DUI Overview

Michigan OWI Lawyer

OWI stands for "operating while intoxicated." This offense, commonly referred to as DUI (driving under the influence), involves a driver operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of a narcotic or other controlled substance. Most OWI offenses in Michigan are charged as misdemeanors, but in the presence of certain factors a defendant may face felony charges. Having prior convictions on your record or causing an auto accident while driving drunk are two such factors that will increase penalties. There are numerous ways the prosecution may attempt to prove guilt in a Michigan OWI or DUI case:

• That your ability to operate a motor vehicle was substantially lessened due to the consumption of intoxicating liquor.
• That you were operating a motor vehicle while with a blood alcohol concentration at or above .08%.
• That you were operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol. "Drugs" in this instance may include illegal narcotics as well as prescription and even over-the-counter drugs in some cases.

Law enforcement may attempt to prove guilt through the use of field sobriety tests (to prove that the driver's abilities were affected due to alcohol or drugs) or through the use of chemical testing (that the driver had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit).

Contact a Michigan DUI attorney to learn more!

Do not hesitate to contact a Michigan criminal defense attorney regarding your DUI or OWI charges. A conviction will haunt you forever. You may face difficulties involving employment and obtaining certain loans if you have a conviction on your record, and you may also face imprisonment and other serious penalties. It is essential that you do whatever you can to fight your charges and avoid the many consequences of an OWI on your criminal record.