Traverse City OWI Defense Lawyers

OWI Defense Lawyers in Traverse City, Michigan

The Traverse City, Michigan OWI defense lawyers at the Neumann Law Group are here to help if you’ve been arrested or charged with an OWI. We know what’s at stake. Your reputation, your freedom, and even your job might be on the line. When you are facing serious charges, you need serious representation. The OWI lawyers in Traverse City, Michigan at the Neumann Law Group are here to help.

If you are convicted of an OWI, you could lose your driver’s license, face jail time, fines, and other collateral consequences. Our Traverse City OWI lawyers can review the evidence against you, negotiate plea deals, or fight your case in court. The options you’ll have available will depend on the evidence against you and whether this is a first-time OWI or subsequent charge. With so much at stake, you need an OWI defense lawyer in Traverse City, Michigan who can fight for your rights, freedom, and reputation.

Under Michigan law, you could face OWI charges if you were stopped and tested positive with a BAC above 0.08 (or a BAC above 0.02 if you are under 21 years of age). Yet, police have the authority to charge individuals with an OWI if the person appears to be driving while under the influence. An officer might not give you a breathalyzer or blood test but might ask you to take a field sobriety test. Issues can arise with these tests, though police have great authority to gather evidence with the suspicion of an OWI. For example, if you refuse to take a breath or blood test, you could face suspension of your license for up to a year under Michigan’s implied consent laws.

If you are facing OWI charges, contact the OWI defense lawyers in Traverse City, Michigan at the Neumann Law Group today. You are innocent until proven guilty, and in some cases, individuals can prove their innocence, or plead guilty for a reduced charge.

Will I Face Jail Time for My First OWI Offense in Traverse City, Michigan?

The penalties for a first-time OWI offense can be severe. You could face fines up to $500, be required to perform up to 360 hours of community service, lose your driver’s license for up to 180 days, and yes, face jail time. For a first-time OWI offense, you could face up to 93 days in jail. Whether you’ll serve a sentence in jail will depend on many different factors. An OWI defense lawyer in Traverse City, Michigan may be able to help you negotiate with prosecutors and judges to avoid the most severe penalties.

Yet, all of this is contingent on how high your BAC was when you were stopped. If this is your first OWI offense but your BAC was very high (above 0.17), then you could face enhanced penalties. These can include a higher fine up to $700, up to 180 days in jail, and up to one year license suspension.

If you are convicted of drunk driving charges, you can also face ongoing fines. To get your driver’s license back, you might be required to pay additional fines and fees. All of this doesn’t take into account the cost of drug and alcohol education classes, driving classes, and the collateral costs of an OWI.

Subsequent offenses can result in far more serious penalties. If this is your third OWI offense, you could face felony charges and a longer jail sentence. If this is not your first OWI, the risk that you’ll be required to spend time in jail increases.

Whether this is your first OWI, or a subsequent charge, much is at stake. You might want to reach out to a Traverse City, Michigan OWI defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our OWI defense lawyers can review the facts of your case, fight for your innocence, or work a plea deal that could result in reduced charges. Taking a plea deal can have serious ramifications for your driving record and criminal record, so it is wise to speak to an OWI lawyer in Traverse City, Michigan before you accept a deal. The OWI lawyers in Traverse City at Neumann Law Group can help you understand the facts of the case against you, help you understand how strong the case is, and help you make decisions regarding plea deals or trial.

What is Sobriety Court in Michigan?

You might be able to get your driver’s license back sooner through a Sobriety Court Restricted License. Under Michigan law, you may be able to drive your vehicle before your suspension period ends if you agree to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. This device requires you to take a breath test every time you get behind the wheel. Under the Sobriety Court’s program, you are permitted to drive with a restricted license to and from work, to and from alcohol or substance abuse treatment, and to and from school. Once you have completed the Sobriety Court program, you may be able to apply to have your full driver’s license restored.

The loss of a driver’s license can be a serious consequence, especially if you have no other way to get to work or school. Because of this, Michigan offers restricted license options in certain circumstances. If you are unsure about whether you qualify, or need help with the process, the OWI defense lawyers in Traverse City, Michigan at the Neumann Law Group may be able to help.

How Can I Contact an OWI Lawyer in Traverse City, Michigan?

The Traverse City, Michigan OWI lawyers at the Neumann Law Group are here to help. We can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-525-6386. If you have questions about the steps you can take to protect your rights after an OWI arrest or charge, contact our lawyers today. You are innocent until proven guilty.