Aggressive DUI & OWI Defense in Metro Detroit

Michigan’s drunk driving laws are among the strictest in the nation. We protect your license and your freedom in the Metro Detroit area, including Livonia, Bingham Farms, Canton, Redford, Farmington Hills.

What Counts as a DUI or OWI in Michigan?

DUI, DWI, and OWI: Understanding Michigan Law

While most people refer to drunk driving as “DUI” (Driving Under the Influence), the legal term in Michigan is OWI (Operating While Intoxicated). The state takes a zero-tolerance approach to these offenses, and a conviction can permanently alter your life, affecting your employment, insurance rates, and ability to drive.

We defend against all alcohol and drug-related driving charges, including:

OWI (Operating While Intoxicated): Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, or when alcohol substantially affects your ability to drive safely.
OWVI (Operating While Visibly Impaired): A lesser charge where your driving was visibly affected by alcohol, even if your BAC was under the legal limit.
Super Drunk (High BAC): Operating with a BAC of .17 or higher. This carries significantly harsher penalties, including mandatory license suspension and potential ignition interlock requirements.
OWPD (Operating With Presence of Drugs): Having any trace of a Schedule 1 drug (or cocaine) in your system, regardless of impairment.
Zero Tolerance (Under 21): Drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher face misdemeanor charges.

The Penalties for Drunk Driving in Michigan

Michigan law mandates swift and severe penalties. Courts are required to resolve these cases within 77 days, meaning you have very little time to prepare a defense.

Potential Consequences Include:

Jail Time: Up to 93 days for a first offense, or up to 180 days for a “Super Drunk” conviction.
License Sanctions: A first OWI conviction results in a mandatory 6-month license suspension (with restricted driving privileges available after 30 days). A “Super Drunk” conviction results in a 1-year hard suspension (45 days absolute, followed by restricted driving with an interlock device).
Fines & Costs: Expect fines ranging from $200 to $700, plus thousands in Driver Responsibility Fees and court costs.
Community Service: Up to 360 hours may be ordered by the court.
Felony Charges: A third offense in your lifetime is an automatic felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison.

Implied Consent & Refusal: Under Michigan’s Implied Consent law, driving on public roads means you have already agreed to chemical testing if arrested. Refusing a chemical test (Breathalyzer or blood draw) results in an automatic one-year license suspension and six points on your driving record, regardless of whether you are convicted of the OWI.

Our Defense Strategy

How We Fight OWI Charges

An arrest is not a conviction. Police officers make mistakes, and chemical tests can be inaccurate. We meticulously examine every detail of your arrest to build a strong defense.

The Traffic Stop

Did the officer have probable cause to pull you over? If the stop was illegal, the evidence may be suppressed.

Field Sobriety Tests

Were the roadside tests administered correctly? Environmental factors, medical conditions, and anxiety can all simulate impairment.

Chemical Testing

Was the Datamaster (breath test machine) properly calibrated? Was the blood sample handled according to the strict chain of custody protocols?

Why Choose Hadd Law?

We understand that good people make mistakes, but one mistake should not ruin your future. At Hadd Law, we look beyond the police report. We listen to your side of the story and fight to minimize the impact of these charges on your life.

Whether negotiating for a reduction to “Operating While Visibly Impaired” or fighting for a full dismissal based on constitutional violations, we are dedicated to securing the best possible result for you.