DUI Lawyers
When you need the best on your side, Mamat Law is here to fight your charges, work to reduce penalties, and win the strongest possible outcome for your DUI case anywhere in Michigan.
Practice Areas
Michigan DUI and OWI lawyers
If you are charged with DUI or OWI anywhere in Michigan, you are facing serious legal consequences that can impact every part of your life, from your freedom and driving privileges to your finances and reputation. At Mamat Law, we understand how stressful and confusing this experience can be. Our criminal defense attorneys bring years of experience, local court knowledge, and aggressive defense strategies to help clients fight DUI and OWI charges throughout Michigan.
We know what is at stake, and we are committed to protecting your rights, challenging the evidence against you, and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case. Whether you are in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, or any other Michigan community, Mamat Law is ready to stand by your side.
Understanding DUI and OWI Charges in Michigan
In Michigan, the term “Operating While Intoxicated” (OWI) is the legal name for what many people call DUI (Driving Under the Influence). You can be charged with OWI if you operate a vehicle on a public road while:
- Your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (per 210 liters of breath or per 67 milliliters of urine).
- You are “visibly impaired” by alcohol, a controlled substance, or any intoxicating substance—even if your BAC is below 0.08.
- You are under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or higher (zero-tolerance laws).
- You are under the influence of drugs (including prescription drugs) or any combination of alcohol and drugs.
Michigan law treats DUI/OWI offenses very seriously, with progressively harsher penalties for repeat offenses or high BAC levels (0.17% or higher, which is considered a “High BAC” offense).
Penalties for DUI in Michigan
The penalties for a DUI or OWI conviction in Michigan depend on the specifics of your case, including your BAC, prior offenses, and whether any aggravating factors (such as child passengers or accidents causing injury) are present.
Typical penalties include:
- First Offense (misdemeanor):
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Up to $500 in fines
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- License suspension for up to one year
- Possible ignition interlock device requirement for High BAC
- Six points added to your driving record
- Second Offense (within 7 years):
- Five days to one year in jail
- Up to $1,000–$2,000 in fines
- 30 to 90 days community service
- Minimum one-year license revocation
- Mandatory ignition interlock device
- Vehicle forfeiture or immobilization possible
- Third Offense (felony):
- One to five years in prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Minimum 30 days to one year in jail if probation is granted
- Minimum one-to-five-year license revocation
- Mandatory ignition interlock device
- Possible vehicle forfeiture
- Felony criminal record
Additionally, certain factors can lead to enhanced charges and sentencing:
- Having a passenger under 16 years old
- Causing serious injury or death in an accident
- Refusing a chemical test (implied consent violations)
Additional Consequences of a DUI on Your Record in Michigan
A DUI or OWI conviction can follow you for years, creating challenges well beyond the courtroom:
- Permanent criminal record (especially for felony OWI)
- Dramatic increases in car insurance rates or cancellation of coverage
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- Court-ordered substance abuse treatment and random testing
- Probation conditions restricting travel or lifestyle
- Professional licensing or employment consequences
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
At Mamat Law, we understand that even a first-time DUI charge can have life-changing implications. That is why we treat every case with the seriousness and attention it deserves.
How DUI Cases Work in Michigan Courts
DUI and OWI charges are prosecuted in district and circuit courts across Michigan. The process typically involves multiple stages:
- Arrest and Booking: Police may arrest you after field sobriety tests or chemical tests (breath, blood, urine) indicate intoxication.
- Arraignment: Your first court appearance where charges are read and bond conditions are set.
- Pretrial Hearings: Opportunity to negotiate pleas, file motions, and examine evidence.
- Motions to Suppress: Legal challenges to exclude evidence obtained illegally or improperly.
- Trial: If no resolution is reached, your case may go to trial before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing: If convicted, penalties are imposed per Michigan law.
- License Sanctions: Separate administrative processes with the Michigan Secretary of State can suspend or revoke your license, requiring hearings to restore driving privileges.
Because procedures can vary by county and even by judge, having a lawyer who knows the local courts is critical. Mamat Law has experience across Michigan, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent, Genesee, Washtenaw, Ingham, and beyond.
Possible Defenses in a Michigan DUI Case
Being charged with OWI or DUI does not automatically mean you will be convicted. There are many potential defenses an experienced attorney can raise, including:
- Unlawful traffic stop: Police lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over.
- Improper arrest procedures: Failure to read your rights or explain test requirements.
- Invalid field sobriety tests: Tests not conducted per standardized procedures.
- Faulty chemical tests: Breathalyzers not calibrated, blood draws mishandled, chain of custody errors.
- Constitutional violations: Illegal searches or interrogations.
- Medical conditions: Health issues that mimic intoxication symptoms.
- Lack of impairment evidence: Prosecution cannot prove you were impaired while driving.
At Mamat Law, we investigate every detail to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We fight to have charges reduced or dismissed, negotiate favorable plea deals when appropriate, and defend you at trial if needed.
How Mamat Law Can Help You Fight DUI Charges in Michigan
When you choose Mamat Law, you get a dedicated team of Michigan criminal defense lawyers with experience defending DUI and OWI charges throughout the state. We offer:
- Local knowledge: Familiarity with courts, judges, and prosecutors in cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, and beyond.
- Strategic defense planning: Customized strategies tailored to the specifics of your case.
- Aggressive advocacy: Challenging evidence, filing suppression motions, and fighting for acquittals.
- Negotiation skills: Working for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options when appropriate.
- License restoration help: Guiding you through Secretary of State hearings and administrative processes to get you back on the road.
- Clear, honest communication: We keep you informed at every step and are available 24/7 for urgent questions.
Contact Mamat Law
A DUI or OWI charge in Michigan is a serious matter with serious consequences. You do not have to face it alone. At Mamat Law, we are ready to listen to your side of the story, explain your options clearly, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Whether you are facing your first DUI charge or dealing with complex repeat or felony OWI allegations, our team is here to help you protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation and let Mamat Law be your defense partner anywhere in Michigan.