Need a Skilled Lawyer for an Ortonville MI DUI?

With all of the construction in Ortonville and all around Oakland County, it’s not surprising that law enforcement is conducting more DUI traffic stops. The chaos and construction at the intersection of I-75 and Ortonville Road alone is enough to challenge even the best drivers.

Fortunately, DUI checkpoints don’t exist in Michigan – as it’s one of only ten states in the U.S. that have banned them because they violate the state constitution and can be used to leverage evidence against drivers. 

Yet, you may be facing an Ortonville DUI charge as a result of a traffic stop because the officer had probable cause to believe you were driving under the influence. If that’s the case, you’ll want to get a skilled Ortonville MI DUI lawyer on your side as quickly as possible.

Was There Also a Field Sobriety Test During Your Traffic Stop?

If the officers requested a field sobriety test, you may not have known it was your legal right to politely decline. These tests are considered to be an unfair measurement of your sobriety and are frequently used to try and prove you’re guilty of your OWI charge and not your innocence.

Some of the tests you may have had to perform include:

1. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

Nystagmus is a condition that causes involuntary, rhythmic eye movements. While it can be caused by medical conditions, it can also be the result of alcohol consumption. As such, the officer will administer the horizontal gaze nystagmus test to look for these ‘quirky’ movements.

To perform the test, the officer moves an object around slowly while the driver in question follows the object with ONLY their eyes and not their head – which is difficult to do when inebriated. The test also focuses on an increasing jerking movement of the eyeball when it looks to the side.

2. Walk-and-Turn

The walk-and-turn test is the standard test you’ve probably seen in the movies and on TV when the officer asks the driver to walk in a straight line. This is a measure of mobility. It’s also an evaluation of how well the driver follows directions. Someone who is at the legal blood alcohol level to be considered drunk will have difficulty with every aspect of this test.

3. Standing on One Leg

Among the most well-known field sobriety tests, this one is easily one of the most erroneous in determining impairment. Go to any yoga class and you’ll see that the sheer act of standing on one leg for a full 30 seconds is not possible for half the class whom you can safely assume are not intoxicated.

Furthermore, as any experienced Ortonville MI DUI attorney will tell you, field sobriety tests are designed to identify whether a person is above the legal limit or not, but they are not always accurate. The tests do not take into consideration those who have physical impairments or medical conditions.

Test or No Test, A Skilled Ortonville MI DUI Lawyer Will Make All the Difference

Regardless of whether you were issued field sobriety tests, if you’ve received a DUI charge in Ortonville, you know just how frightening it is.

What makes it even scarier is thinking about the collateral consequences associated with such a charge… especially in Oakland County where they take DUI charges VERY seriously. You could be facing jail time, even for a first offense DUI.

Having a skilled Ortonville MI DUI lawyer on your side is vital for not only avoiding jail time but for protecting your future. So contact us today to protect yourself the right way.