Novi DUI Lawyer

All types of DUI charges could potentially result in a permanent criminal record and severe consequences. An OWI conviction may also restrict your ability to find a job, especially if you need to drive for work. Furthermore, if convicted of driving drunk in Novi, you may have higher motor vehicle insurance rates, be required to install an ignition interlock device, and have a restricted or suspended license for an extended period of time.

These repercussions can be costly, but a criminal defense attorney can help fight your charges. In this kind of situation, consulting a Novi DUI lawyer may be the most effective means of protecting yourself from these and other potential consequences.

Michigan Compiled Laws §257.625(1) defines operating while intoxicated (OWI) as when individuals drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or more. Law enforcement authorities typically use breath, blood, or urine tests to determine the BAC of drivers following an OWI arrest.

However, police may also use field sobriety tests to measure the level of impairment or intoxication in drivers they pull over. These test results may act as evidence that alcohol affected the ability of individuals to drive safely.

First-time OWI offenses may result in a jail sentence of up to 93 days, fines, community service hours, and a six-month license suspension. A restricted license may be available after 30 days of suspension—a Novi drunk driving attorney can help determine whether this would be applicable in your case.

Under Mich. Comp. Laws §257.625(3), it is illegal for individuals to operate a vehicle if alcohol has impaired their ability to do so safely. Operating while visibly impaired (OWVI) does not require a minimum BAC to result in a criminal charge. Evidence of OWVI may include the results of field sobriety tests and the personal observations of the arresting officers.

A conviction for OWVI carries the potential for lower penalties than a conviction for OWI, but the potential sanctions still may be quite harsh. For a first-time OWVI conviction, consequences may include a jail sentence of up to 93 days, 360 hours of community service, and fines. You also may face four demerit points on your license and a license suspension of a shorter duration than for an OWI conviction.

In Michigan, the “super drunk” driving offense applies to OWI charges in which the BAC of the driver measures .17 percent or above. The penalties for this extremely high BAC level in an OWI case may be double those which would be applicable in a regular OWI case.

More specifically, drivers who fall under the state super drunk driving law may experience the following penalties if convicted:

• A jail term of up to 180 days
• A license suspension of 45 days and 320 additional days of restricted driving
• Mandatory installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) during the restricted driving period
• Fines and court costs

A DUI lawyer in Novi can evaluate super drunk driving charges and decide upon the most effective course of action.

The potential penalties for even first-time time OWI and related charges are incredibly severe and costly. A Novi DUI lawyer may be able to fully explain the entire range of consequences for OWI, OWVI, and super drunk driving offenses.

With a lawyer who demonstrates excellence in criminal defense at your side, you may be empowered to achieve the resolution you want in your case. Call today to get started on your defense.