Plymouth OWI Attorney
An enjoyable night out can become a regrettable mistake if you are pulled over. Michigan’s no-tolerance stance on operating while intoxicated (OWI) can lead to immediate and lasting consequences that can leave you feeling uncertain about the future. With the help of a Plymouth, MI, OWI lawyer, you can balance the scales of justice in your favor by gaining the guidance of skilled legal counsel who knows OWI cases.
A Trusted OWI Firm Serving Plymouth and Greater Detroit
Facing criminal charges can be an isolating experience. The legal team at Jeffrey Randa and Associates is here to tell you that we understand the stress you are going through. For decades, we helped people in your situation resolve their cases under terms that allowed them to put the entire ordeal behind them.
Fighting OWI charges or securing a favorable plea bargain agreement requires a deep understanding of the law. We are one of the few law firms in the Greater Detroit area that has focused on defending clients against DUI charges for decades. Beyond delivering exceptional results for our clients, we take pride in being honest and transparent with the people we represent.
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What Are the Penalties for OWI in Plymouth, Michigan?
Michigan’s criminal courts take OWI cases seriously due to the dangers of drunk driving. There were 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes and 297 fatalities in 2023. While other states refer to drinking and driving as a DUI (driving under the influence), Michigan categorizes that crime as operating while intoxicated.
This crime carries severe penalties that increase with each offense. A first-time OWI can result in fines, a lengthy license suspension, and jail time. If the offense involved a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.17% or higher, enhanced penalties apply under Michigan’s Super Drunk law.
For repeat offenders, consequences escalate. A second OWI within a certain time period leads to mandatory jail time, a longer license revocation, and a possible vehicle immobilization. A third OWI is classified as a felony and carries potential prison time.
Can You Fight an OWI Charge in Plymouth?
An OWI charge in Plymouth does not mean a guaranteed conviction. A strong defense starts by challenging the evidence. If you were pulled over near Five Mile Road or Beck Road, your attorney can question whether law enforcement had probable cause for the stop. If the initial traffic stop was unjustified, your attorney could call for unlawfully collected evidence to be suppressed, meaning it can no longer be used against you in court.
Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests are not always reliable. Medical conditions, improper calibration, or police errors can lead to false positives. Surveillance footage, witness testimony, or analysis may also help disprove impairment claims.
If your case is being heard at the 35th District Court, an experienced attorney can negotiate alternative sentencing options, such as a deferred probation program or substance abuse treatment, to avoid harsher penalties. Criminal defense attorneys are skilled litigators, and they understand how to negotiate with prosecutors.
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How Can a Plymouth OWI Lawyer Defend You in Court?
A Plymouth OWI lawyer can examine every aspect of your case to build a strong defense. If you were stopped near Sheldon Road or Haggerty Road, your attorney could investigate whether the police followed proper procedures. Any violations of your rights during the stop, arrest, or chemical testing could result in evidence being suppressed or the case being dismissed.
Breathalyzer results are often the prosecution’s strongest evidence, but they are not foolproof. Errors in machine calibration, officer training, or sample collection can result in inaccurate readings. Your lawyer can challenge these results by questioning when and how the test was administered.
FAQs
Tens of thousands of Michiganders face DUI charges every year. While not legally required, hiring a lawyer for an OWI in Michigan is highly recommended. Legal representation can help challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, and minimize penalties. Without an attorney, you may face harsher consequences, including license suspension, heavy fines, or jail time. A lawyer can identify legal errors and work toward a more favorable outcome in your case.
A DUI charge in Michigan may be dismissed if the traffic stop was unlawful, sobriety tests were flawed, or evidence is insufficient. Lawyers challenge breathalyzer accuracy, field sobriety test administration, and police procedures. If legal violations are found, the prosecutor may drop or reduce charges, helping to avoid serious penalties or a permanent criminal record.
Jail time for a first DUI in Michigan is possible but not guaranteed. Sentencing depends on factors like blood alcohol content, prior record, and aggravating circumstances. First-time offenders often receive probation, fines, and community service instead of jail. However, repeat offenses or reckless behavior increase the likelihood of incarceration, making legal representation crucial.
An OWI remains on your record for life in Michigan, but new laws allow for expungement in certain cases. Under Michigan’s Clean Slate Law, first-time OWI offenders may petition for expungement after five years. Meeting eligibility requirements depends on case details, compliance with sentencing, and avoiding further offenses. A lawyer can guide you through the process.
Schedule Your Plymouth OWI Consultation Today
With roughly 40% of fatal crashes in Michigan being linked to drunk driving, the state’s OWI laws aim to reduce the dangers of drunk driving. Cases in this area go through the 35th District Court, where prosecutors aggressively pursue drunk driving offenses. Without legal representation, you could be pressured into an unfair plea bargain agreement or face serious penalties.
At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we defend drivers facing OWI charges in Plymouth and throughout Metro Detroit. We take pride in being open and honest with our clients because great client-attorney relationships are built upon trust. Contact our office today to schedule your no-cost consultation so we can learn about your case and begin preparing your defense.
Jeffrey Randa and Associates