DWI/DUI Defense Lawyers
Michigan’s Premier Drunk Driving & DWI/DUI Defense Lawyers
Michigan has some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the nation. A drunk driving conviction will have criminal consequences and result in sanctions from the Michigan Secretary of State. Having an experienced drunk driving attorney during this time is extremely important.
In Michigan, there are many different charges involving drinking and/or driving with a controlled substance (drugs) in your system. The most common version is Operating While Intoxicated, or OWI, though it is sometimes referred to as DUI (driving under the influence), OUIL (operating under the influence of liquor), or DWI (driving while intoxicated). These acronyms are remnants of older laws that were enacted in years past. OWI and several other, more common currently-enacted offenses are broken out into several links below.
DUI & DWI Driver’s License Sanctions
Benefits of Working with An Experienced DUI Attorney
Driver’s license sanctions are a very important part of certain criminal sentences, including alcohol-related crimes such as DUI and DWI. These possible sanctions are sometimes overlooked by DUI defense lawyers who may be inexperienced in handling criminal matters. Information relating to possible driving sanctions for DUI/DWI offenses can be as important as fines, costs, incarceration, probation, etc. in trying to determine how a criminal matter should be handled.
Driver’s License & Vehicle Sanctions
Driver’s license sanctions can be levied in a variety of ways, such as the addition of points to your driving record, restrictions on your driving privileges, and/or suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. The length and severity of restrictions, suspension, or revocation vary, and additional penalties may be imposed if the Michigan Secretary of State is notified of the specific conviction. An experienced DUI defense attorney can help you understand these different sanctions.
Individuals should also be aware that in certain alcohol-related drunk driving cases, immobilization of the automobile or forfeiture of the automobile may be imposed.
In addition to drunk driving cases, there are a whole host of other crimes that can result in driver’s license sanctions. At present these include many drug crimes and a number of negligent driving crimes. However, due to legislative changes signed into law by the Governor earlier this year, on October 1, 2021 license suspensions will no longer occur for crimes that are unrelated to driving safety.
Therefore, it is important to at least contact a drunk driving attorney for advice regarding potential driver’s license and vehicle sanctions related to the facts and circumstances of your specific case. Remember, every case is unique and there is no one catch-all answer when it comes to DUI or DWI defense in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Michigan Drunk Driving Charges
There are many alcohol or drug related driving charges against which an experienced drunk driving lawyer can defend a client. To provide an initial guide for individuals charged with OWI or a similar charge, several of the major drinking/drug driving charges are addressed in the links below:
- Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
- Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)
- Operating with Presence of(Impaired by) Drugs (OWID)
- Zero Tolerance
- Michigan Super Drunk Law (Operating with High BAC)
- Drug Crimes and Michigan Secretary of State Consequences
- DUI Ignition Interlock Law
For these drunk driving offenses, the penalties become progressively more severe with multiple convictions, underscoring the need for an experienced DUI attorney.
The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code also includes other alcohol or drug-related offenses that result in significant criminal penalties and Secretary of State sanctions, such as OWI/OWVI causing injury or death and OWI/OWVI endangering a child. Moreover, the Michigan Penal Code includes numerous offenses which, when committed with a motor vehicle, carry serious penalties.
Persons accused of these driving offenses require effective and proven representation by a drunk driving defense lawyer. If you or a family member are in need of legal defense against these or any other charges, contact Hills at Law, P.C. today.
Southwest Michigan Counties Served
The drunk driving defense attorneys of Hills at Law, P.C. represent clients in State and Federal courts throughout eight southwest Michigan counties, including: