Dearborn DUI / OWI Attorney
Being charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) in Dearborn, Michigan, is a serious matter that can lead to significant legal and personal consequences. Whether you are facing a first-time offense or have multiple DUI charges, having a skilled and experienced attorney can make all the difference. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is committed to providing you with strong defense and expert legal counsel to help protect your rights and minimize the impact of DUI/OWI charges on your future.
What is DUI/OWI in Michigan?
In Michigan, DUI and OWI charges refer to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. There are various types of offenses within this category, including:
- OWI (Operating While Intoxicated): This occurs when a person operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or when impaired by drugs.
- OWVI (Operating While Visibly Impaired): This charge applies when a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle is noticeably impaired by alcohol or drugs, even if the BAC is below 0.08%.
- Zero Tolerance: For drivers under 21, Michigan has a zero-tolerance law, meaning any detectable alcohol in their system can result in an OWI charge.
- Drugged Driving: If you are caught driving under the influence of drugs (prescription, recreational, or over-the-counter), you may face similar penalties as alcohol-related offenses.
Potential Consequences of DUI/OWI Charges
The penalties for DUI/OWI charges can vary depending on factors such as prior convictions, BAC level, and whether anyone was injured as a result of the offense. Some potential consequences include:
- License Suspension: A conviction for DUI/OWI can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, preventing you from driving legally.
- Fines: DUI/OWI offenders are typically required to pay significant fines, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the offense and prior record.
- Jail Time: For repeat offenders or those with high BAC levels, jail time may be a consequence. Even first-time offenders may face short jail sentences, especially if aggravating factors are involved.
- Community Service: Many DUI/OWI convictions involve mandatory community service hours, which can be time-consuming and challenging to complete.
- Probation: If convicted, you may be placed on probation, which can include random drug and alcohol testing, counseling, and other conditions.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Having a DUI/OWI on your record will significantly increase your car insurance premiums.
- Permanent Criminal Record: A DUI/OWI conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, and more.
Why Choose The Law Office of Julian J. Poota?
A DUI/OWI charge is a serious matter that requires immediate legal attention. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota offers the following benefits:
- Extensive Experience: Our team has extensive experience handling DUI/OWI cases in Dearborn and across Michigan. We know how to challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, and protect your rights.
- Personalized Defense: We understand that each case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategy to your specific situation. Whether we challenge the traffic stop, contest the breathalyzer results, or argue that you were not impaired, we will develop a plan that works for you.
- Challenging Evidence: We scrutinize the evidence against you, including sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and witness testimony, to look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiation for Reduced Penalties: In cases where a conviction seems unavoidable, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce penalties or secure an alternative resolution, such as a diversion program.
- Protecting Your Driving Privileges: We fight to minimize the impact on your driving privileges by working to reduce license suspensions or obtain a restricted license when possible.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been arrested for DUI or OWI in Dearborn, don’t wait to contact an experienced attorney. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota offers free consultations to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options. Call (888) 399-7979 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment.
DUI/OWI cases in Dearborn are heard at the 19th District Court:
Address: 16099 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: (313) 943-2222
Website: 19th District Court Website