Who is the top-rated drunk driving attorney in Michigan?

If you are charged with Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, your liberty, driving privileges, and future are at stake. Your best hope of avoiding a conviction and jail is with a highly respected, proficient defense lawyer.

Experienced OWI Defense Attorneys

Driving while under the influence is serious anywhere in the country, but when you drive after drinking in Michigan, you’ll need a drunk driving attorney in Michigan who is experienced, respected, and influential. Judges in Michigan don’t view misdemeanor or felony DUIs lightly, so it may not matter whether this is your first offense or not. You should take the matter as seriously as the judge will, and that’s why the experienced lawyers to call are at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, PLLC. We aren’t afraid to win and will work tirelessly to get an acquittal or reduced charges and a lenient sentence (without jail). When your record and reputation are on the line, we’re the criminal defense attorneys to turn to when there is no room for errors or false promises.

Among the Best Drunk Driving Attorneys in Michigan – We’re Here to Win the Case

A drunk driving charge can be challenging to deal with and comes with direct and collateral consequences. Although many lawyers handle these cases, few have the experience, qualifications, and reputations necessary to achieve the best possible result. The technicalities, science, and constitutional considerations make it essential to retain the services of an expert drunk driving attorney in Michigan for a successful outcome. You might think that a DUI is a simple misdemeanor, an unfortunate one that you may or may not mind having on your record. But operating a vehicle while intoxicated remains on your record for life and can forever impact your life. Viewing the situation in that light, you can see why your best bet is to contact the Michigan drunk driving attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Hiring a Drunk Driving Attorney in Michigan

Hiring an attorney for an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) defense in Michigan is a daunting process. Most people have questions to ensure they make the right decision and get the best representation possible. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by those seeking to hire an OWI defense attorney in Michigan:

How much experience do you have with OWI cases? Clients want to know if the attorney is familiar with defending against these types of charges. The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have decades of experience successfully defending clients against misdemeanor and felony OWI charges.

What are your fees and payment plans? OWI defense can be expensive, so understanding the cost upfront is crucial. Most retained lawyers in Michigan charge an upfront fee called an “engagement” or “retainer” fee. Some good and affordable lawyers permit clients to make payments if there is an outstanding balance.

What’s the difference between OWI, DUI, and DWI in Michigan? These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are differences. Technically, the charge in Michigan is OWI or Operating While Intoxicated. The lesser offense is OWVI or Operating While Visibly Impaired. If someone has previous OWI convictions, the penalty becomes more severe.

How often do your cases go to trial? Some clients prefer to avoid a bench or jury trial on OWI charges, while others may want to fight the charges. Over 90% of OWI charges are resolved with a plea bargain or dismissal.

What possible defenses are there for my case? Even if it seems like the evidence is solid, a good attorney will be able to review potential defenses, such as:

Improper stop or lack of probable cause.
Administration and accuracy of field sobriety tests (SFST).
Administration and accuracy of Intoxilyzer or Datamaster breathalyzer tests.
Administration, chain of custody, and accuracy of blood tests.
Medical conditions that mimic OWI symptoms, such as sleep apnea.
Improper police procedures or Miranda violations.
Inaccurate police observations or contradictions in the police report.
A time gap between driving and blood or breath alcohol testing.
Ingestion of mouth alcohol or interfering substances.
Calibration and maintenance issues of breathalyzer machines.
Rising blood alcohol defense (alcohol consumed just before driving hadn’t yet fully entered the bloodstream).
Prescription or over-the-counter medications caused impairment.
There is insufficient evidence to prove operating, driving, or actual physical control.
Other interfering substances (e.g., ketosis in people with diabetes affecting breath test results).

What are the potential penalties if I’m convicted? For a first-offense OWI, the maximum penalty is 93 days in jail, two (2) years of probation, suspension of driving privileges for 30 days, restricted license for 150 days, 360 hours of community service, fines, and costs.

How do Michigan’s OWI laws work regarding blood alcohol content (BAC)? Knowing the specific legal limits can be crucial. The BAC limit for OWI cases in Michigan is .08. The OWI Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has seen OWVI (visibly impaired) charges with BACs as low as .05. A BAC of 0.17 or higher qualifies as Super Drunk or OWI w/ High BAC.

Do you have experience in the court where my case will be heard? Having an attorney familiar with local court customs and personnel can be an advantage. The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have extensive experience and a track record of success in all courts in Southeastern Michigan, including but not limited to Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.

What are the potential long-term consequences of an OWI conviction on my record? The long-term consequences of an OWI conviction impact many aspects of someone’s life, including employment, insurance rates, child custody, immigration, and professional licenses.

Can my OWI charge be reduced or dismissed? A common hope is that the charge can be lessened to something with fewer penalties. The best hope of getting OWI charges reduced or dismissed is with a strong, experienced, and influential defense lawyer.

How will this affect my driver’s license? Michigan has specific rules about license suspensions or revocations for OWI offenses. A first-offense OWI conviction carries a 30-day license suspension and 150-day restriction along with six (6) points, while an OWVI carries a 90-day restriction (no suspension) along with four (4) points. Two (2) convictions within seven (7) years, or three (3) within 10 years, results in a revoked driver’s license.

Do I need to attend alcohol or drug education programs? Some convictions come with mandatory education or therapy. Engaging in therapy or education before a conviction might be in a person’s best interest. It is always best to seek a professional substance abuse evaluation to determine the appropriate level of care. A lawyer should not be suggesting treatment without an expert’s guidance. If someone obtains a professional alcohol abuse evaluation and follows the recommendations, a judge and prosecutor will likely favorably consider those proactive rehabilitative measures.

What should I do if I’m pulled over again while my case is pending? A second charge can complicate matters significantly. If this should happen, it is essential that you contact your lawyer immediately. Picking up a new OWI offense while on bond or probation can have dire immediate and collateral consequences. An experienced defense lawyer knows what to do to protect you.

How do you handle evidence like breathalyzer results? The accuracy and calibration of these machines and their operators can sometimes be challenged. The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTIEN, P.L.L.C. are at the forefront of training and experience when attacking the government’s blood and breath-alcohol testing evidence.

Will I go to jail? Incarceration is a primary concern for many facing OWI charges. The overwhelming majority of our clients do NOT get jail time.

Your Best Defense to OWI Charges Starts Here

No one intends to harm someone when they have a few drinks and get behind the wheel. Yet accidents happen. Making an example of those who are caught is intended to deter others from endangering their lives and the lives of others. Entrusting your case to LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. gives you the advantage of our experience and skill in producing the best possible outcome. Regardless of whether you are wrongly accused or if you acknowledge that the charges are justified, call us when you need a winning Michigan drunk driving attorney.

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.