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Looking for a DUI Lawyer in Michigan
Welcome to The Law Office of Julian J. Poota. We take pride in providing individuals with comprehensive and robust DUI defense services. Our determined attorney understands the often daunting complexities of the legal system, thus endeavoring to guide our clients through each step of their defense. The repercussions of a DUI charge can significantly impact your livelihood – from severe penalties to damage to your reputation. Hence, we firmly maintain a proactive approach to safeguard your rights and construct an aggressive defense. We understand the sensitivity of the situation you’re in – that’s why we’re immediately available to you. Contact us at (888) 399-7979 for a free consultation. With years of substantial experience, we handle each case with precision, confidentiality, and unwavering dedication. Turn to The Law Office of Julian J. Poota for an all-inclusive solution to your DUI charges.
Definition of DUI
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Michigan, you’re not alone. Our law firm stands by your side, providing comprehensive and resourceful defense strategies to navigate the challenging legal landscape. Michigan law, under section 257.625, outlines the crime of driving under the influence (DUI). The statute considers an individual under the influence if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more or are substantially impaired by, or under the influence of, alcoholic liquor, a controlled substance, or other intoxicating substance.
While understanding the initial charge is crucial, what is even more essential is comprehending your legal rights. Faced with a DUI charge, it might seem like all the cards are stacked against you, and it can feel like an uphill battle to prove your innocence. Our law firm is acutely aware of these feelings and offers robust, insightful, and dynamic defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. Our keen understanding and profound interpretation of Michigan law enable us to offer proficient defense strategies. Be it first-time defendants, or those with multiple convictions, we assure you that our approach is adapted to your unique situation. We are committed to providing a vigorous defense aimed at maintaining your dignity, protecting your rights, and ameliorating the potential impacts on your life.
Remember, being charged with a DUI is not indicative of guilt. The defense is your right. The law firm’s role is to make sure you are treated fairly, ensuring you are guilty only if the evidence truly proves beyond a reasonable doubt you committed the crime. With us on your side, you can expect dedicated, assiduous, and personalized representation throughout your legal journey. The pursuit of justice is our mutual interest.
DUI Stops and Arrests
Navigating through the legal intricacies that surround a DUI arrest can frequently feel overwhelming. The lawyers at our firm understand both the complexity and the emotional toll such a charge can entail. A traffic stop often precedes a DUI arrest. For a law enforcement officer to stop a driver legally, he or she must have a reasonable suspicion that the individual is violating the law in some way, which could be any traffic rule, not necessarily involving inebriation.
Once stopped, the officer then must establish probable cause to proceed with an arrest. This could occur through the officer’s observations (such as erratic driving or slurred speech), field sobriety test results, or other indicative behavior. It’s crucial to understand that, during every phase of this process, an individual’s rights are firmly rooted in place.
Our legal team stands prepared to vigorously defend those rights and assert an effective defense on behalf of those facing a DUI charge. Our firm’s lawyer thoroughly comprehends the manifold layers involved in DUI litigation, offering a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to each client’s unique situation. We are here to provide guidance, clarity, and assertive representation to those ensnared in the complex web of DUI law. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle; our firm is ready to navigate these turbulent waters alongside you, advocating for your rights and seeking the most favorable outcome possible.
DUI Testing
Defending against a DUI charge is a complex process that revolves around an intricate analysis of the testing procedures put in place during your arrest. A better understanding of these tests could give you a firmer grasp on your situation.
- One-Leg Stand: This field sobriety test measures your coordination by having you stand on one leg while the other is held about six inches off the ground. This helps to assess your stability and balance under the influence of alcohol.
- Walk-and-Turn: You will be asked to take nine heel-to-toe steps in a straight line, then turn and walk back in the same manner. Disruptions, confusion, lack of balance, or inability to follow instructions may flag impairment.
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus: An officer will look for involuntary jerking of your eyes as they track a slowly moving object like a flashlight. Impaired individuals often exhibit pronounced nystagmus.
In addition to field sobriety tests, chemical tests may be used to determine alcohol concentration levels in your system:
- Breath Test: Police officials could administer a breathalyzer test which requires you to blow into a device that measures the alcohol content in your breath.
- Blood Test: This is one of the most accurate forms of chemical testing. It involves taking a sample of your blood to assess the alcohol level present.
- Urine Test: Although less common and less precise, a urine test can still be used in certain circumstances to determine your Blood Alcohol Concentration.
Understanding these tests can empower you to navigate through the intricacies of defending a DUI charge and could become critical in developing your defense strategy.
Defenses to DUI
Drunk Driving charges are serious offenses and potentially carry severe consequences. If you’ve been accused, it is essential that you have knowledgeable representation defending your rights. Our experienced legal team will diligently investigate the circumstances surrounding your case to build a comprehensive defense strategy. We notably focus on the following potential defenses:
- Lack of Reasonable Suspicion for a Stop: One requirement for a police officer to justify pulling you over is having reasonable suspicion that a law has been violated. If such suspicion is absent or incorrect, it could lead to the dismissal of charges.
- Lack of Probable Cause for an Arrest: Probable cause is necessary for an officer to make an arrest. We carefully scrutinize the officer’s decision-making process to determine if they genuinely had probable cause to arrest you for drunk driving.
- Errors in Test Conduct: Testing for DUI, whether through field sobriety, breath, or blood tests, can sometimes be faulty. We observe any testing procedure deficiencies or technological failures that could invalidate the results.
- Alternative Explanations for Physical Symptoms: Certain physical symptoms may be mistakenly taken as signs of intoxication. Our team evaluates these situations carefully. Physical conditions such as allergies or illnesses can often mimic symptoms of drunkenness.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your DUI case, our seasoned lawyers work tirelessly to unearth every potential defense. We use our experience and understanding to tackle the complexities, day in, and day out, providing the rigorous defense you deserve. As rigorous advocates for DUI defendants, we commit to stand up for your rights and pursue the most favorable outcome possible. Our embrace of these critical defenses reflects our commitment to ensuring that you’re treated fairly under the law.
DUI Penalties
Being convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can have severe and far-reaching implications, affecting every facet of your life. You need a strong defense. Our law firm is well-versed in this intricate area of the law, offering aggressive representation for those facing such charges. Under Michigan law, penalties for a DUI conviction encompass possible imprisonment, hefty fines, and potential license suspensions.
First, for a first-offense DUI, Michigan law stipulates potential jail time up to 93 days. The financial burden can often be the most immediate impact, with fines ranging from $100 to $500. Moreover, the fines do not include the costs of court fees, or any costs associated with a mandatory alcohol education program. Suspensions of your driver’s license can last up to 365 days. Without the ability to drive, daily activities such as work, school, or running errands become major challenges.
Secondly, penalties increase substantially for subsequent offenses. Greater fines, longer prison terms, and extended suspensions are all possible. Michigan law takes many factors into account when determining penalties. For instance, the level of intoxication, previous convictions, and whether any damage or injury resulted from the incident could influence both the charges levied and the penalties applied.
Our intent is to provide rigorous representation for those standing accused. We can scrutinize every detail of your case, challenge the charges or the evidence, seek to negotiate plea agreements where feasible, or provide staunch representation in court. Confronting a DUI charge necessitates skilled legal guidance. Our law firm stands ready to provide just that. Swift and comprehensive action can mean the difference between a conviction and the maintenance of your freedoms.
Let Us Help You Fight Your Charges
DUI charges carry exacting legal repercussions. However, the good news is that these charges can be fought, and with the right legal representation, it’s wholly achievable. At The Law Office of Julian J. Poota, our relentless commitment to the defense of our clients charged with DUI is unyielding. We adeptly scrutinize evidentiary issues, challenge the legality of tests conducted, and passionately defend your innocence. We explore every angle for exculpation or reduction of charges, understanding the enormity of the situation and the weight it places on the accused. With us, you can be assured that we will analyze every piece of evidence meticulously and devise a defense strategy that suits your specific needs. Don’t let a DUI charge ruin your life. Reach out to us at (888) 399-7979 for a free consultation and let us aid in your fight against these charges.