Helping You Defend Against DUI Charges
A DUI/OWI conviction in Grand Rapids, Michigan, or the Greater Central West Michigan area, can damage your life. You need a knowledgeable DUI/OWI defense attorney to make sure that you get the best possible results in your case. An attorney who believes in you and who will challenge the prosecution in your DUI/OWI case is vital.
At WN Law PLLC, our firm ensures that your constitutional rights are protected and that all possible legal challenges are raised in your DUI/OWI criminal defense case. Attorney Renee Wagenaar has spent her entire legal career defending the rights of individuals pulled over by the police. Ms. Wagenaar has never worked for the prosecution and vigorously advocates for clients who have been arrested on a DUI/OWI charge.
DUI/OWI Penalties And Consequences
In the state of Michigan, the legal blood alcohol limit is .08%. If you are pulled over for a traffic violation and the Breathalyzer test indicates .08 or above, you will be considered legally intoxicated. DUI/OWI convictions are difficult because the consequences are so severe. A conviction may lead to any combination of:
- Jail
- Fines
- License suspension
- Ignition interlock device
- Vehicle immobilization
- Community service
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence in the case against you, you may lose the ability to drive, which will impact your job and your ability to pay your rent or your mortgage. Many of our clients at WN Law PLLC are concerned about all of the intersecting ways in which a DUI/OWI arrest can harm them and their families. At WN Law PLLC, Renee Wagenaar’s holistic approach to criminal defense ensures that you will get a defense that considers the impact of the case on your family for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUIs In Michigan
When facing DUI charges, the legal process can seem daunting and complex. We understand how stressful this time can be. We are here to answer your questions and provide clear, straightforward guidance on how the process works and the potential outcomes. In the meantime, please read some answers to frequently asked questions about DUI charges in Michigan.
How long does a DUI stay on your record?
In Michigan, the length of time a DUI conviction remains on your criminal record can vary. Generally, a DUI will stay on your criminal record indefinitely, which can impact various aspects of your life. However, when it comes to your driving record, Michigan has a “look back” period of seven years for most DUI offenses. This means that after seven years, the DUI will not be visible on your driving record. However, a third or subsequent DUI offense will remain on your driving record permanently.
Can DUI charges be reduced?
While it is challenging to have DUI charges completely dropped in Michigan, there is often the possibility of getting them reduced. This process typically involves negotiating a plea bargain where you might plead guilty to a lesser charge, which can result in lower penalties and less impact on your driving record. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can significantly influence this outcome by building a strong case for mitigating circumstances or questioning the validity of the evidence, such as the accuracy of blood alcohol content measurements or the conduct of field sobriety tests.
Will I lose my license after a DUI in Michigan?
Losing your license is a common consequence of a DUI arrest in Michigan, and the duration of the suspension can vary significantly depending on whether you are a first time or repeat offender. For first-time offenders, license suspension can range from a few months to a year, while repeat offenders face longer suspension periods or even revocation. Additionally, if you hold a commercial driver’s license, a DUI conviction can end your driving career by resulting in its permanent revocation. Understanding the specifics of your case and working with an attorney can help in potentially reducing these severe outcomes.
How likely is jail time for a first-time DUI offense in Michigan?
While Michigan law does not mandate jail time for a first-time DUI offense, the court may still impose days in jail depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, such as your blood alcohol content at the time of arrest or if there was an accident involving property damage or injury. Working with a criminal defense lawyer who understands the nuances of Michigan’s DUI laws can help in advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation or participation in a treatment program.
Protect Your License – Contact Us Today
If you are facing a drug charge in Central West Michigan, contact our firm for a free consultation. You may call the firm at 616-426-9491 or email the firm. Our firm prides itself on being available to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.