Michigan DUI / OWI Lawyer

Home » Practice Areas » Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer » Michigan DUI / OWI Lawyer
Practice Areas
Case Types
Get in Touch with Us!

Don’t wait—contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

"*" indicates required fields

Don’t wait— contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
(517) 940-8004

Dedicated Defense for Those Facing DUI and OWI Charges

Standing by the accused, the imperfect, and anyone in challenging legal situations.

Are You Ready to OVERCOME?

Facing DUI or OWI charges is a serious matter, often accompanied by harsh legal consequences and lasting social stigma. These offenses, involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, can lead to severe penalties.

Even a single charge can impact your future, affecting your freedom and personal life. If you are dealing with DUI or OWI allegations, seeking legal representation right away is crucial.

A conviction may result in significant fines, license suspension, and potential jail time, making it essential to have a strong defense on your side.

OWI and DUI charges encompass a range of offenses related to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, each carrying serious penalties, including:

  • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI): Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Penalties may include fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
  • Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI): Driving while impaired but with a BAC below 0.08%. Penalties can include fines, community service, and mandatory alcohol education programs.
  • Felony OWI: Charged when a driver has multiple OWI offenses or causes injury or death while driving impaired. This can lead to severe penalties, including significant prison time and hefty fines.
  • Zero Tolerance Offense: For drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol can lead to penalties such as fines and license suspension.
  • Chemical Test Refusal: Refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test can result in automatic license suspension and other legal consequences.
  • Commercial Vehicle OWI: A BAC of 0.04% or higher while operating a commercial vehicle. Penalties can be more severe, including job loss and disqualification from commercial driving.

Each of these charges carries life-altering consequences, including potential imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. At Coontz Law, we understand the gravity of these allegations and will work tirelessly to craft a defense that addresses your unique circumstances.

  • Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your rights and well-being, ensuring you feel supported throughout the legal process.
  • Experienced Legal Team: Our team specialize in OWI/DUI cases, bringing extensive knowledge of the law and effective defense strategies.
  • Thorough Case Evaluation: We meticulously examine every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to evidence collection, leaving no detail overlooked.
  • Strong Advocacy: We are committed to representing your interests vigorously, negotiating with prosecutors to seek the best possible outcome.
  • Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional toll that facing OWI/DUI charges can take and provide the guidance you need during this challenging time.
  • Proven Track Record: Our firm has a history of successful outcomes in OWI/DUI cases, demonstrating our ability to achieve favorable results for our clients.
  • Comprehensive Case Analysis: We conduct a thorough evaluation of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, examining evidence and identifying any potential legal flaws.
  • Tailored Defense Strategies: Each case is unique; we develop personalized defense strategies that address your specific situation and goals.
  • Proactive Communication: We believe in keeping you informed every step of the way, ensuring you understand the process and your options.
  • Expert Negotiation: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who work diligently to seek favorable plea deals and reduce charges when possible.
  • In-Depth Legal Knowledge: With extensive experience in OWI/DUI law, we leverage our understanding of local laws and court procedures to your advantage.
  • Client Support and Guidance: We provide compassionate support throughout the legal process, ensuring you feel confident and supported in your defense.

Breathalyzer results in Michigan can be challenged due to potential inaccuracies from improper administration or equipment errors. A skilled DUI attorney can help reduce or dismiss charges by identifying these flaws.

CPS may get involved if you’re arrested for DUI with a child in the vehicle, but it’s rare for them to immediately take children away unless no responsible adult can care for them. Driving under the influence with a child could result in additional charges like child endangerment or second-degree child abuse, which may lead to enhanced penalties and a CPS investigation.

Each case is unique, and CPS’s focus is on ensuring the child’s safety. If you’re facing DUI and child-related charges, it’s essential to seek legal advice to protect your rights and your family.

Yes, you can lose your CDL (commercial driver’s license) if arrested for drunk driving. In Michigan, even if you’re driving your personal vehicle, a DUI conviction can lead to a one-year suspension of your CDL for a first offense.

If you were operating a commercial vehicle at the time and your BAC (blood alcohol content) was 0.04% or higher, you face more severe consequences due to stricter regulations for CDL holders.

It’s essential to consult a skilled DUI defense attorney immediately, as they may help reduce the charges or negotiate a plea to protect your CDL and your career.

Ff you’re pulled over and suspected of drunk driving, you are subject to the Implied Consent Law, which means you are legally required to take a chemical test (such as a breathalyzer) after being arrested. Refusing to take this test after an arrest will result in automatic penalties, including a one-year license suspension and six points added to your driving record for the first refusal.

However, before an arrest, officers may ask you to take a preliminary breath test (PBT) at the roadside. You can refuse this test without facing criminal penalties, but refusal will result in a civil infraction and a fine, and may still lead to your arrest based on other evidence of impairment.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is commonly used as a general term, but the state officially recognizes several specific impaired driving charges: OWI, OWVI, and OWPD. Here’s how they differ:

  1. OWI (Operating While Intoxicated): The most common and serious charge for impaired driving in Michigan. This applies when a driver has a BAC of 0.08% or higher or is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. OWI can also apply if you are visibly impaired, regardless of your BAC.
  2. OWVI (Operating While Visibly Impaired): This charge is less severe than OWI and applies when a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle is visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs, but the BAC is below 0.08%. Unlike OWI, OWVI doesn’t require a specific BAC level; it focuses on whether the officer observes signs of impairment.
  3. OWPD (Operating With the Presence of Drugs): This charge applies when a driver has any amount of a Schedule 1 controlled substance (such as heroin or cocaine) or marijuana in their system while driving. Unlike OWI, there is no need to prove impairment—the mere presence of the drug is enough to be charged.
  4. DUI (Driving Under the Influence): While not an official charge in Michigan law, DUI is often used interchangeably with OWI in casual conversation to refer to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Each of these charges carries different penalties, with OWI typically resulting in more severe consequences than OWVI or OWPD. It’s essential to understand the distinctions as they can affect the legal outcome and penalties you may face.

  • OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)
  • OWVI, Operating While Visibly/Viably Impaired
  • OWPD, Operating with the Presence of Drugs
  • Zero Tolerance, Under 21 and Operating with Any BAC

When you’re facing serious accusations, you need more than just a defense attorney—you need someone who genuinely cares about your case and your future. At Coontz Law, we understand that the legal system can feel stacked against you, but we believe that everyone deserves a fair chance.

We’re different by design. We focus on what truly matters—our clients and the outcomes that impact their lives. We provide a non-judgmental, confidential environment where you can feel supported throughout the process. Our team takes care of each other so we can better take care of you. We’re committed to providing you with the best legal defense, all while maintaining your privacy and dignity.