Michigan Traffic Offense and DUI/OWI Defense
A traffic violation or drunk driving charge in Michigan can have serious consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. License suspensions, increased insurance rates, points on your driving record, heavy fines, and even jail time are all possible outcomes. The Farhat Law Firm provides aggressive defense for drivers facing traffic offenses and OWI/DUI charges throughout Westland, Wayne County, and Southeast Michigan.
Attorney Bill Farhat understands that a traffic charge can disrupt your ability to work, care for your family, and maintain your independence. Our firm fights to protect your driving privileges and minimize the impact of traffic-related charges on your life.
OWI/DUI Defense
Michigan uses the term Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) rather than DUI, though the terms refer to the same offense. Michigan law prohibits operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, and the penalties increase significantly for high BAC offenses (0.17% or higher), repeat offenses, and OWI causing injury or death.
A first-offense OWI can result in up to 93 days in jail, fines up to $500, up to 360 hours of community service, license suspension for 30 days followed by 150 days of restricted driving, and six points on your driving record. Second and third offenses carry much harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time and extended license revocation.
The Farhat Law Firm challenges OWI charges by examining every aspect of the arrest, including the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, the calibration and maintenance of breathalyzer equipment, the handling of blood test samples, and whether your constitutional rights were respected throughout the process. Weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence can lead to reduced charges, dismissed cases, or favorable plea agreements.
Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)
OWVI is a lesser offense than OWI in Michigan. A person can be charged with OWVI if their ability to operate a vehicle is visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs, even if their BAC is below 0.08%. While the penalties are less severe than a full OWI conviction, an OWVI still carries fines, possible jail time, license restrictions, and points on your record. Our firm often negotiates OWI charges down to OWVI as part of a favorable resolution strategy.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving in Michigan is a misdemeanor that carries up to 93 days in jail and fines up to $500. A conviction adds six points to your driving record and can result in license suspension. If reckless driving causes serious injury or death, the charges escalate to felony offenses with penalties including years of imprisonment. The Farhat Law Firm defends against reckless driving charges by challenging the evidence and negotiating for reduced charges when possible.
Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License
Driving with a suspended or revoked license (DWLS/DWLR) is a common charge in Michigan and carries escalating penalties for repeat offenses. A first offense is typically a misdemeanor with potential jail time and additional license suspension. Subsequent offenses can result in felony charges. Our firm helps clients navigate the license restoration process and defends against DWLS/DWLR charges to minimize additional penalties.
Speeding and Moving Violations
Speeding tickets and other moving violations may seem minor, but the accumulation of points on your Michigan driving record can lead to increased insurance premiums, license suspension, and additional penalties. Michigan assigns points for various violations: two points for speeding 1-10 mph over the limit, three points for 11-15 mph over, four points for 16 or more mph over, three points for disobeying a traffic signal, and two points for improper lane use.
Accumulating 12 or more points within two years triggers a reexamination by the Secretary of State that can result in license suspension or revocation. The Farhat Law Firm contests traffic tickets to keep points off your record and protect your driving privileges.
Commercial Driver (CDL) Violations
Commercial drivers face stricter standards and more severe consequences for traffic violations. The BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%, half the standard limit. A single serious violation can result in CDL disqualification, and a second serious violation within three years results in lifetime disqualification. If your livelihood depends on your CDL, you need an attorney who understands the stakes. The Farhat Law Firm fights to protect the driving records and careers of commercial drivers across Michigan.
The Michigan Traffic Court Process
When you receive a traffic citation in Michigan, you generally have several options: pay the ticket and accept the points, request an informal hearing with a magistrate, or request a formal hearing before a judge. Simply paying a ticket is an admission of guilt that results in points on your record and potential insurance increases.
At The Farhat Law Firm, we represent clients at traffic hearings to contest citations, negotiate reduced charges, and minimize penalties. In many cases, we can appear in court on your behalf so you do not have to miss work or other obligations.
Why Choose The Farhat Law Firm for Traffic Defense
Attorney Bill Farhat has defended clients in district courts throughout Wayne and Oakland Counties. As a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2021 through 2024, Bill brings the courtroom experience and legal knowledge needed to effectively challenge traffic charges. We provide free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your defense options.
Serving Drivers Across Southeast Michigan
The Farhat Law Firm defends drivers in Westland, Southfield, Livonia, Canton, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, Inkster, Redford, Plymouth, Farmington Hills, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Detroit, and throughout Wayne and Oakland Counties.
Contact Us About Your Traffic Charge
Do not just pay that ticket. Contact The Farhat Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your traffic offense or OWI/DUI charge. Call (734) 932-7428 or reach out online. Protect your driving record and your future.