MICHIGAN DRUNK DRIVING ATTORNEY
Without a doubt, a drunk driving charge is a serious matter. Likewise, the search for a competent Michigan drunk driving attorney can be daunting and stressful.
Macie Law is an aggressive Michigan drunk driving attorney you can rely on. We advocate for our clients throughout the entire drunk driving process, from arrest to sentencing. Moreover, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
We offer free consultations to discuss your drunk driving case with you in detail.
DRUNK DRIVING CHARGES EXPLAINED BY MICHIGAN DRUNK DRIVING ATTORNEY MACIE LAW
There are several different charges for drunk driving in Michigan.
OWI – Operating While Intoxicated is defined as an individual who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic liquor, a controlled substance, or other intoxicating substance or a combination of alcoholic liquor, a controlled substance, or other intoxicating substance.
To be charged with an OWI, your blood alcohol content must be or exceed the legal limit of .08. However, there is no minimum blood content of a controlled substance or marijuana / THC. Therefore, it is important that you retain a Michigan drunk driving attorney to advocate for your rights.
OWVI – Operating While Visibly Impaired is defined as an individual who operates a motor vehicle while visibly impaired under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but whose blood alcohol content is a .07 or less.
Super Drunk Driving – High BAC is defined as an individual who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol with a BAC greater than .17. The penalties for a Super Drunk Driving conviction are harsher than that of a typical OWI. Therefore, it is important that you consult with a Michigan drunk driving attorney about your charges.
A Zero Tolerance Drunk Driving charge is defined as a minor that has been found to have operated a motor vehicle with a BAC of more than .02% but less than the legal limit of .08.
THE DRUNK DRIVING COURT PROCESS EXPLAINED BY MICHIGAN DRUNK DRIVING ATTORNEY MACIE LAW
DRUNK DRIVING TRAFFIC STOP
In most cases, a drunk driving arrest occurs when an individual is pulled over and investigated by a police office for possible intoxication. Legally, you cannot be pulled over without probable cause. Therefore, a police officer must witness you committing a traffic violation or showing signs of impaired driving.
FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS
An officer may ask a person to exit their vehicle and perform several field sobriety tests. A person may refuse to perform field sobriety tests. There are no penalties for refusing.
ROADSIDE PBT / BREATHALYZER TEST
A breathalyzer or portable breath test “PBT” is a device used to measure the blood alcohol content of a person.
Refusing a roadside PBT is not illegal, but it is a civil infraction that can result in fines, fees, and court costs.
ARREST
You can be arrested if a police officer has probable cause to believe you were operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. After a drunk driving arrest, a person is taken to the police station for booking.
DATAMASTER DMT
A person is typically requested to take a preliminary chemical breath alcohol test using a Datamaster DMT machine after they have been booked.
The DataMaster DMT is a scientific instrument designed to analyze a sample of a person’s breath. It determines the Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) in that sample.
Under Michigan’s Implied Consent Law, if a person refuses to take the preliminary chemical breath alcohol test, their driver’s license can be suspended in addition to 6 points added to their driving record.
An Implied Consent suspension can be appealed, but is time sensitive. If you have refused the chemical breath alcohol test, you should contact a Michigan drunk driving attorney immediately.
DEFENDING YOUR DRUNK DRIVING CASE
A drunk driving arrest is a complex matter. There are several laws and protocols a police officer must follow during the investigation, arrest, and booking of an alleged drunk driver.
If you have been arrested for OWI, OWVI, Super Drunk Driving, or Zero Tolerance, contact Macie Law to discuss your case. Retaining an aggressive and thorough Michigan drunk driving attorney can have a significant impact on your case.
MACIE LAW, PLLC IS A MICHIGAN DRUNK DRIVING ATTORNEY YOU CAN COUNT ON!
A drunk driving charge is an intimidating situation to face. A conviction can have a lasting effect on your life. Contact Macie Law for a free initial consultation!
