OWI Criminal Defense Lawyer - Taylor, Michigan

If you are charged with OWI in Michigan, it is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing an OWI charge in Michigan understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the advice of an assertive and knowledgeable OWI lawyer will help you understand all of your options and rights.

OWI in Taylor, 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 Michigan Bureau Motor Vehicles. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

Michigan DWI (OWI) Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Michigan law, an individual has 14 days to request an administrative hearing from the Michigan Bureau Motor Vehicles. If you fail to request a hearing within 14 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 crucial that you submit your request to the Michigan BMV within 14 days.

OWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• 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.
• Jail Time - In Michigan, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or OWI (driving under the influence) offender faces 93 days imprisonment.
• Monetary Fines - In Taylor, Michigan, fines for a first time OWI are $500.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the OWI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) 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.
• Michigan Driving Privileges and OWI - In Taylor, Michigan, a first time DWI or OWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Michigan for 180 days.

In Taylor, 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 options and rights. This is why an aggressive and experienced defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Michigan DWI or OWI for a fast, free consultation.

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.