Bloomfield Hills Second-Offense DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one is charged with DUI or OWI, there may be severe penalties involved that could change the rest of your life. This is especially true if your case is pending in a court like the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills because the presence of previous convictions for OWI or related offenses often has a substantial effect on sentencing for a subsequent OWI conviction. The aid of a Bloomfield Hills second-offense DUI lawyer may make a difference in the outcome of your case.

Several different factors can impact the potential penalties for a DUI conviction. By enlisting the help of a dedicated DUI defense lawyer, you could explore the options for favorably resolving the charges against you. Legal counsel could fight to minimize the impact of the penalties you might face upon conviction. By working with an attorney that demonstrates excellence in criminal defense, you might even have the charges dismissed in certain situations.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.625(1) defines operating while intoxicated or OWI as occurring when individuals drive while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or both. OWI may also arise when individuals drive motor vehicles while having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, even if the driver show no signs of impairment.

If drivers have a BAC below .08 or are under the influence of drugs and show impairment, they may still face OWI charges. Personal observation by the officer and field sobriety test results could give probable cause for an OWI arrest. It is important to avoid saying anything more than necessary to an officer during a traffic stop and if there is any doubt over whether or not a driver should answer an officer’s question, it may be wise to call a second-offense OWI attorney in Bloomfield Hills for clarification.

General penalties for an OWI conviction include incarceration, probation, and fines. Individuals will also lose their driving privileges, but they may become eligible for a restricted license after a determined amount of time. Additionally, a court may require the installation of a blood alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID), order the completion of mandatory community service hours, and require attendance at an alcohol education course. In severe cases, a court may order a driver’s vehicle to be immobilized or forfeited.

There are also other consequences such as points assessed on a driver’s license, increasing the chance of revocation as well as pricier insurance premiums. Not having a license could even lead to difficulty keeping a job, but a subsequent-charge DUI attorney could fight to prevent such severe ramifications.

When individuals have a prior OWI conviction within the previous seven years, they may face enhanced penalties for a new OWI charge. Increased sanctions are possible whether the offense occurred in Michigan or another state. Some of the differences in the first and second OWI conviction include:

• Jail sentences ranging from five days to one year instead of a maximum of 93 days for a first offense
• Fines ranging from $200 to $1,000, instead of $100 to $500
• Maximum 90 days of community service versus 45 days
• License revocation of at least one year with restricted licenses available only after 45 days and installation of an ignition interlock device

These sanctions can be financially devastating due to fines and fees in addition to the potential job loss that often accompanies the losing driving privileges. Getting legal advice as soon as the charges are issued may make a difference in the outcome of the case. Keep in mind also that even if the prior offense is more than 7 years old, the Judge is still allowed to consider it when determining an individually appropriate sentence. In the 48th District Court this can result in significant jail time even with very old prior offenses.

Whether you have a previous OWI conviction, penalties for an OWI charge can be extremely severe. Knowing how to approach these charges may be easier with a Bloomfield Hills second-offense DUI lawyer. Getting legal advice could help you fight for a better resolution to your case.

Avoiding some of the harshest potential consequences of a second DUI offense conviction could be critical to your future employment and livelihood. Call a seasoned Bloomfield Hills second-offense DUI lawyer today to start working on your case and protect your rights.