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Charged With Drunk Driving? Our East Lansing And Metro Detroit OWI Defense Lawyers Are Here For You.

A DUI, otherwise known as driving under the influence, is the most common alcohol-related offense in the United States. A drunk driving charge is often difficult to defend. And as penalties for drunk driving convictions become ever harsher, those charged with DUI or OWI find themselves facing high stakes.

Choosing a knowledgeable, well-informed team of attorneys will help secure and defend your rights. That’s why you should contact Bahrie Law, PLLC. We have more than 40 years of working knowledge and experience in the courtroom. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity while defending your case.

Affordable And Experienced Representation For East Lansing College Students

East Lansing is the home of Michigan State University. Along with downtown East Lansing, the area is filled with bars and pubs. The Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan area has a problem with drunk driving, and the local police department is strict when it comes to alcohol and parties. Hosts and drivers have special responsibilities and can face serious consequences in OWI cases.

If you have been charged with an OWI or DUI in East Lansing or elsewhere as a student of Michigan State, our firm is here to help. Our attorneys regularly represent college students charged with OWI offenses, and we offer very affordable rates for our services. If you or your college-aged child are facing serious criminal charges related to drunk driving or other offenses, ours is the firm to call.

What Is An OWI?

OWI stands for operating while intoxicated, and it is Michigan’s version of a DUI. While the term DUI usually refers to operating under the influence of alcohol, Michigan’s OWI law makes it illegal to drive:

  • While intoxicated, or impaired, by alcohol, controlled substance, or other intoxicating substance
  • With a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more
  • With a “High BAC” of .17% or more
  • With any amount of cocaine or a Schedule 1 controlled substance in your body

There are many kinds of OWI charges. You can get a standard OWI charge for any kind of impairment, an OUID (operating while under the influence of drugs), in which your ability to operate a motor vehicle is visibly impaired by drugs, alcohol or another intoxicating substance; or an OWPD (operating with any presence of a Schedule 1 drug or cocaine) for trace amounts of drugs in your body.

Like other states, Michigan also has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21, which means it is illegal for underage drivers to have a BAC of .02% or more or any presence of alcohol in their bodies. Drivers under 21 may not transport alcohol in their vehicles, either – unless they are accompanied by someone 21 or older.

What Are The Consequences For An OWI Conviction?

The court must decide your case within 77 days of your arrest, and consequences for operating while intoxicated will depend on whether this is a first or subsequent offense:

  • First offense: Suspended license for up to six months, fines up to $500 and possible jail time, community service or ignition interlock installation in your vehicle.
  • Second offense: Suspended license for one year, fines up to $1,000 or more, jail time and possible community service or ignition interlock installation in your vehicle.
  • Third offense: Suspended license for at least one year, jail time between one and five years and possible community service or ignition interlock installation in your vehicle.

While first or second OWI offenses are misdemeanors, a third offense is a felony. Any offense will also result in points added to your driver’s license, as well as the possible immobilization of your vehicle for a set period of time. DUIs that result in serious injury or death will also result in felony charges. Students facing OWI charges could also face consequences relating to their education.

Our team at Bahrie Law, PLLC, has been helping clients reduce or avoid OWI-related consequences since 1979, and we can help you, too.

Discuss Your Charges And Legal Options With A Criminal Defense Lawyer

We investigate every case to see if we are able to defeat it on the merits for reasons such as an improper stop. We will assist in gathering the police dash cam and any audio or video recording to evaluate if there is a legitimate argument to dispute the stop. Alternatively, we work directly with our clients, their families, the city attorney or the prosecutors to mitigate damages. This typically includes educational courses, substance testing and other options to address any underlying issues to assist in negotiations. Please contact our office for a free consultation to evaluate your case.

Bahrie Law, PLLC, has offices in Lansing and Metro Detroit, and we serve clients across Michigan. If you are a student at or have a child attending Michigan State University who faces OWI charges, we have unique experience defending students in East Lansing. To schedule your initial consultation, you can reach out online or call 888-473-1289.