If you are facing a third OWI charge, you can face a felony. Understanding how Heidi’s Law intersects with the Michigan Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight (OHAO) is the first step in building a legal defense. Outlining how Heidi’s Law treats OWI cases...
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OWI (Drunk Driving)
3 ways Michigan drivers fight OWI charges
Operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges are more serious than people might realize. While drivers may think of OWI offenses as largely victimless crimes, the state of Michigan is quite assertive about enforcing OWI regulations. Drivers may face charges because they...
Can Michigan police search my car during an OWI stop?
You may have wondered what happens when pulled over for a suspected OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) offense. One of the most pressing concerns is whether the police can search your car without your consent. We will explore the circumstances under which Michigan...
What are Michigan’s rules about drinking and fishing?
Many people like having a few drinks with their friends while they are out on the water. While this can sound like an idyllic afternoon, it's crucial to understand the state's laws regarding alcohol consumption on boats. What the laws say Passengers on boats are...
Taking a look at underage drunk driving charges
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences, especially for minors. Underage drunk driving charges not only carry legal penalties but also have far-reaching effects on various aspects of a young person's life. It...
Can a sickness cause you to fail a field sobriety test?
There were over 4000 alcohol-related crashes in Michigan in 2020, according to a report by the Michigan State Police. Field sobriety tests serve as key tools for law enforcement officers to assess possible impairment due to alcohol or drugs. However, these tests,...
Determination and penalties of a felony OWI in Michigan
In the United States, 10,511 people died in alcohol-involved accidents in 2018. In addition, 985 people died and 74,963 received injuries in drunk driving incidents in Michigan in 2019. In Michigan, drinking and driving citations are OWI citations or operating while...
What happens when you violate the implied consent law?
When you obtain your driver’s license in the state of Michigan, implied consent is one of the obligations and responsibilities of licensed drivers. Implied consent means you consent to chemical testing for alcohol by carrying a driver’s license. Refusal to submit to...
Traverse City Drunk Driving (DUI/OWI) Arrests Scrutinized After DataMaster Fraud Revelations
On Jan. 13, 2020, the Michigan State Police (MSP) issued a “Statement on Temporarily Suspending Use of Datamaster DMT in Wake of Criminal Investigation into Contractor Malfeasance.” MSP’s statement asserted that: “On Jan. 10, 2020, the MSP alerted prosecutors and...