Kalamazoo OWI Defense Attorney

Michigan OWI and OWVI Defense

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated means that you were unable to safely operate the vehicle due to a high level of drugs or alcohol in your system. It is imperative that you hire an experienced Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids DUI attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. Penalties for first offenses can include up to 93 days in jail, significant fines, installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, and more. Penalties increase exponentially on multiple offenses.

You do not have to fail a blood test or a field sobriety test in order to be arrested for operating a vehicle while visibly impaired. This determination is at the discretion of the arresting officer, but the penalties can be just as severe as an OWI conviction. You can rely on our Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids DUI lawyers to get to the truth behind your arrest and to protect your rights throughout the entire process.

Understanding DUI Conviction Consequences

Being charged with a DUI can have serious consequences that can impact your life in various ways. It is important to understand the potential repercussions of a DUI conviction, so you can make informed decisions about your defense strategy. Our experienced Kalamazoo DUI attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and help you minimize the negative consequences.

Here are some potential consequences of a DUI conviction:

• License Suspension: A DUI conviction can result in the suspension of your driver's license, making it difficult to commute to work, run errands, or fulfill other daily responsibilities.
• Financial Penalties: DUI convictions often come with hefty fines, court costs, and fees. These financial obligations can add up quickly and put a strain on your finances.
• Ignition Interlock Device: In some cases, a DUI conviction may require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device measures your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) before allowing you to start the car.
• Probation: A DUI conviction may result in probation, which can include regular check-ins with a probation officer, mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, and other restrictions on your daily activities.
• Increased Insurance Rates: A DUI conviction can lead to a significant increase in your auto insurance rates. This can make it more challenging to afford coverage and may even result in your insurance company dropping you as a customer.
• Criminal Record: A DUI conviction will become a permanent part of your criminal record, which can have long-term implications for employment opportunities, housing applications, and other aspects of your life.

By understanding the potential consequences of a DUI conviction, you can take proactive steps to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

Defending Against Drunk Driving Charges in Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids, MI

In any OWI defense, our first goal is to have the charges against our client dismissed. If that is not possible, we will fight to have the charges and penalties reduced or dismissed and to keep a damaging OWI conviction off the record. In addition to fighting the drunk driving charges you face, you can rely on us to handle the administrative issues surrounding your driver's license, including driver's license appeals.

At Willis Law, our DUI attorneys in Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids, Michigan provide skilled representation to people in West Michigan (Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Paw Paw) who find themselves facing drunk driving charges such as:

• Operating while intoxicated (OWI) or visibly impaired (OWVI) — First, second and third offenses
• High BAC or "super drunk"
• Operating while intoxicated causing death — OWI causing death
• Operating while visibly impaired causing death - OWVI causing death
• Operating while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury
• Reckless driving causing death

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense

What Are the Local OWI Laws in Kalamazoo?

The local OWI laws in Kalamazoo align with Michigan state regulations, which are stringent regarding operating a vehicle under the influence. In Michigan, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, the BAC limit is reduced to 0.02%. These limits are strictly enforced, and penalties can range from fines and license suspensions to imprisonment, depending on the severity and number of offenses. First-time offenders may also face mandatory community service and compulsory participation in an alcohol education program. The legal system in Kalamazoo carries a zero-tolerance attitude towards drinking and driving. Partnering with a knowledgeable OWI attorney can help navigate these regulations and potentially mitigate the penalties associated with an OWI charge.

How Does Having an OWI Conviction Affect Car Insurance?

An OWI conviction can significantly impact car insurance premiums. After a conviction, insurance providers often categorize individuals as high-risk drivers, resulting in substantial premium increases. This increase stems from the heightened perception of risk associated with insuring someone with an OWI on their record. In many cases, insurance companies may even opt to cancel the existing policy or refuse renewal. If you are searching for a new policy post-conviction, expect fewer options and higher costs. Moreover, an OWI can remain on your record for several years, prolonging these impacts. Legal counsel can guide individuals through the ramifications of an OWI conviction, offering advice on managing insurance challenges. Understanding the potential insurance consequences emphasizes the importance of defending against DUI charges to maintain both driving privileges and manageable insurance costs.

What Should I Do When Pulled Over for a Suspected OWI?

Being pulled over for suspicion of OWI in Kalamazoo can be a daunting experience. It is vital to remain calm and comply with the officer’s requests. Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked. Remember your rights: silence is one of them. You are not required to answer questions that may incriminate you, such as whether you have been drinking. It's crucial to be polite and respectful at all times. Although refusing a breathalyzer test has consequences, such as automatic license suspension under Michigan's implied consent law, you can choose to decline field sobriety tests, as they are subjective and often unreliable. Consulting with a defense attorney as soon as possible following the incident can provide guidance on how best to proceed, particularly if an unlawful stop or procedural error occurred.

Can I Challenge a Breathalyzer Result?

Yes, challenging a breathalyzer result is possible and sometimes necessary, given the complexity and potential inaccuracies of breath testing devices. There are several grounds on which a breathalyzer result can be contested. These include questioning the device’s calibration and maintenance records, which are vital for accurate readings. Human factors, such as improper administration of the test or the officer's lack of certification, can also affect the validity of the results. Additionally, substances in the mouth independent of alcohol consumption—like mouthwash or medical conditions such as GERD—can skew results. Engaging a lawyer familiar with these issues is vital for a robust defense strategy, ensuring every possible angle is explored to challenge a breathalyzer's reliability.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My OWI Defense?

Hiring a dedicated OWI attorney in Kalamazoo can be crucial to navigating the complexities of the legal process. A lawyer provides valuable guidance by assessing the evidence against you, from police reports to test results, ensuring all aspects of law enforcement procedure were correctly followed. They have the experience to identify flaws or violations in the arrest process, which can lead to a reduction in charges or dismissal. A lawyer also negotiates with prosecutors, aiming to secure a plea bargain or alternative sentencing options that minimize penalties. Furthermore, an attorney can represent you effectively in court, advocating on your behalf with a comprehensive understanding of Michigan OWI law. This professional support can significantly influence the outcome of your OWI charge.

Our Kalamazoo DUI Attorneys Are Available 24/7 for Your Convenience

​Our experienced OWI lawyers in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, MI will leave no stone unturned in your defense. We are committed to our clients' success and will work to protect your rights and future. We represent clients in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Paw Paw, MI.

Contact us 24/7 for your free initial consultation with a Michigan DUI attorney in Grand Rapids & Kalamazoo. Call us at (888) 461-7744. Ask about our student, senior, and military discounts.