If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Michigan, you’re likely asking yourself some serious questions. Do you need a lawyer? What happens at your first court appearance? Will you lose your license and go to jail?
OWI cases in Michigan can be complicated, from test results to procedural rules that will affect your defense. It’s important to act fast, as delays can mean lost opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s evidence against you. That’s why you should reach out to Geherin Law Group, PLLC today.
Daniel T. Geherin has spent more than 25 years handling drunk driving cases in Washtenaw County and across Southeast Michigan. His experience as a former prosecutor and a defense attorney gives him a valuable perspective on what prosecutors look for and how to build a strong defense. He focuses on the details of each case, reviewing every report, test result, and procedure to protect your rights from the start.
This meticulous approach and the successes it’s produced are why Dan is one of just a handful of attorneys in the state to be board-certified in criminal law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Ready to take the first important step in your defense? Call Geherin Law Group, PLLC today for a free, confidential consultation with an OWI defense lawyer in Michigan.
Michigan calls drunk driving “operating while intoxicated” (OWI), although some people informally refer to it as DUI. You can be charged if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. Drivers under 21 can be charged for any detectable alcohol, and a BAC of 0.17% or higher triggers enhanced penalties.
Michigan also distinguishes between first-time offenses, repeat offenses, and cases with aggravating factors. Aggravating factors include:
How the charges apply to you depends things like your BAC and whether you have any prior convictions, and what was happening when you were arrested. Understanding the exact offense and potential penalties can you make informed choices early—like contacting an experienced attorney from Geherin Law Group, PLLC to review your case.
A drunk driving conviction in Michigan carries penalties that affect your life outside the courtroom. Your license can be suspended for months or revoked if you have prior offenses. To get your license back, you’ll likely face reinstatement fees, hearings, and restrictions.
Fines, court costs, and probation expenses can add up quickly—and in some cases, jail or prison time is possible. Repeat offenders or drivers with a high BAC may be required to install an ignition interlock device before driving again. Plus, the consequences don’t stop there.
Many people see their car insurance rates spike or lose coverage after an OWI conviction. Employers and landlords may see the conviction on a background check and choose not to work with you.
The good news is that a charge doesn’t always result in a conviction or even the worst-case scenario. A skilled defense attorney can help limit these consequences. Through plea negotiations, motion practice, or trial, Geherin Law Group works to reduce penalties and safeguard your record.
What you do after a drunk driving arrest can have a big impact on your case. Many people make mistakes early on without realizing it, and those missteps can weaken your defense.
One of the biggest errors is waiting too long to contact an attorney. Even a short delay can result in lost evidence and other issues. Calling Geherin Law Group, PLLC right away gives you the best chance to protect your rights and gather information while it’s still fresh. Here are some other pitfalls to avoid:
Conversations with friends, family, or coworkers can be used against you later. Don’t talk about your case with anyone but your lawyer.
Social media posts about your case can create problems in court. Don’t delete anything—just avoid posting anything related to the case.
In Michigan, refusing a breath, blood, or urine test triggers automatic license consequences. Talk to our firm before making any decisions.
Every document, including the citation, arrest report, and notice of license suspension, contains important details your attorney needs to evaluate your case. Keep all paperwork together and bring it with you when you see your lawyer.
Missing court dates, failing to respond to notices, and not following release conditions can lead to additional penalties or incarceration.
Avoiding these common missteps gives your attorney the information needed to fight effectively on your behalf. Set the stage for a strong defense by calling us as soon as possible after your arrest.
The sooner you have an attorney involved, the better your chances of protecting your license and record. Waiting until your first hearing (or hoping things will sort themselves out) can leave you at a disadvantage.
When you hire Geherin Law Group right away, you’ll have a team that knows exactly how Michigan DUI cases work. Founder Daniel T. Geherin has more than 25 years of experience handling drunk driving cases in Washtenaw County and across Southeast Michigan, and his acumen, insight, and commitment to his clients have earned him board certification in criminal law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He’s worked as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, so he knows how the other side builds its case and how to spot mistakes in the prosecution’s narrative.
When you bring us in early, we can:
Our firm has taken hundreds of cases to trial and represented over 2,500 clients. We understand the local courts, the judges, and the prosecutors in Washtenaw County. That local knowledge and courtroom experience give us an edge in building the strongest defense possible for every client. When you hire us, you’re taking control of the process and setting yourself up for the best outcome possible.
No two DUI cases are the same, and that’s how we approach your defense. Your outcome will depend on the details of the stop, the arrest, and the testing process. Some of the most common defenses include:
Police must have a valid reason to pull you over. If they didn’t have reasonable suspicion, any evidence gathered afterward may be thrown out.
An arrest requires probable cause to believe you were driving while impaired. If officers skipped steps or failed to follow procedure, your rights may have been violated.
Chemical tests must be administered according to strict rules. Improper calibration or mishandling the samples can make those results unreliable.
Roadside tests are subjective and often unreliable. Poor lighting, uneven pavement, medical conditions, and nervousness can all affect results.
Prosecutors must prove you were actually operating the vehicle before you can be convicted. Cases where you were parked, asleep, or not in control of the car may help your case.
Our firm builds defenses tailored to each client’s case. No matter how minor or serious your case may be, the goal is always the same: to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome in court.
Don’t try to fight an OWI charge on your own—let Geherin Law Group, PLLC step in for you. Call us today to speak with a drunk driving defense lawyer in Michigan.
