DUI Attorney in Southfield, MI

Whether you were pulled over near Northwestern Highway, Evergreen Road, or elsewhere in town, a DUI criminal charge can threaten your freedom and driving privileges. Defendants convicted of a second DUI in Greater Michigan can face mandatory time in jail and other serious penalties. With representation from a Southfield DUI lawyer, you can fight your charges and secure an outcome to your case that safeguards your future and protects your freedom.

Why Work With Jeffrey Randa and Associates

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we know that one mistake or accusation does not define who you are. Facing an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge can place your freedom, your record, and your future at risk. Since 1993, our firm has provided results-driven legal representation to defendants in Farmington.

What distinguishes our practice is our deep commitment to OWI defense and driver’s license restoration. We have decades of experience navigating Michigan’s laws and working toward solutions that help clients put these cases behind them. As a recovery-focused law firm, we also recognize the value of treatment programs in addressing underlying issues and supporting long-term success.

Understanding DUIs in Southfield

Being charged with a DUI can lead to serious penalties if you are convicted. Under Michigan law, a first OWI conviction with a BAC of 0.08 or higher is a misdemeanor. It can result in up to 93 days in jail (although jail is not mandatory), fines of up to $500, and a driver’s license suspension.

For a second offense within seven years, the penalties are more severe. Drivers face fines of $200 to $1,000, mandatory jail time of at least five days and up to one year, community service, and a mandatory license revocation, along with other sanctions.

In 2023, Michigan recorded 2,250 drug-involved crashes that led to 256 fatalities. That was in addition to 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes statewide. In Oakland County, which includes Southfield, drunk driving arrests have declined by about 20% between 2014 and 2023, yet DUIs remain a serious public health risk and a potential reason residents in Greater Michigan face criminal charges.

Effective Defense Strategies for Fighting DUI Charges

An effective defense is any approach that makes it difficult for prosecutors to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. One common strategy is to challenge the circumstances of the traffic stop. If law enforcement lacked a clear reason to suspect that you were impaired, the stop itself may have been unlawful. Officers are trained to note behaviors like drifting between lanes or abrupt braking, but without such indicators, the stop may violate your rights.

The accuracy of testing is another factor that could help your defense. A breathalyzer that has not been properly maintained or calibrated may produce faulty results. If your case involved a field sobriety test, how it was conducted, and under what conditions, can also be challenged. In some situations, acknowledging and addressing an underlying substance use problem can also serve as part of a defense by showing the court a proactive step toward recovery and responsibility.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

Facing a DUI or second DUI in court without representation from a Southfield DUI attorney could be a costly mistake. The decision to hire a DUI lawyer can greatly improve the chances that you avoid serious DUI penalties and the lasting consequences of a DUI conviction.

Lawyers are more than representatives in court. They are trusted advisors who can give you straightforward feedback and assessments about your case and your options. A criminal defense attorney can also rely on their years of experience and understanding of DUI laws to see a resolution to your case that protects your rights and preserves your freedom.

FAQs

How Can a DUI Lawyer Help Me Avoid a Criminal Conviction?

A DUI lawyer can take direct and decisive action to influence the outcome of your case in your favor. With strong representation, you benefit from your attorney’s years of experience working in the local court system. Lawyers can fight your charges, file motions to suppress evidence, or present mitigating evidence with the goal of securing leniency from the courts.

What Is a Recovery-Based Approach to Fighting DUI Charges?

A recovery-based defense emphasizes personal accountability and treatment. If you have a substance use disorder and take steps such as counseling or group therapy, courts may view that effort positively. An attorney familiar with this approach can explain how it may strengthen your defense. A recovery-based defense can lead to alternative sentencing or reduced charges.

Can I Be Pulled Over Randomly in Michigan?

Law enforcement cannot pull you over or detain you unless they have a valid reason. Police are trained to look for specific signs of intoxication, such as swerving or making sudden stops. If they pull you over simply because it is late at night or because you are in a certain neighborhood, your lawyer could argue that you were unlawfully pulled over. In that case, any evidence collected could be suppressed.

What Are the Potential Outcomes for My Case?

The potential outcomes of your case will be dependent on the circumstances surrounding the charges against you. Whether you are found guilty, the charges are dropped, or there is a reduction in the charges against you will be determined by the evidence presented. It is the job of an attorney to seek an outcome that protects their clients’ freedom. With strong representation, you can secure reduced or dropped charges. The right attorney will put their knowledge and experience to work for you.