Articles Posted in DWI

Why Are EtG Tests Performed? An EtG test, short for ethyl glucuronide test, is often used for people on OWI probation to check for alcohol use. If you are on probation in Michigan, you are usually required to avoid drinking. Testing can happen on a set schedule or with no advance notice. You might be called in. You might be tested the same day. A positive EtG result can lead to a probation violation being filed against you. This is serious. The court can add penalties, including jail time or even revoking your probation. If your probation officer informs you...

Being charged with operating while intoxicated or driving under the influence (OWI/DUI) in Michigan can be a confusing and challenging time. Even the refusal of a chemical test or aggressive driving behaviors can result in additional DUI charges being filed against you. An individual can face a lot of uncertainty, especially if they are not familiar with the process and do not have the help of an experienced OWI defense attorney. At Michigan Defense Law, our team of experienced Oakland County DUI attorneys can help you understand your rights. Top-rated Michigan attorney Paul J. Tafelski has provided quality legal assistance...

When you are charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan, there is a good chance you will be put on probation as part of your OWI sentencing. Typically, one requirement of OWI probation is that you abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages. Michigan employs a number of techniques to determine if you have been drinking in violation of your probation. One method is random breathalyzer tests. Unfortunately, breath tests are not always reliable, and you may face a probation revocation hearing on the basis of faulty results from a breath test. If you find yourself facing drunk driving offenses, it...

Michigan’s stringent laws against driving with a suspended license can pull drivers into a web of legal troubles, each more problematic than the last. A suspended license casts a long shadow over your daily life, from limiting your ability to commute to impacting your standing in professional circles. The consequences extend beyond the immediate legal penalties, potentially affecting your insurance premiums, job prospects, and financial stability due to hefty fines and the specter of civil litigation. In these critical moments, the guidance of a seasoned Oakland County criminal defense attorney from Michigan Defense Law becomes an indispensable asset. Our legal...

DUI checkpoints, often referred to as sobriety checkpoints or roadblocks, are a law enforcement tactic designed to curb and apprehend impaired drivers. Interacting with law enforcement, especially when it involves being scrutinized for potential wrongdoing, can be understandably intimidating. As such, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities during traffic stops and DUI-related encounters with law enforcement. The police are subject to protocols that govern how they should conduct checkpoints and traffic stops while upholding both the law and the drivers’ rights. However, deviations from protocol happen and it may be necessary to challenge how these legal processes...

Facing a DUI conviction can be overwhelming, and you might be wondering if there’s a way to challenge the decision. The appeal process offers a pathway to contest the outcome if there were errors or issues during your trial. By appealing, you can ask a higher court to review the original proceedings and potentially overturn or modify the conviction. However, appealing a DUI conviction involves a complex legal process that requires a deep understanding of the law and careful attention to detail. It’s crucial to determine whether you have valid grounds for an appeal and to act within the strict...

Restoring your driver’s license after a DWI in Michigan can be a complex and detailed process. Understanding the necessary steps and legal requirements is crucial for regaining your driving privileges. Following a DWI conviction, you will need to gather appropriate documentation, complete mandatory programs, and prepare for a hearing with the Michigan Secretary of State. By taking these steps seriously, you can improve your chances of successfully restoring your license and returning to the road with confidence. If you find the process overwhelming or are uncertain about specific requirements, professional legal assistance can make a significant difference. At Michigan Defense...

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...

The majority of times in a domestic violence, one or both of the parties have been drinking alcohol. It’s rare to see drugs as the cause of anger. In fact, drugs are less often involved in domestic violence cases than just two sober people who get into an argument, but alcohol is very frequently involved. Sometimes it makes the case worse, and sometimes it doesn’t because we are able to convince the court that there is not an alcohol problem there, but for a particular situation combined with the use of alcohol, this never would occur. Alcohol can make the...

Being issued a license in Michigan gives you driving privileges but it also carries certain responsibilities. One of these is the “implied consent” to submit to breath, blood, or urine tests if you’re suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). Refusal to comply with a chemical test can lead to severe penalties, including license suspension, irrespective of whether a DUI charge is substantiated. These implied consent laws can be challenging to understand, especially when dealing with charges related to test refusal or the repercussions of a DUI case. At Michigan Defense Law, our focus is on DUI cases. We are...