Navigating a DUI in Commerce Township MI

If you spend any time driving the roads in Commerce Township, MI, you’re probably well aware of the many accidents that happen at Union Lake Road between Commerce and Wise roads each year.  Or, how many injuries were caused by accidents at the M-5/Pontiac Trail Road roundabout.

Yet, as daunting as it might be to get around safely as a driver in this community, navigating a DUI in Commerce Township, MI is an entirely different challenge. And it’s essential you bring on a Commerce Township DUI lawyer as your co-pilot to help ensure the best defense possible.

The Impacts of a DUI Arrest

In every DUI arrest situation, the police officer is required to have probable cause in order to perform the arrest. For example, you may have been asked to take a field sobriety test. These are designed to let the police officer know if you are intoxicated. Failure of these tests can be used as probable cause for arrest and a DUI charge. 

Field sobriety tests aren’t always accurate though. They don’t take into consideration those who have physical impairments or medical conditions. Plus, while the officers are trained to administer the tests correctly, there’s always the chance of human error.

A dedicated and experienced Commerce Township DUI attorney may discover that the police officer or deputy in your case did not have probable cause to make an arrest. That can lead to an examination of whether the existing evidence was obtained lawfully and following necessary procedures. If not, it can then be challenged in court. This scenario will greatly your case and can even potentially help you beat your DUI charge.

What a DUI in Commerce Township MI Ultimately Means

Receiving an OWI or DUI charge in Commerce Township puts you in line to face some potentially serious penalties because the prosecutors in Oakland County are very experienced and are not inclined to go easy on you.  It’s also important to mention that this doesn’t just apply to those with second or third DUI offenses.

For example, a first-time OWI could land you with $100-$500 in fines, six points on your record, and up to 360 hours of community service. On top of that, your license may be suspended for 6 months, and you may be required to have ignition interlock or vehicle immobilization. There event might even be jail time to serve; up to 93 days.  On top of this your license may be suspended for 6 months.

In cases where the BAC level is 0.17% or more, the penalties are even more severe. You could be looking at $200-$700 in fines, six points on your record, mandatory vehicle immobilization, up to a year suspension of your driver’s license, license plate confiscation, and even 180 days in jail.

When considering these penalties, it’s advisable to work with a highly experienced Commerce Township DUI attorney who not only knows the process surrounding DUI charges but is also familiar with the local court system in Oakland County.

There’s So Much to Understand – Get The Help You Need

Being charged with a DUI in Commerce Township can be intimidating and completely overwhelming. And it can also impact your life significantly if the charges become convictions.

This is precisely why you need an experienced Commerce Township DUI lawyer on your side!

We’re here for you. Contact us today or call (248) 645-1400. We offer a free consultation with 24-hour availability.