate. An improperly maintained device might give incorrect results.
  • Mouth alcohol
    Residual alcohol in the mouth from recent drinking, mouthwash, or even certain medications can throw off a test. The device may measure this instead of the alcohol in your bloodstream.
  • Environmental effects
    High temperatures, certain chemicals nearby, or even humidity can affect the accuracy of a Breathalyzer.

These potential issues mean that Breathalyzer results alone may not provide a full picture of impairment.

How blood tests work

Blood tests are considered the most accurate way to measure BAC. Unlike Breathalyzers, which estimate alcohol concentration through breath samples, these tests directly analyze your blood. The process involves drawing a sample from a vein and using gas chromatography to measure alcohol levels.

Because it measures alcohol directly, a blood test may give more reliable results than a Breathalyzer. However, these tests can still have problems.

Potential issues with blood test accuracy

Mistakes can happen during collection, storage, or analysis.

Here are some areas where inaccuracies might arise:

  • Contamination
    If anyone followed improper procedures during blood collection, they could contaminate the sample, leading to incorrect readings.
  • Storage and handling issues
    Blood samples need proper storage to prevent fermentation, which can artificially increase the alcohol level in the sample over time.
  • Time delays
    Your BAC rises and falls after you consume alcohol. A blood test taken hours after you were driving might not accurately reflect your BAC at the time of your arrest.
  • Human error
    Errors during labeling, handling, or testing can affect the results. Even small mistakes might lead to misleading numbers.

The Impact of These Tests on DUI/OWI Cases

Prosecutors use Breathalyzer and blood test results in DUI/OWI cases to prove impairment. However, the potential inaccuracies in both types of tests can raise questions about their reliability.

Challenging test results is an important strategy in some DUI/OWI defenses. Our attorneys might examine whether the equipment worked properly, if a trained individual conducted the test, or if they followed procedures correctly.

Understanding the science behind these tests allows you to see that, while they play a major role in DUI/OWI cases, they are not foolproof. Knowing the limitations and challenges can help you approach your situation more confidently and clearly.

Preparing for Life After a DUI/OWI Case

A DUI/OWI charge can feel life-changing, but it doesn’t define your future. You reduce the impact of a conviction on your life by attending defensive driving courses, completing probation programs, or hiring our Royal Oak DUI/OWI lawyers.

Every decision you make during this process matters. Seeking reliable guidance allows you to move forward with confidence and security.

Contact Friedman Law Firm for DUI/OWI Case Guidance Today

Handling a DUI/OWI charge requires care and attention. If you need a clear plan and strong defense, reach out today. Together, we’ll find the right path forward and work toward a solution that protects your rights, freedom, and future.

Call us today at (248) 932-0900.

Schedule a Free Consultation