Rochester Hills OWI Attorney
Few people get into their car after an evening out expecting to be pulled over and arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI). Michigan’s OWI laws can lead to serious penalties for anyone convicted of driving while intoxicated. With the help of a Rochester Hills, MI, OWI lawyer, you can fight the charges by having your lawyer scrutinize the evidence to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
A Trusted Law Firm Serving Rochester Hills
When you feel like your back is up against the wall, having the support and legal counsel of a trusted and compassionate law firm can reassure you that you are not in this fight alone. The legal team at Jeffrey Randa and Associates has represented clients in OWI cases for decades, so we understand how to defend clients from these types of charges.
Trust is the foundation of any good client-attorney relationship, and we go to great lengths to earn our clients’ trust by always being open, honest, and transparent. We also strive to provide reliable and affordable legal services because securing quality legal representation shouldn’t cause you financial hardships.
Penalties for an OWI in Rochester Hills
Tens of thousands of Michiganders face DUI charges every year, and the penalties for defendants can vary depending on the circumstances of their case. A first-time OWI offense can lead to fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education courses, and potential jail time.
If the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is over 0.017%, the state’s Super Drunk law would apply, potentially leading to a longer driver’s license suspension and the requirement that the defendant install an ignition interlock device.
Repeat offenders face even more serious penalties. Anyone arrested in Rochester Hills and booked at Oakland County Jail in Pontiac could face harsh prosecution at the 52-3 District Court. Penalties could include mandatory jail time, vehicle immobilization, and longer license revocation.
Judges are well aware of the dangers posed by drunk driving and view punishing repeat offenders as one means of addressing the problem. In Michigan, during 2023, there were 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes that led to 297 fatalities.
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Defenses Against OWI Charges in Rochester Hills
A strong criminal defense strategy can help you fight your charges by chipping away at the prosecution’s case, which has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney can add doubt to the prosecution’s case by scrutinizing the evidence against you.
Breathalyzers are required to be calibrated at regular intervals. If the device that measured your alcohol levels was not calibrated according to the police department’s policies, that could invalidate the evidence against you. Similarly, any blood test that was run can be evaluated to see if the results are accurate and reliable.
Prosecutors are not always willing to offer favorable plea bargain agreements due to the serious harm that drunk drivers cause in Rochester Hills and Greater Detroit. Around 40% of fatal crashes in Michigan are tied to intoxicated drivers. With the help of an experienced defense attorney, though, you could be offered a deal that allows you to avoid the most serious penalties under the law.
Why You Need a Rochester Hills OWI Lawyer
Going to criminal court without an attorney present can be a regrettable mistake. Prosecutors are focused on securing convictions, and they may not learn about the particulars of your case if there is no advocate in court with you to present evidence that mitigates the offense or supports your case.
A criminal defense attorney brings years of experience helping defendants avoid the harshest penalties possible. If the prosecution’s evidence is weak, your lawyer can call for your charges to be reduced or dropped. Sometimes, a plea bargain can allow you to move past the ordeal and get on with your life.
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FAQs
Michigan uses the term operating while intoxicated instead of driving under the influence (DUI), but both refer to impaired driving offenses. OWI penalties can be severe, including fines, jail time, and license suspension. However, operating while visibly impaired (OWVI) is a lesser offense with reduced penalties, though it still results in a criminal record and potential driving restrictions.
A first-time OWI in Michigan is a misdemeanor that can result in up to 93 days in jail, community service, fines, and license suspension. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.17% or higher, you may face harsher penalties under the Super Drunk law. Completing an alcohol education program or seeking a plea deal could help mitigate some of the penalties.
In some cases, a DUI can be reduced to reckless driving or impaired driving (OWVI), which carries fewer penalties. Prosecutors may consider a lesser charge if there is insufficient evidence, procedural errors, or if the driver has no prior offenses. A defense attorney can negotiate a plea deal to minimize consequences.
The most severe DUI charge in Michigan is a felony OWI, which applies if you have two or more prior convictions, caused serious injury or death, or were driving with a suspended license. A felony DUI conviction can result in years of imprisonment, steep fines, permanent license revocation, and long-term consequences for employment and housing opportunities.
Schedule Your Appointment for a Rochester Hills OWI Consult Today
An OWI charge in Rochester Hills can have serious consequences, from fines and license suspension to possible jail time. Cases in this area are handled at the 52-3 District Court, where prosecutors take impaired driving offenses seriously. Having the right legal defense can help you challenge the charges and work toward a better outcome.
At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we represent drivers facing OWI charges in Rochester Hills and throughout Metro Detroit. Our team understands the local court system and knows how to fight for your future. We take pride in always being open, honest, and accessible to our clients. Contact us today to set up a no-cost consultation so we can learn about your case and prepare your defense.
Jeffrey Randa and Associates