Dearborn Heights, Michigan OWI Lawyer

Being arrested for OWI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is very important that anyone facing a Michigan OWI understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a competent and skilled OWI lawyer will help you understand all of your options and rights.

Administrative Hearing for Michigan DWI / OWI

Pursuant to Michigan law, an individual has 30 days to request an administrative hearing from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Michigan. If you fail to request a hearing within 30 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is imperative that you file your request to the Michigan Bureau Motor Vehicles within 30 days time.

OWI in Dearborn Heights, Michigan

Once you have been cited for violating the Michigan OWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, but separate, legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you. The administrative action is brought against your Michigan driver's license by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Michigan. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Michigan, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

OWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Jail Time - A first time OWI or DWI offender faces 93 days imprisonment.
• Monetary Fines - In Dearborn Heights, Michigan, fines for a first time OWI are $500.
• Michigan Driving Privileges and OWI - In Dearborn Heights, Michigan, a first time DWI or OWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license for 1 year.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the OWI statute with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.04. A first time DWI / OWI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent OWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in Michigan.

It is possible to recognize drivers who may have been drinking or using other drugs. They may:

• Drive on the wrong side of the road.
• Run off the pavement.
• Stop too quickly or slowly.
• Weave within their lane.
• Drive too quickly or slowly.
• Go through stop signs or other signals.

In Dearborn Heights, Michigan, it is illegal to drive:

• With a bodily alcohol content of 0.08 or more (driving while intoxicated).
• While intoxicated or impaired by, alcohol, illegal drugs, and certain prescribed medications.
• With any presence of a Schedule 1 drug or cocaine.

If you are under age 21 it is against the law:

• To drive with a bodily alcohol content of 0.02 or greater, or have any presence of alcohol other than that consumed at a generally recognized religious ceremony.
• To buy, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. You may transport alcohol in a vehicle only when accompanied by an adult age 21 or older. If you are caught with alcohol in your vehicle and there is no adult accompanying you, you can be charged with a misdemeanor, whether you are on the road or in a parking lot.

OWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional OWI violations. Due to the complexity of OWI laws in Michigan, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an aggressive and experienced attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Michigan DWI or OWI for a professional and free consultation.