DUI & OWI

Kalamazoo DUI & OWI Attorneys

Kalamazoo DUI and OWI Lawyers Fighting for Your Driving Privileges

Many people with a driving under the influence (DUI) offense, whether for alcohol, marijuana, or drug use, have never had prior contact with the law. This lack of familiarity with the criminal justice system can leave people unsettled and unsure about what they need to do for their case. Our reputable Kalamazoo DUI attorneys at Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law can provide you with the necessary guidance to assist you in the process and the defense you need to prevail in your DUI / OWI case.

Our Kalamazoo, Michigan, DUI & OWI lawyers are ready to hear about your case. Call 269-626-2296 to request a case review.

Have You Been Charged in a Fatal DUI Case in Michigan?

While operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious crime, law enforcement is required to uphold the law when making these traffic stops or placing someone under arrest. Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law know what to look for to ensure your traffic stop and DUI charge are legitimate and legal.

Suppose you are facing charges of vehicular homicide for a fatality that occurred while driving under the influence of marijuana, drugs, or alcohol. In that case, you need to secure the strongest available defense. People who are accused of a DUI causing death or serious injury often face the stiffest penalties. This is especially the case for those with a record of previous drunk driving charges, but it may also apply to first-time offenders. Our dedicated and skilled Kalamazoo DUI & OWI attorneys are knowledgeable about DUI laws and can guide you through the intricate steps of your case. Call 269-626-2296 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your drunk driving offense today.

What is Michigan’s Bodily Alcohol Content (BAC) Limit?

It is a crime for a driver to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater if over age 21 or .02 or greater if under 21. In addition, Michigan has a high-BAC law with enhanced penalties for anyone caught driving with a BAC of .17 or higher. However, drivers can be arrested at any BAC level if they exhibit signs of impairment while operating a motor vehicle.

Commercial drivers face stricter restrictions when it comes to the BAC limits. In Michigan, the BAC legal limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%. This threshold applies whether the driver is operating a semi-truck, delivery vehicle, or any other commercial vehicle. Penalties are often severe for CDL holders found guilty of operating while under the influence.

How Do Officers Prove Impairment During a DUI Stop?

Officers must have reasonable cause to pull someone over. For DUI stops, this often includes observing a driver weaving or drifting between lanes, driving erratically, or failing to obey traffic laws. Once they pull the driver over, they will watch for signs of impairment, like slurred or incoherent speech, bloodshot eyes, alcohol or marijuana odors, they are visibly impaired, and unsteady or jerky movement. The next step is usually a field sobriety test, where the officer will have the suspect perform a number of tests to check for coordination, the ability to follow directions, and the ability to pay attention.

When the officer has enough to reasonably assume a person is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, they may request a breath test. While this test is not admissible in court, denying a breath test can result in other penalties, including fines. Once you are under arrest, refusing an evidentiary breath test is a serious crime and often results in immediate license suspension for one year, as well as other penalties.

Our Kalamazoo DUI & OWI attorneys recommend following the officer’s orders, but don’t overshare or try to talk your way out of the situation. Cops aren’t likely to change their minds when they suspect operating while impaired, and you can damage any future hearings by speaking when you should remain silent.

How Is Drugged Driving Penalized in Michigan?

Drivers with any amount of a Schedule 1 controlled substance and/or cocaine in Michigan are subject to the same fines and penalties as drunk drivers, even if they show no signs of impairment. The only exception applies to a person driving with marijuana in his or her system. Under the law, an officer must show that the suspect is impaired due to the consumption of marijuana. The Michigan legal system is particularly hard on cases involving driving while impaired by drugs. Offenders may face additional penalties, especially for serious impairment.

Consult With a Proven Michigan OWI Lawyer Today

A DUI or OWI conviction can have life-changing consequences. In addition to jail time, fines, and other punishments, there are a number of other collateral consequences that can come from a drunk or drugged driving conviction in Michigan, including loss of reputation, difficulty finding employment, losing future employment opportunities, difficulty obtaining loans and government benefits, more expensive insurance rates, and loss of certain rights and privileges. If you drive for a living, you may even lose your livelihood.

Don’t let this happen to you. Protect yourself and safeguard your rights by working with a Michigan OWI lawyer who has ample experience in this area of the law. Don’t wait until after your DUI hearing to realize you should have hired a skilled DUI defense attorney. Contact Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law to schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options.

How Likely Is Jail Time for a First OWI Conviction in Michigan?

Michigan doesn’t require mandatory jail time for a first offense OWI conviction. Most first-time offenders do not go to jail. Instead, they will likely face:

  • Fines of up to $500
  • 180-day license suspension
  • Vehicle immobilization
  • Six driver’s license points
  • Community service
  • Probation of between 3 months and one year
  • Court-ordered alcohol programs

Our Kalamazoo criminal defense attorneys are ready to help you navigate your DUI case from start to finish and answer any questions you have along the way. You are innocent until proven guilty; rest assured that our team will provide you with the strong DUI defense you need to prove your innocence and move forward.

Why Should You Choose Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law to Represent You?

At Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law, our Kalamazoo DUI lawyers have been providing our clients with the highly skilled criminal defense they need when they are forced to defend against drunk driving offenses and charges related to driving under the influence of marijuana or other controlled substances. Our criminal defense attorneys specializing in trying DUI offenses, Randall Levine, Anastase Markou, and Sarissa Montague, all have extensive records of successfully defending their clients against the most challenging OWI charges. Our firm is AV Preeminent* rated by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest available rating.

When you have strong legal advocacy, your attorney can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf. If you already have a DUI conviction on your record, an experienced attorney may be able to have it expunged. Many people wait until they learn how severe their charges are to start seeking legal counsel, wasting valuable time. As soon as you are accused of driving while intoxicated, you should call 269-626-2296 to schedule a free consultation with Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law.

Individually, our attorneys’ efforts have been recognized in numerous ways, including:

  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Michigan
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Super Lawyers
  • Defense Against DUI/OWI Offenses in Southwest Michigan
  • Leading Lawyers
  • Expertise, Top 11 Kalamazoo DUI Attorneys

Speak With Our Kalamazoo DUI and OWI Attorneys Immediately

Whether you need help fighting drunk driving charges or help with driver’s license restoration, our team is here to help.  For an effective DUI/OWI defense you deserve, turn to Levine & Levine for DUI cases. To schedule an initial consultation, call 269-626-2296 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.

Commonly Asked Questions: Michigan DUIs & OWIs

What is Michigan’s BAC limit for drivers over 21?

Michigan law states that it is illegal for drivers over the age of 21 to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater. There is also a high-BAC law with enhanced penalties for those caught driving with a BAC of .17 or higher. It’s important to note that drivers can be arrested at any BAC level if they show signs of impairment.

Can I be charged with DUI in Michigan if I’m not showing signs of impairment?

Yes, in Michigan, you can be charged with DUI if you have any amount of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine in your system, regardless of impairment. For marijuana, however, the law requires the officer to demonstrate that you were impaired by the substance while driving.

What are the consequences of a first offense DUI in Michigan?

In Michigan, a first offense DUI, also known as OWI, can lead to fines up to $500, a 180-day license suspension, vehicle immobilization, six points on your driver’s license, community service, probation for 3 to 12 months, and mandatory alcohol education programs. While jail time is not mandatory for a first offense, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable attorney to minimize the impact of these potential penalties.