Oakland County Drunk Driving Attorneys

If you live in the Oakland County region of Michigan, you know that there are police officers out there who direct many efforts to find and apprehend intoxicated drivers. Operating while intoxicated (OWI) is a common criminal charge, which is also called DUI or DWI in some states. Just because OWI is common, however, does not mean it is a minor offense. A conviction for OWI can have costly and sometimes life-altering consequences.

You should always take OWI charges seriously and reach out for help from an Oakland County drunk driving attorney. The Law Offices of Bradley J. Friedman handles drunk driving charges in Michigan, and we can assess the best defense options in your situation. 

OWI Arrests and Charges

Oakland County authorities are tough on drunk driving. Many officers are so focused on stopping and arresting drunk drivers that they might violate your rights while doing so. Never assume that just because you are arrested and charged with OWI, a conviction is inevitable. There are many ways a drunk driving defense lawyer can help to reduce your penalties – or eliminate your charges altogether. 

The best time to contact a lawyer is right after your arrest. There is a very limited amount of time to challenge license suspensions, and you want us to request an administrative review of your suspension as soon as possible. Then, we will go to work on determining the best strategy for your defense in criminal court. 

Possible Drunk Driving Penalties in Michigan

You can be convicted of OWI in Michigan when you:

• Have test results showing a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of over 0.08 percent
• Face other evidence that you were under the influence of alcohol

Note that even if you refuse a breathalyzer test, officers and prosecutors can still use testimony, witness reports, and other evidence to prove your intoxication. 

Even a first offense of OWI can have serious penalties, and maximum court-ordered penalties might include:

• 93 days in county jail or 180 days if a BAC registered above 0.17 percent
• 360 hours of community service
• $500 in fines or $700 for a high BAC over 0.17 percent

For a second offense, possible jail time increases to one year, and you can face up to five years for a third offense. 

In addition, an OWI conviction can cause you to lose your license, forfeit your vehicle, and more. You might lose a job if it requires driving and face other costly consequences. You want to avoid an OWI conviction whenever possible. 

Speak with an Oakland County Drunk Driving Attorney Today

At The Law Offices of Bradley J. Friedman, we have OWI attorneys with ample experience handling the intricacies involved in defending against a drunk driving charge. We have helped countless clients receive the most favorable outcome possible in their drunk driving criminal case. If you are in the Oakland County area and have a charge pending, you should not wait to contact our law firm today.