DUI Penalties Lawyer in Detroit

Drunk driving is an offense that is taken very seriously by Detroit police officers, juries and judges who enforce the law, as well as lawmakers themselves, as is evident in looking at drunk driving laws. Anyone who is convicted of a DUI or OWI offense could face jail time, fines, license suspension, mandatory rehabilitation, and other serious penalties, and in certain cases the effects of a drunk driving conviction can be life changing. If you or someone you care about has been wrongly accused of a drunk driving offense, or if you believe you may be at risk to receive an excessive sentence for the offense you did commit, it is essential that you work with a qualified DUI defense attorney who can protect you as you maneuver through the criminal justice process.

Grabel & Associates is a DUI defense firm committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of clients who are involved in all kinds of drunk driving and motor vehicle crime cases, and we know what it takes to obtain exceptional results. Contact us right away for a free initial case consultation and learn more about the steps you should take to fight back against Detroit DUI conviction and the harsh penalties that may result.

Led by founding attorney Scott Grabel, who is a 10+ year veteran of the criminal courtroom, our team will walk you through everything you need to say and do in order to combat the excessive penalties possible in many drunk driving cases. Our vast experience working with cases similar to yours and appearing in court before the same judges you may face will be crucially important as you attempt to design a defense strategy aimed at securing a favorable case result. We are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to help you fight for justice, and will commit as much time and effort as necessary to that goal.

As soon as you are accused of a DUI or OWI offense, contact our team. There are a number of incredibly serious penalties that will be on the line in any drunk driving case, some of which are outlined below, and in order to determine how your unique case may be affected, it is crucial that you get in touch with an experienced attorney right away.

OWI Operating While Intoxicated Penalties in Detroit

The majority of Detroit DUI law is outlined in Section 257.625 of the Michigan Vehicle Code. According to this legislation, anyone who is convicted of driving a motor vehicle in any area open to the public (including parking lots) while under the influence of alcohol can face up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500, along with a license suspension for up to 6 months. A second offense within 7 years could lead to mandatory jail time, with up to a year of behind bars and a $1,000 fine, in addition to a 1 year license suspension/revocation. Third-time offenders can face up to 5 years in jail, depending on the specifics of the case, with a minimum of 30 days behind bars on the table. In addition, habitual offenders could face a significant fine, license revocation, and a potential felony record.

In most cases, impairment is determined using either BAC evidence alone, with 0.08% as the legal limit for most drivers, and 0.04% as the limit for commercial drivers, or by using BAC evidence in conjunction with observational or other evidence. However there also are penalties for high-BAC offenders, or “super drunk” drivers, which are greater than the regular penalties for DUI/OWI offenses. In Detroit super drunk DUI cases, the offender must have a BAC over 0.17%, or twice the legal limit, and up to 180 days behind bars can result for a first offense, in addition to a fine of up to $700. The license suspension can be doubled, and include the requirement for installation of an ignition interlock device. Other penalties are also very possible in super drunk DUI cases, or in other cases of OWI with extenuating circumstances.

Zero Tolerance Under 21 DUI in Detroit, MI

If a person is under the legal drinking age, the BAC limit for driving decreases to 0.00%, or zero tolerance. Usually, anyone who registers a reading over 0.02% can be convicted under zero tolerance DUI laws. First time zero tolerance offenders in Detroit can face up to $250 in fines and up to 360 hours of community service. Additionally, this offense stays on record as an OWI for future sentencing, so could increase the penalties that are on the table if you are accused of another offense later on. These penalties can also apply to minors returning from Canada.

Refusing a Chemical BAC Test in Detroit Michigan

By signing up for a driver’s license and registration and getting behind the wheel of a car, you have implied consent to chemical tests that are lawfully requested by an officer. A mandatory license suspension of one year will result for anyone who refuses a chemical test, and the officer can still proceed with drunk driving charges, and you could be convicted and sentenced to additional penalties. Second offenses for refusing a BAC test could lead to a 2-year suspension, with a 5 year suspension on the line for three-time offenders.

At Grabel & Associates, we know Detroit DUI laws and penalties because we have extensive experience working with clients who are facing a variety of charges. We know what you need to do in order to win a drunk driving case in Michigan, and are prepared to begin fighting for you as soon as you get in touch with our team. Contact our 24/7 hotline now for a free initial case consultation and begin to get some of the answers you need in order to move forward with the defense process.

Contact Grabel & Associates for 24/7 DUI Defense in Detroit

Our Wayne County OWI defense team is always available for clients by phone or online. Call 1-800-342-7896 toll free or contact us online to begin your battle for justice right now.