DUI & DWI Defense

AadVantage Legal Services’ attorneys have experience defending clients charged with alcohol related driving offenses, including DUI, DWI, and OUIL.  The attorneys at AadVantage Legal Services are widely known and respected for their superior litigation skills and experience in this area of practice. We represent clients throughout metropolitan Detroit.

At AadVantage Legal, we know that traffic violations can have serious criminal consequences, particularly when a driver is accused of driving under the influence. A conviction on DUI charges may result in fines, the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license, and possible jail time. In addition, your insurance company may increase your rates to an unmanageable level. In defending against an impaired driving charge, you have many rights as a criminal defendant.  An experienced Michigan DUI defense attorney can make all the difference in such a difficult case. Our attorneys know the law in the area thoroughly, and we will work with you to get the best possible result, every time. If you are facing a DUI or DWI charge, we can help.

AadVantage Legal attorneys understand that the loss of driving privileges due to DUI or other related offenses can lead to additional situations down the road. Our firm’s DUI practice includes handling driver's license suspensions as well as litigating DUI trials.

Attorneys at AadVantage Legal have argued many drivers’ license reinstatement cases through the Michigan Secretary of State. The goal under these circumstances is to represent the client from the date of license revocation up to the reinstatement of driving privileges. In working closely with various providers, such as alcohol evaluators, we ensure each successive step toward rehabilitation is followed in order to ensure the highest chance of driving privilege reinstatement. These services are often VITAL to our clients, in order to avoid continuing problems with Michigan law enforcement officials.

We provide experienced guidance throughout our representation of our clients who face criminal charges. Trust someone who knows the system to provide the right representation for your DUI case.

What offenses are involved in drunk driving violations?

If you have been stopped for drinking and driving, you may be charged with one of several misdemeanor offenses. First - an OWI which stands for Operating While Intoxicated, second - an OWVI which stands for Operating While Visibly Impaired, third - an OWPD which stands for Operating with any Presence of Drugs, or fourth - a Zero Tolerance which applies to persons under 21 years of age. There are also felony offenses involving drunk driving, including OWI or OWVI causing death or serious injury, and child endangerment.

In all drunk driving offenses, you have the right to an attorney and to a trial by a judge or jury. If you have been previously convicted of a drunk driving offense, the penalty may be increased.

Anyone convicted of a drinking and driving offense may be sentenced to jail, ordered to pay fines and costs, required to do community service, be put on probation, and ordered to attend an alcohol education or treatment program. Your car insurance coverage and rates may be affected if convicted. Repeat offenders may also have their vehicle immobilized or forfeited. Depending upon the violation, in addition to the financial penalty assessed by the court, the Secretary of State may require you to pay a Driver Responsibility Fee each year the points for the violation remain on your license.

If you are a Michigan resident and are arrested for drinking and driving, the law enforcement officer will take and destroy your driver's license. The officer will provide you with a temporary Michigan driving permit until your case is resolved. If you are a repeat offender, your vehicle registration plate will be taken and you will receive a temporary paper plate. You will not be eligible to get a new metal plate until your case is adjudicated.

If you are stopped for drunk driving by a law enforcement officer, you may be asked to take a breath test while on the road. This breath test is called a PBT or a preliminary breath test. If you refuse to take the PBT, a civil infraction ticket may be issued for refusing to take the breath test.

You will be taken to a police department to take a breathalyzer test. If you refuse, your drivers license will be suspended for a minimum of six months and six points will be added to your driving record.

A drunk driving conviction has many consequences. You may want to talk to an attorney before the first court hearing.

My blood alcohol level was below the legal limit. Can I still be charged with DWI/DUI?

The "legal limit" is the blood alcohol level at which you are legally presumed to be intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol. If your blood alcohol was below that level, you still may be prosecuted for driving while intoxicated or for being under the influence of alcohol, but the prosecutor will have to prove that alcohol affected the way you were driving or operating your vehicle.

Will my driver's license be revoked if I am convicted of DWI/DUI?

Anyone convicted of the first three of these charges will automatically lose his or her drivers' license for a period of time and have at least six points added to his or her driving record by the Secretary of State. If you are eligible, the Secretary of State will issue a restricted driver's license allowing you to drive only for certain reasons such as going to work or school. ; Most states will revoke the driver's license of a person convicted of DWI/DUI, or the license may be revoked in a separate administrative proceeding. It is often possible to get a permit to drive to and from work, but only if there is no other way for a driver to get to his or her place of employment.

If you have any questions for us, or to speak with a lawyer regarding your drunk driving charge, please do not hesitate to call one of our conveniently located Michigan offices in the Detroit metropolitan area. If you prefer, you may e-mail us, or fill out the form on the Contact Us page of this website and a representative from our office will be in touch with you as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!