Articles Posted in Drunk Driving

Anyone charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan has the right to an attorney. If you are found indigent, the court must appoint counsel; if you are found partially indigent, you may be required to contribute to the cost of your defense as determined by objective standards. However, court-appointed systems are administered locally, and the structure and resources available to appointed counsel can vary by funding unit and jurisdiction. At Michigan Defense Law, OWI defense attorney Paul J. Tafelski has defended hundreds of clients throughout Oakland County and Michigan. With over twenty years of experience as an Oakland County...

For many people, their first contact with the criminal justice system happens when they are charged with drunk driving. When someone is stopped for suspicion of drunk driving or DUI, they often become extremely nervous and overly chatty. They may think that they can talk the police officer into letting them go, or that being cooperative and doing all roadside tests will convince the police not to arrest them. Most people simply do not know their rights or know what to do when pulled over by the police on suspicion of drunk driving. If you are stopped for suspicion of...

Is it mandatory for police in Michigan to obtain a warrant before conducting a blood draw on a DUI/OWI suspect? According to Michigan law (MCL 257.625a), individuals under 21 can be charged with OWI based on any detectable alcohol level in their blood, breath, or urine, while those 21 and older must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Although breathalyzer tests are commonly used by Michigan police officers to determine a driver’s BAC, officers might also opt for a blood test. Is a warrant necessary for law enforcement officers to compel a blood test from a...

Having a driver’s license in Michigan gives you driving privileges, but it also comes with certain responsibilities. One of these is what’s known as “implied consent.” This means that if police suspect you of driving under the influence (DUI), you’ve already agreed to take a breath, blood, or urine test. Refusal to comply with a chemical test can bring serious consequences on its own, including a suspended license, regardless of whether a DUI charge is substantiated. These laws can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially if you’re already facing a DUI or refusal charge. Our Oakland County DUI attorneys at Michigan...

Navigating the legal alcohol limits in Michigan is a critical responsibility that every individual should take seriously. Understanding these limits and their implications can help prevent legal troubles and ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. However, when faced with complex legal matters related to alcohol offenses, such as the penalties involved in an underage OWI or the legal implications of an OWI with prescription drugs, seeking experienced help from a Michigan OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) lawyer becomes crucial.  If you find yourself in a situation involving an OWI charge or have questions about the legal alcohol...

Earlier this year, a state appellate court issued an opinion in a Michigan drunk driving case discussing the defendant’s challenges to his conviction. However, after reviewing and rejecting each of the defendant’s arguments, the court affirmed his conviction. That said, the case is important, as it illustrates the type of challenges that may be successful, especially pertaining to field sobriety tests. The Facts of the Case According to the court’s opinion, a Michigan State Police Trooper observed the defendant not maintaining his lane. The Trooper pulled up next to the defendant, saw that he was not distracted or on his...

DUIs in Michigan, as in other states, typically carry heavy consequences: loss of the drunk driver’s license, heavy fines, and even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense and the number of times the driver has faced DUI charges. For underage drivers, however, the consequences of DUI may go further. Drivers under the age of 21 convicted of driving while intoxicated may face serious penalties that can linger—and subsequent DUI charges in the future may cause even more serious problems. Michigan has a zero-tolerance policy for DUIs for underage drivers. To speak to a professional about your options...

A DUI is a very serious offense and carries severe penalties. The penalties for driving under the influence may include: Heavy fines A suspended or revoked license Jail time Community service Increased insurance premiums In Michigan, a person who is convicted of three drunk driving offenses is charged with a felony. Also, causing serious injury or death of another person while driving under the influence will be charged as a felony, even if it is the first offense. Penalties for a felony conviction are much more serious, and you may lose many rights and freedoms as a result. Long-Term Consequences...

In Michigan, the law is tough on underage drinking and driving. If you are under the age of 21, have a measurable amount of alcohol in your blood, and are operating a vehicle, the consequences are severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 4,300 underage youth die each year from excessive drinking. Even though it is illegal for people under the age of 21 to drink alcohol, those aged 12 to 20 years drink 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States and over 90 percent of the alcohol is consumed while binge drinking. The...

No one gets behind the wheel of a car expecting to be charged with drunk driving in Michigan, but even a slight lapse in judgment can lead to serious implications. Depending on your history of prior convictions and whether your conduct caused an accident, you could be facing misdemeanor or felony offenses. In addition to fines and potential jail time, a conviction can lead to a driver’s license suspension, sky-high insurance rates, a permanent criminal record, and other consequences. Knowing that prosecutors are cracking down on drunk driving, it’s important to retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer to assist with...