OWI Causing Injury or Death Defense Attorney

If you are under investigation or charged with OWI Causing Injury or Death Defense, LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is ready, willing, and able to help you!

OWI Causing Injury or Death Charges, Penalties, and Defenses – What You Need to Know

An OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charge in Michigan is serious enough. But when that OWI leads to someone’s injury or death, the stakes become immeasurably higher. If you or a loved one faces an allegation of OWI Causing Serious Injury or Death, you need the immediate help of experienced criminal defense attorneys who understand the complexities of Michigan OWI law and have a proven track record of success defending clients facing felony charges.

Understanding Michigan OWI Causing Injury or Death

Under Michigan law, MCL 257.625(4) and (5), if you operate a vehicle while intoxicated and cause serious injury or death, you can face felony charges with severe penalties:

OWI Causing Serious Injury: Up to 10 years in prison, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.

OWI Causing Death: Up to 15 years in prison, substantial fines, license revocation, and the lifelong burden of a felony conviction.

Beyond these direct penalties, the collateral consequences can be disastrous:

Loss of driving privileges: The Michigan Department of State can suspend or revoke your driver’s license, which can impact your ability to work and live.

Loss of the right to possess firearms: A felony conviction permanently takes away your Second Amendment right to possess firearms.

Difficulty obtaining employment: A criminal record can severely limit job opportunities and career prospects.

Immigration consequences: If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a conviction can lead to deportation or denial of naturalization.

How Top Criminal Defense Lawyers Fight for You

At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., our skilled defense attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against OWI causing injury or death charges. We meticulously analyze every detail of your case, looking for potential legal and constitutional defenses, such as:

Challenging the validity of the traffic stop or arrest: Were your rights violated during the initial encounter with law enforcement?

Questioning the accuracy of blood alcohol tests: Were proper procedures followed, and was the equipment properly calibrated?

Exploring alternative explanations for the accident: Were there other contributing factors that led to the injury or death?

The Power of Experience and Reputation

At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we understand that facing an OWI Causing Injury or Death charge is overwhelming and life-altering. Our firm’s reputation for excellence isn’t just about winning cases; it’s about leveraging the trust and respect we’ve cultivated within the legal community to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our strong relationships with prosecutors and judges are not just about familiarity; they’re about open lines of communication and a mutual understanding of the complexities involved in OWI cases. This rapport can be crucial when negotiating for a dismissal or a plea agreement for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options like probation, counseling, or community service.

Our commitment to our clients goes beyond legal arguments. We believe in the power of rehabilitation and understand that a single mistake should not define a person’s future. We tirelessly advocate for solutions that prioritize treatment and support, aiming to minimize the long-term impact of an OWI charge on your life. When your freedom and reputation are on the line, you need a legal team with the experience, reputation, and dedication to fight for you. At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we’re more than just lawyers; we’re your advocates, committed to helping you navigate this challenging situation and secure the best possible outcome.

Why Choose LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.?

It is vital that you have confidence in your lawyer and choosing the right team to protect and defend you can be challenging. The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., has a proven track record of extraordinary success representing clients facing severe criminal allegations, such as OWI Causing Serious Injury or Death.

Proven track record: We have a history of achieving favorable results for clients facing serious OWI charges.

Unwavering dedication: We provide compassionate, personalized representation, guiding you through every step of the legal process.

Aggressive advocacy: We fight relentlessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Example of a Client Testimonial

Our client, Sarah, gave us permission to post the following testimonial:

I can’t express how grateful I am to the team at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. I made a horrible decision to drive home after having one too many drinks at the bar. On my way, I collided with another car that had driven through a yellow light. The other driver was seriously injured, and tragically, the passenger lost their life.
Initially, the prosecutor was considering charging me with second-degree murder. I was terrified and felt my life was over. Thankfully, I had the incredible defense team at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. on my side. My attorney worked tirelessly and was able to convince the prosecutor to reduce the charge to OWI Causing Death.
At the preliminary examination, my attorney’s skill and expertise truly shone. They elicited crucial testimony that called the evidence into question, leading to the charge being reduced again in Circuit Court to a first-offense OWI felony and a misdemeanor reckless driving. Instead of facing 15 years in prison, I only had to serve 30 days.
Without the expert assistance and tenacious defense of LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., I know I would have ended up in prison, divorced, and losing my children. Their dedication, skill, and compassion saved my life. I am eternally thankful for everything they have done for me.
– Sarah

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan OWI Causing Injury or Death

If you face serious criminal allegations, such as OWI Causing Serious Injury or Death, you likely have many questions. Here are some of the more frequently asked questions. If you need additional information, do not hesitate to call us for a free consultation 24 hours per day.

What should I do if I’m involved in an alcohol-related accident with injuries or a fatality?

First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention for anyone involved. Then, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The police can and will use anything you say against you, so it’s crucial to have legal counsel before speaking to authorities.

Can I be charged with OWI causing injury or death even if I wasn’t legally drunk?

Yes. In Michigan, you can be charged with OWI if your ability to operate a vehicle was visibly impaired due to alcohol or drugs, even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was below the legal limit of 0.08%.

What if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Even if you believe you weren’t at fault, you can still face charges if you were operating a vehicle while intoxicated and someone was injured or killed. A skilled attorney can investigate the circumstances of the accident and build a defense based on the facts of your case.

Can I go to jail even if the injured person doesn’t want to press charges?

Yes. OWI causing injury or death is a criminal offense prosecuted by the state, not the individual victim. Even if the victim doesn’t want to pursue charges, the prosecutor can proceed.

Will I automatically lose my driver’s license if I’m convicted?

It’s highly likely. In Michigan, a conviction for OWI causing injury or death results in license suspension or revocation. However, an attorney may be able to negotiate for restricted driving privileges or alternative sentencing options.

What are my chances of getting the charges reduced or dismissed?

The outcome of your case depends on many factors, including the specifics of the accident, the evidence against you, and the skill of your legal representation. An experienced attorney can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and develop a strategy to pursue the best possible outcome.

If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation. We’re here to provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.

Don’t Face OWI Causing Injury or Death Charges Alone

If you or a loved one is facing OWI causing injury or death charges in Michigan, don’t hesitate to contact LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain how we can help. Our skilled, successful criminal defense attorneys are your best hope for navigating this complex legal situation and achieving the best possible outcome. We have decades of experience and a proven track record of success. We will find a way to help you!

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.