Get help from an Michigan OWI Lawyer

Being charged with OWI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing a Michigan OWI understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an aggressive and professional OWI criminal defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options.

OWI in Royal Oak, 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 Michigan driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

OWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Michigan Driving Privileges and OWI - In Royal Oak, Michigan, a first time OWI (DWI) conviction results in the revocation of Michigan driving privileges for 180 days.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the OWI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) 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.
• Jail Time - In Michigan, a first time DWI offender faces 93 days time in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Royal Oak, Michigan, fines for a first time OWI are $500.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license in Michigan for 1 year.

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 options and rights. This is why a capable and experienced defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Michigan OWI (DWI) for a professional and free consultation.

In Royal Oak, 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.

Drivers who may have been drinking or using other drugs may:

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