DUI / OWI Defense Lawyer
Representation in Birmingham
Have you been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan? After being arrested for DUI, it is normal for a person to be afraid of the court system. Usually the person is afraid of jail time, the loss of his or her driver's license, and the possibility of having a criminal record. There is simply too much at stake for a person facing a DUI-related charge in Michigan to not retain legal counsel. You need help and guidance from a top Birmingham OWI Lawyer. Our firm has extensive experience aggressively fighting and defending DUI cases all over the state, and we can help you too.
You need to contact the Law Offices of Ian A. Caldwell, PLLC as soon as possible if you have been charged with any of the following offenses:
- OWI - Operating while intoxicated with a bodily alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or above
- OWVI - Operating while visibly impaired
- OWI High BAC - Operating while intoxicated with a BAC of 0.17 or above
- OWI Child Endangerment - Operating while intoxicated with a minor child in vehicle
- DUI - Operating under the influence
- DWI - Driving while intoxicated
- OWI Zero Tolerance - Minor operating with an unlawful BAC of 0.04 or above
- OUIL - Operating under the influence of liquor
- OUID - Operating under the influence of drugs
- OUPCS - Operating under the presence of controlled substances
- MIP - Minor in possession or consumption of alcohol
- Open Intox - Having an open bottle of intoxicants in the car while driving
- OWI Injury - Operating while intoxicated causing injury
- OWI Death - Operating while intoxicated causing death
Drunk Driving Laws Specific to Michigan
A drunk driving charge is commonly referred to as a DUI. Although there are several terms for it, the actual charges in Michigan regarding a DUI charge or drunk driving are OWI and OWVI. Michigan also has an OWI "super drunk" statue, which covers people arrested with a high BAC at the time of the alleged offense. With all of the complexities in the laws, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
The legal limit for an alcohol related OWI in Michigan is 0.08. That basically means that it is against the law for a person to operate a vehicle in a place open to the public with a BAC of 0.08 or above regardless of whether the person actually feels affected by the alcohol. If the police and prosecutor do not have breath or blood test results showing intoxication, it is still possible for them to pursue OWI charges. In such a situation, they would proceed under the "common law" theory, which basically states that a person can be convicted of OWI if, due to the consumption of alcohol, the person's ability to operate the vehicle was substantially and materially lessened.
Protection Against DUI Penalties
You could be facing numerous penalties if you are convicted of driving under the influence, including jail or prison time, suspension of your driver's license, fines, restitution, and a lifelong criminal record. Your rights are important, and when you work with our firm, we diligently protect your freedoms and driving privileges. If you have been charged with a first, second, or third OWI or DUI offense, now is the time to act.
Contact the Law Offices of Ian A. Caldwell, PLLC right away and speak with a trusted Birmingham DUI attorney! In addition to Birmingham, the Law Offices of Ian A. Caldwell, PLLC serves clients in Bloomfield Hills, Canton, Dearborn, Detroit, Royal Oak, and Troy.