The State of Michigan is extremely harsh towards drunk drivers, and a conviction can lead to serious penalties as well as several restricted freedoms. If arrested for a DUI, make sure to contact a Troy DUI attorney as soon as possible to ensure a strong, aggressive defense that strives for your future and your freedoms.
For over 15 years, Grabel & Associates have been working throughout Oakland County, including Troy, on thousands of DUI cases. Nevertheless, if there is one thing we’ve discovered, it’s that no two DUI cases are alike. From the police observations that led to the arrest to the quality of the chemical testing, among many other factors, the specific details surrounding your case could have led to a wrongful arrest or harsh sentencing.
DUI cases can be fairly straightforward, but there are many nuances throughout every step in a DUI case that can affect the eventual outcome. Along every step, for example, things you say or do, as well as the evidence brought against you, can play a role in sentencing, post-conviction actions you must take, and whether or not you receive a guilty or not guilty conviction.
The first step in a DUI case is the arrest, whereas an officer has witnessed you driving erratically or otherwise has a suspicion that you are violating the law. If the officer has reasonable suspicion to pull you over, the subsequent step could be physical or breathalyzer test. If the results from these tests indicate intoxication, the officer has probable cause to arrest you for driving under the influence of alcohol.
At the police station, there’s a second round of testing. Michigan uses a BAC Datamaster. You could be detained overnight, released the next day, or arraigned. In short, the arraignment is the reading of your rights, charges, and potential penalties. After arraignment, in which the DUI is charged as a misdemeanor or felony, the pretrial conferences allow the involved parties to determine a plea bargain, if desired. Motions are also made regarding the evidence to be presented at trial.
If the DUI is a misdemeanor, the state selects seven jurors. If the DUI is a felony, the state selects 13 jurors. Trial is held after jury selection, and to obtain a guilty verdict, the prosecution must show every element of the crime charged beyond a reasonable doubt. After a conviction, if applicable, the case moves to sentencing.
According to the Michigan Vehicle Code, it is illegal to drive throughout the state with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08. For drivers under 21, the BAC must be 0.02 or lower. Commercial drivers must maintain a BAC of 0.04 or lower.
The following are some of the criminal penalties if caught for DUI in Troy or Oakland County:
Other factors can also determine the penalties, such as the possession of drugs, subsequent DUI arrests within 7 years, or the involvement of a crash that causes death or serious bodily injury. A 1st or 2nd DUI arrest is a misdemeanor, while the 3rd within 7 years is classified as a felony.
The experienced DUI attorneys at Grabel & Associates can help with any of, but not limited to, the following cases:
Citizens in Troy will most likely have their case at the 52-4 District Court on West Big Beaver Road. Regardless of your case, our Troy DUI attorneys will use the most aggressive tactics possible to ethically achieve the best possible case result. We will diligently analyze every step in the DUI case, including the breath or blood testing, police accounts of observations, and procedural techniques throughout the arrest and prosecution. Small mistakes in these matters could give us the possibility of successfully winning your case.
If you or a loved one is facing a DUI, OWI, OUIL, or any other vehicle or drug and alcohol related charges in Troy or Oakland County, Grabel & Associates is here to fight for your future and protect your rights. From thorough investigation to aggressively defending your interests in front of the court (including helping you get your license reinstated if it is revoked), our DUI attorneys will give you the strongest chance of beating the DUI charges. Don’t speak to the police or prosecutors before contacting us, 24/7, at 1-800-342-7896 for a free initial consultation. Obtaining the best DUI defense lawyer is crucial to your results, so don’t hesitate and contact Grabel & Associates now.