Detroit DUI Lawyer

Home » Practice Areas » Detroit DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one is facing DUI or OWI charges, you could suffer significant, long-term penalties. Michigan has harsh laws for drivers convicted of drunk and impaired driving.

Before you do anything else, call a Detroit DUI lawyer. Your driving privileges, freedom, and future are on the line. Call the Drias Law Group at (313) 944-0236 for a free initial consultation. You may also fill out our online contact form.

Why Call a DUI Defense Lawyer

You shouldn’t try to handle DUI charges yourself. Even if you know you weren’t intoxicated, or this was a one-time mistake, a conviction will have serious consequences, including:

• Incarceration
• Expensive fines
• Driver’s license suspended or revoked
• Vehicle impounded or immobilized
• Loss of employment if you cannot drive to work or for work
• Points on your driver’s license
• Higher car insurance premiums
• Potential problems with your child custody or visitation
• Immigration consequences
• Permanent criminal record

A DUI defense lawyer with the Drias Law Group has a deep understanding of Michigan statutes and has the time and resources to build a custom defense strategy.

Potential Risk of Self-Representation & Public Defender

You have a lot to lose if convicted of a DUI. You have one opportunity to defend yourself from a zealous prosecutor and a complex criminal justice system.

If you try to represent yourself in court, you should know that the judge will expect you to have similar knowledge of the law and courtroom procedure as the state prosecutor. Any error, however unintentional or innocent, can jeopardize your single chance at defending yourself.

Public defenders are usually overworked and therefore unable to give you the personal attention you deserve. Our firm’s founder, attorney Martin Drias, knows this first-hand: He is a former public defender. When you hire the Drias Law Group to defend you, you have peace of mind that we work vigorously to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome.

How Drias Law Group Can Help

Detroit DUI lawyer, Martin Drias, has experience on both sides of the legal process. He has experience as a prosecutor and as a public defender before he entered private practice. That puts Drias Law Group in a unique position to understand how a Michigan prosecutor will approach your case and what arguments they might make. We can anticipate and attack those arguments in court.

We also can prepare you for what to expect. We have experience with local judges and know how they’re likely to treat your drunk driving charge.

Learn more about OWI Consequences before you consider representing yourself or settling for an over-worked public defender.

Defending Against Drunk Driving Charges

Most importantly, our drunk driving defense lawyers realize each DUI case is different. We don’t rely on generic strategies. Instead, we get to know you and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. We dive into the evidence and determine the strongest defense for you.

Some possible defenses include:

• An illegal traffic stop
• An invalid arrest warrant
• Inaccurate chemical test results
• Insufficient evidence of impairment

Another possibility is negotiating a plea bargain. You may agree to plead guilty in exchange for a specific sentence. In some situations, we use plea deals to reduce time in jail and lessen the other harsh consequences of a DUI conviction.

The High Cost of a DUI in Detroit

Many drivers are shocked to realize how much a DUI costs. You can expect to pay several thousands of dollars if you lose your case. Finder.com reported the average cost of a DUI in Michigan is $3,869.

Here are some things to consider:

• Fees to retrieve your car from impound or have it towed
• Bail to get out of jail
• Court costs and fines
• Fees for DUI classes
• License restoration fees
• Higher auto insurance premiums
• Cost of public transportation or rideshares if you lose your license
• Cost of installing, maintaining, and removing an ignition interlock device on your vehicle

These are the basic costs that you could face as a first-time DUI offender. Michigan increases the fines and fees for subsequent convictions.

Michigan Drunk Driving Terms & Laws

Michigan has a few names for drunk driving, but they all can lead to severe penalties.

The Drias Law Group is here to help with a customized defense plan for DUI, OWI, OWVI, and OWPD charges:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Learn about Michigan OWI/DUI charges
• Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI) — Learn about OWVI charges in Michigan
• Felony DUI — Learn about when an OWI is a felony
• Operating With Presence of Schedule 1 Drug or Cocaine (OWPD) — Learn about drugged driving charges
• DUI Involving a Firearm – Learn about Michigan DUI Involving a Firearm charges

Do you have legal questions? Call the Drias Law Group for a free initial consultation.

Should You Take a Chemical Test?

If a police officer pulls you over for a suspected DUI, they will look for evidence that you are inebriated. An officer will ask questions to hear if you are slurring your words. You may be asked to perform a few maneuvers to show your balance and movement.

You will probably be asked to take a chemical test in the form of a small breath test device. Should you agree to take a breathalyzer?

Implied Consent Law

You cannot be forced to take a chemical test, but you should know that there are significant penalties if you refuse. Under Michigan’s Implied Consent Law, you agreed to consent to a breathalyzer test when you accepted a state driver’s license – if an officer has sufficient cause to ask you to take a test.

If you refuse a chemical test:

• Your Michigan driver’s license – or non-resident driving privileges – is automatically suspended for one year.
• Six points are automatically added to your record, which is halfway to the 12-point limit that revokes your license.

There’s a difference between a mandatory license suspension and the loss of your license after a DUI conviction. Call a Detroit DUI defense lawyer about the automatic license suspension and ways that you could regain your driving privileges.

Important DUI Information

A DUI defense attorney with the Drias Law Group helps you understand the potential consequences of a drunk driving conviction.

• Michigan Legal Limit — Learn how Michigan determines your blood alcohol concentration and what a failed BAC test can mean for your DUI case.
• Refusing DUI Testing — If you refuse to deliver a blood, breath, or urine sample during a DUI stop, you can face harsh repercussions.

Detroit DUI/OWI Frequently Asked Questions

You most likely have many questions when you have been arrested and charged with a DUI/OWI in Detroit. With this in mind, we have included this comprehensive Detroit drunk driving FAQ below.

• DUI Warrants — Learn how the police use search warrants in OWI or OWVI cases and what you can do if you’re the subject of an illegal stop, warrantless search, or involuntary blood draw
• Out-of-State Drivers & DUI — Find out what happens when you’re charged with OWI or OWVI in Michigan but live in another state
• DUI Defenses — Learn how a skilled Detroit OWI lawyer may be able to fight your charge
• Getting Your Driver’s License Back — Learn how an OWI or OWVI conviction can affect your driver’s license and the steps you can take to get your driving privileges restored
• Michigan DUI Help — We can explain why you were charged, your likelihood of going to jail, how much it will cost, and possible defenses
• Underage DUI — Learn about Michigan’s tough stance on underage drinking and driving

Will I Go to Jail for My First DUI?

It’s possible. If you are convicted of an OWI in Detroit as a first-time offender, you could face up to 180 days in jail. This depends on how high your blood alcohol concentration levels were.

Can My Detroit DUI Be Expunged?

Until late 2021, OWIs in Michigan were not eligible for expungement. In 2021, individuals convicted of a maximum of one DUI may qualify for expungement.

Can My DUI Be Reduced?

With the right Detroit DUI lawyer handling your case, your OWI charges could potentially be reduced. First-time offenders, those who didn’t harm anyone, and those whose lives may be significantly affected by an OWI conviction may be able to work out a plea agreement with the prosecuting attorney.

What Happens to My License if I Am Convicted?

If you are found guilty of an OWI in Detroit, you can expect to have your license suspended for a minimum of six months. The duration of your license suspension is dependent on several factors. These factors include your criminal record and whether anyone was injured due to your drunk driving.

How Much Does a DUI Cost in Detroit?

There are several fees involved with your DUI that must be considered. From restitution fees and court costs to bail, attorney’s fees, drug or alcohol treatment programs, and other expenses, you could be looking at bills totaling tens of thousands of dollars if you are convicted.

What if I Wasn’t Impaired When I Was Stopped for an OWI?

If you were not impaired when you were stopped, your attorney would need to carefully examine the details of your case to figure out why you were pulled over and charged with an OWI. Find out which DUI defenses are the right fit for you when you schedule your free consultation.

What if My Child Was Pulled Over for a DUI in Detroit?

The penalties are severe for underage DUI offenders. They could face jail time, community services, fines, probation, and other collateral consequences that impact their future opportunities. You must get a solid legal advocate to fight for your child’s liberties.

How Do I Get My License Back After a DUI?

Getting your license back depends on whether your license was suspended or revoked. If your license was suspended, you might be able to get your license back by meeting the terms of your suspension and paying the reinstatement fee.

But if your license was revoked, you’ll need help from an attorney, as revocation can often be a permanent decision unless you fight it and win.

What Should I Do if I Have a DUI Warrant?

If there is a warrant out for your arrest, you should contact your Detroit DUI attorney immediately to prearrange bail and work out a plan for turning yourself in. But with OWI charges, there are multiple types of DUI warrants you could be facing. Your best option will be to contact your lawyer to explore your options.

What Do I Do if I Was Charged With a DUI in Michigan but Live In Another State?

As an out-of-state visitor, you probably were not expecting to be pulled over and charged with an OWI. But police often pay closer attention to out-of-state drivers. Make sure you’re ready to defend yourself— the penalties of a conviction could have a severe impact on your life.

Since there are many situations and circumstances surrounding OWIs in Detroit, you need Michigan DUI help to present the most vigorous defense possible. Drias Law Group is here to help you clear your name and take back control of your life.

However, every case is unique, and you probably have specific questions about your case. That’s when it may be time to call a DUI lawyer.