Livonia, Michigan OWI Criminal Defense Attorney

Arrested for OWI in Livonia, Michigan?

In Michigan, once you have been cited for violating the OWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your 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 crucial to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

Being charged with OWI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing an OWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an aggressive and knowledgeable OWI attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options.

Michigan OWI - DWI Administrative Hearing

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 driver's license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Bureau Motor Vehicles within thirty (30) days.

OWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the OWI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04. A first time OWI - DWI 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.
• 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.
• Michigan Driving Privileges and OWI - In Livonia, Michigan, a first time OWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Michigan for 180 days.
• Jail Time - A first time DWI / OWI offender faces 93 days jail time.
• Monetary Fines - In Livonia, Michigan, fines for a first time OWI are $500.

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 a capable and knowledgeable attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Michigan OWI - DWI for a quick and easy consultation.

In Michigan, it is illegal to drive:

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

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

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