Bloomfield Hills First-Offense DUI Lawyer

A first-time arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) can be devastating and stressful. You likely may be concerned about the potential penalties a DUI conviction might carry and how they will impact your job and your everyday life. A Bloomfield Hills first-offense DUI lawyer can walk you through the stages of DUI proceedings and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

The consequences of an operating while intoxicated (OWI) conviction can be harsh, even for a first offense. This is especially true in the 48th District Court. Judge Small, for example, is well known for giving most first time DUI offenders at least some jail time. Nevertheless, by exploring all possible avenues of relief, a local OWI defense lawyer could help you choose the best course of action in your case, mitigating any potential punishment including avoiding jail time or possibly even having charges dismissed completely.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.625(1) establishes the criminal offense of operating while intoxicated (OWI). Individuals commit this crime when they operate a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or more. Bloomfield Hills police officers use various types of evidence to support an OWI arrest, including:

• Breath, blood, and urine testing to confirm BAC levels
• Field sobriety test results that measure impairment by assessing balance, coordination, and the ability to follow instructions
• Observations of behaviors that may indicate impairment, such as slurred speech, the odor of alcohol, or bloodshot or dilated eyes

These test results and observations can establish the probable cause necessary to arrest individuals on OWI charges. In most cases, police gather evidence to support the arrest during a traffic stop, in which they had reasonable suspicion to believe that the drivers had committed a crime. Officers may stop a driver for a traffic violation such as running a red light or speeding, only then to suspect that they are intoxicated.

The potential penalties for a first-time DUI conviction can be harsh, but they can worsen with subsequent convictions and various aggravating factors. A first offense OWI is a misdemeanor under state law. Possible sanctions for a first OWI conviction can include:

• A maximum jail sentence of 93 days
• A 180-day license suspension, with a restricted license potentially available after 30 days
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• A maximum fine of $500

A court also may order them to enroll in an alcohol education class. A first-offense DUI lawyer in Bloomfield Hills could assist defendants in minimizing the penalties that they may receive in a DUI case.

In addition to the potential sanctions that a court can issue at sentencing, individuals face other collateral consequences. After an OWI conviction, the driver’s insurance premiums increaserises, and they will have points assessed to their license. For a DUI conviction, the DMV will assess six points to driving records. If individuals accumulate too many points within a specific timeframe, they could face license suspension or even complete revocation. For licensed health care professions and many other licensed professionals, a DUI conviction can place your ability to work in jeopardy. Overseas travel can become much more complicated, and some countries, such as Canada, will disallow entry altogether. Life insurance can also be denied, and a DUI conviction can also result in the loss of a CPL. These are only a few of the more common collateral consequences, the full breadth of which are too numerous to mention.

Some aggravating factors could automatically increase the penalties for first OWI offenses. If the driver’s BAC measures .17 percent at more at the time of their arrest, they could be charged with “super drunk” driving. A conviction for this aggravated DUI offense results in almost double the penalties as a regular first-time DUI charge, potentially garnering:

• A jail sentence of up to 180 days
• A one-year license suspension
• Restricted licenses available only after 45 days and only in car with BAIID installed.
• A fine ranging from $200 to $700

Individuals can face the same other penalties in this situation as they can for a regular OWI conviction, such as payment of court costs and attendance at an alcohol education course. A first-offense Bloomfield Hills DUI lawyer can be instrumental in helping individuals protect their rights during criminal proceedings.

Although a first DUI offense is not the end of the world, it can result in severe consequences. As a result, you should not hesitate to consult with a Bloomfield Hills first-offense DUI lawyer for advice.

Facing DUI charges can be a concerning and challenging process. By having a strong legal advocate on your side, you could be in a better position to minimize the impact this mistake and charge has on the rest of your life. Call now to schedule your consultati