What will happen to me if I’m charged with OWI?

If you are charged with an OWI or DUI, you are likely concerned about what will happen to you and how the charge will impact your future.

The Scientific Defense of OWI Charges

Drunk driving is probably one of the most common criminal offenses in Michigan. It is illegal to drive in Michigan with a blood alcohol content of over 0.08% level. In reality, it does not take a lot of alcohol to reach that level. Generally, a 200-pound man can reach a 0.08% blood alcohol level after 4 alcoholic drinks (12 oz. beers), and a 120-pound woman can reach a 0.08% blood alcohol level after 2 alcoholic drinks (12 oz. beers). It is clear that different people have different tolerances and may “feel” sober when they are legally not sober. Are you wondering, “What will happen to me if I’m charged with OWI?” We can help you figure out your options and how best to help you.

If you are arrested for drunk driving, you could face numerous penalties and types of alcohol-related charges, including a restriction or complete loss of your driving privileges. For instance, Michigan now has a “super drunk” statute that allows penalties to be increased significantly if you drive with a blood-alcohol level of 0.17% or higher. If you have multiple prior drunk driving offenses on your criminal record, you will likely be charged with a felony, and there would be the risk of going to prison. If you are wondering, “What will happen to me if I’m charged with OWI?” it is essential that you call a trusted OWI defense attorney immediately for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Charges and Defenses to Operating While Intoxicated Charges

“What will happen to me if I’m charged with OWI?” A top OWI defense lawyer will take the time to meet with you and talk about the charges. After hearing all the facts and circumstances, an experienced attorney can assess your case and determine if you have any potential defenses to the charges.

The psychologists and the legal system have gotten together in recent years and acknowledged that alcoholism (or mental illness) is frequently involved in a drunk driving charge. The result of mental health professionals getting involved has increased the use of treatment programs and courts specifically geared towards getting the person the rehabilitation and/or mental health treatment needed to overcome the problems and lead a healthy life. These are often called “Sobriety Courts” or “Treatment Courts.”

Planning a defense to a charge of operating while intoxicated is complex and should not be left to an attorney who is a part-time criminal law practitioner. Many things need to be considered, such as whether or not the initial traffic stop was constitutional, the timeliness and accuracy of a breath or blood test, among other things. There is often a referral for a substance abuse evaluation. A lawyer that does not specialize in criminal defense will likely be unaware of all potential defenses available to a client charged with OWI and the various ways to obtain an extraordinary outcome.

An experienced, effective and fearless OWI Defense Attorney Can Help You

The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have decades of experience and are experts in the area of defending people charged with alcohol-related offenses. When you are facing the possible loss of your freedom, income, driving privileges, and civil rights, it is essential that you have the best legal team to help you. What will happen to you if you’re charged with OWI? It is hard to say without looking at your particular circumstances; however, we can assure you that if you work with our team, we will do whatever it takes to get you the best possible outcome!

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.