10 Things You Should Know if You Get a DUI/OWI

When you’re accused of driving under the influence, understanding the charges can be difficult, which makes defending yourself even harder. Talk to your DWI lawyer when you’re unsure of what steps to take first when defending your name.

1. You May Be Given a Sobriety Test

When you’re first pulled over for a DUI, you may be given a field sobriety test. This test can determine your blood alcohol concentration, or BAC. If your BAC is over .08 percent, you may be taken into police custody, and your car may be towed. 

2. Refusal to Take Field Sobriety Test

So why shouldn’t you just refuse to take the test? It can hurt your license. When you get your license, you give implied consent to take a sobriety test if you’re stopped. Even if you’re sober, your license can be suspended for refusing. 

3. You May Face Harsh Penalties 

If you’re arrested for drunk driving, the penalties can be difficult to overcome. If you’re convicted, you may have fines, jail time, community service, and other financial penalties. You may also face financial trouble from the insurance company, as well as losing your license. 

4. Penalties for Minors Accused of Drunk Driving

Michigan has a zero tolerance policy, which means drivers under twenty-one may face penalties even if they’re not over the legal limit. If you’re convicted of driving while intoxicated as a minor, you may face fines, a license suspension, and community service if you have any alcohol in your system. 

5. Penalties for Commercial Drivers

If you drive for a living, you may face even harsher penalties for a DUI, especially if you were on the job when you were pulled over. You may be put out of service right away, and your commercial driver’s license may be suspended. That makes it impossible for you to   even if you’re not placed in jail. 

6. Your License May Be Suspended or Revoked

After an OWI conviction, your license may be suspended or revoked, depending on how many offenses are on your record. That means you may be unable to drive your car for months or years, while still paying for its upkeep. That can put you in serious financial trouble. 

7. What Is an IID? 

If you’re convicted of a DUI, you may have a chance to get a hardship license while your license is suspended. This gives you necessary driving privileges to commute to work, for example. But you may be expected to have an ignition interlock device, or IID. These devices make it impossible to start your vehicle without first passing a sobriety test. 

8. Your Expungement Options Are Limited

You may think this conviction will go away after you pay your dues, or you’ll be able to expunge the charges. Unfortunately, it’s not so simple. Getting DUI charges expunged can be difficult, and if you’ve been convicted, it may be impossible. Talk to your lawyer instead about fighting the charges and defending your case. 

9. Free Advice Can Hurt Your Case

There’s plenty of information out there about Michigan OWI charges, but it may be outdated, misleading, or completely incorrect. To get the right information, you may need a OWI lawyer to take a look at your case. 

10. Your DUI Lawyer Can Help 

If you’ve been accused of driving under the influence, you don’t have to go to court alone. Your DUI lawyer at the Schwartz Law Group can help you reduce or avoid these penalties, so you can get your life back on track. Give us a call at 248-930-5019 or fill out the online contact form below to speak with a lawyer.