Plymouth First-Offense DUI Lawyer

If you are facing a first arrest on DUI or OWI charges, you may be worried about the impact that these charges could have on your future. Given how devastating an OWI conviction can be for you both personally and professionally, it may be helpful to consult with a Plymouth first-offense DUI lawyer for advice.

By enlisting the help of a dedicated DUI attorney, you may be able to more effectively identify the strongest defense strategy for your case. By taking a firm stand against the charges you are facing, you may be able to mitigate the impact of this incident on your life.

Under Michigan Compiled Laws §257.625(1), operating while intoxicated (OWI) occurs when individuals operate motor vehicles with a blood alcohol content (BAC) measuring .08 percent or higher. Typically, police officers use breath, blood, or urine tests to confirm the BAC level of drivers following an arrest.

Other evidence may support an OWI charge as well. Police officers may use the results of field sobriety tests to demonstrate impairment, as well as their observations of a driver during the traffic stop. Noted signs of intoxication—such as slurred speech, the odor of alcohol, and bloodshot eyes—may contribute to first-offense OWI charges being brought against you, but a Plymouth attorney may be able to help you contest this kind of evidence in certain circumstances.

A first OWI offense is a misdemeanor under state law that could potentially result in various penalties, including:

• Incarceration up to 93 days
• Six-month license suspension, with a restricted license potentially available after 30 days
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• Mandated alcohol education classes

You may face additional penalties for a first-time OWI conviction such as up to a $500 fine and the mandatory installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) in your vehicle, which could be costly and inconvenient. Motor vehicle insurance premiums usually increase significantly after a DUI conviction as well.

Finally, an OWI conviction will add six points to your driving record, which may lead to license suspension in the future. Getting the advice of a first-offense DUI lawyer in Plymouth could make the difference in your case.

State law dictates harsher penalties for individuals with a BAC of .17 percent or more when they are arrested for first-time OWI. This level of BAC essentially doubles the potential penalties that individuals may receive for a first-time DUI offense. As a result, individuals convicted of OWI under these circumstances may serve up to 180 days in jail and a one-year license suspension with restricted driving privileges becoming available only after 45 days.

The penalties for a first-time OWI offense under state law are harsh, and they only become more severe if you accrue multiple convictions. Job loss and financial troubles are often a typical result in an OWI case, but a Plymouth first-offense DUI lawyer can help.

Building a strong defense is likely to be the most effective means of fighting back against OWI charges and working with a legal team that embodies excellence in criminal defense can remove some of the burdens of dealing with these charges. Call today for a consultation.