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Rochester First-Offense DUI Lawyer

Everybody makes mistakes but getting charged with a DUI after a night out can have life-altering consequences, even if it is your first offense. In Michigan, driving under the influence (DUI) is known as operating while intoxicated (OWI). If a driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) measuring .08 percent or more or they are visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs, they may be charged with this offense, potentially requiring the help of a DUI attorney.

Various factors may increase DUI charges or penalties, even for a first-time offense. A BAC measuring .17 percent or higher or having a person under the age of 16 in the vehicle during the offense could make the consequences more severe. A Rochester first-offense DUI lawyer could evaluate your situation, explain your options, and fight for a more favorable resolution to the charges that you are facing.

First-Time Rochester DUI Penalties

A first OWI charge is a misdemeanor offense with potential penalties including a maximum of 93 days in jail, 360 hours of community service, and an alcohol education course. Defendants also face a six-month license suspension, although they may be able to get a restricted license after 30 days of the suspension have elapsed.

Drivers may also face a fine of up to $500, court costs, and usually a dramatic increase in motor vehicle insurance premiums. The court may also require them to install a blood alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID), requiring the driver to produce a clean breath test to start and operate their car. Installing these systems can be very costly, inconvenient, and a source of embarrassment.

A first-offense DUI in Rochester also comes with six points on the drivers’ license which may put them at risk for license suspension if they accrue too many points. In some cases, a DUI conviction and suspension of driving privileges could lead to job loss, as well. When handling a first-offense DUI, lawyer in Rochester could work to mitigate the potential consequences a defendant may face, especially as it is their first offense.

Enhanced Penalties for First-Time DUI Convictions

If the BAC of individuals at the time of their arrest measures .17 percent or more, the law considers the offense to be “super drunk” driving, and the potential penalties reflect this increased severity. Even if individuals have no prior convictions, they will face almost double the regular penalties for a first-time DUI charge such as up to 180 days in jail. Fines for this offense also increase to a maximum of $700. The potential license suspension grows to as much as one year with restricted driving privileges unavailable until 45 days of the suspension have elapsed, and they have installed an ignition interlock device.

Individuals might have mandatory substance abuse treatment for up to one year if convicted of OWI with a BAC of .17 percent or more. A first offense DUI attorney in Rochester may be able to seek a reduction in the charges or penalties at hand that could completely alter a person’s future.

Call a Rochester First Offense DUI Attorney for Advice

While you expect your first interaction with the criminal justice system to result in lenient penalties, the DUI laws in Michigan are strict and even a first-time offense can significantly impact your job, your, and freedom. A Rochester first offense DUI lawyer could be instrumental in defending you against the potential penalties that you may be facing.

True excellence in criminal defenses is finding the strongest possible legal strategy and fighting for a good outcome no matter the circumstance. Contact legal counsel today to learn more about how an attorney could help you.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.