If you were arrested and charged with a DUI in Westland, Michigan or a neighboring City, please call the 1-800 number below to get in contact with an experienced DUI attorney to fight your case.

1-800-420-9444

Westland, Michigan OWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested for OWI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is imperative that anyone facing an OWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an aggressive and experienced OWI criminal defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options.

What happens if I was arrested for OWI in Westland?

Persuant to Michigan law, 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 Michigan Bureau Motor Vehicles. While both actions can result in the suspension of your Michigan driving privileges. Because of this, it is crucial to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

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 Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Michigan 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 Westland, Michigan, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or OWI (driving under the influence) offender faces 93 days time in jail.
Monetary Fines - 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 Westland, Michigan, a first time OWI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in the revocation of Michigan driving privileges for 180 days.

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 OWI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) for a professional and free 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: