Hire a qualified Michigan DUI lawyer who understands Michigan DUI law to defend your case

In the state of Michigan, the terms DUI and OWI refer to criminal drunk driving charges and are considered a very serious offense. If you have been charged with an MI OWI case, you should make every effort to understand the law properly and hire a qualified Michigan DUI attorney who can defend your case. However, before you choose a lawyer for your case, you should consult several different Michigan DUI lawyers listed at MyDUIAttorney and then hire the one who understands local OWI law better.

In Michigan, if you are caught Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) or Operating While Visibly Intoxicated (OWVI), you will be charged, OWVI being a lesser-included offense. Anyone found operating a vehicle on a public highway while drunk with BAC of 0.08% or higher or under the influence of any other drug or controlled substance is considered OWI. In Michigan, a person who refuses to submit to a chemical test if caught will be charged with OWVI. Unlike in OWI, when the drivers alcohol and drug levels are checked, in OWVI, the drivers physical characteristics and his or her ability to drive at the time of arrest is reviewed to be charged for being “Operating While Visibly Intoxicated/Impaired”.

Driving under the influence of Cocaine

If a driver is caught operating a vehicle under the influence of a schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine, he / she will be charged with MI’s DUI.

DUI for minors under 21 years

Minors under the age of 21 years can be charged for DUI if their BAC is 0.02% or more.

If a minor under the age of 16 years is present in a vehicle with a driver charged with DUI, then the driver is charged separately for a misdemeanour offense, and will have additional charges, along with the offenses of his case.

Allowing an intoxicated person to operate a vehicle

If an owner or a vehicle allows another intoxicated person to be in charge or his vehicle in the state of Michigan, then the owner will be charged for DUI. However, the charges and penalties depend on the severity of the case.

Other OWI rules in Michigan

There are other rules for DUI in Michigan, which you should be aware of. Drivers operating commercial vehicles are considered to be legally drunk according to Michigan OWI law, if their BAC is 0.04% or higher.

Similarly, if a drunk driver causes serious body injury in an accident, the DUI offender will be charged with a felony offense and will have to face harsh penalties, depending on the case.

Michigan DUI Process

A DUI case has several steps as defined by law. A typical DUI criminal case in Michigan consists of “Release from Custody”, followed by the first court appearance known as “Arraignment”. In this hearing, the offender can enter a plea and the judge can impose a sentence or declare you not guilty. Accordingly, you enter the pre-trial hearing if you plead not guilty, followed by a trial. In most cases of guilty verdict, the defense lawyer can file an appeal.

To fully understand the penalties associated with a Michigan DUI charge, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a Michigan DUI lawyer that you are most comfortable with and who can knowledgeably represent you throughout your trial and court proceedings.  You can find a Michigan drunk driving attorney by typing in the city of your arrest above or call our 24 hour DUI hotline

Additional resources

• Michigan Department of Motor Vehicle
• Michigan State Bar Association