5 Questions to Ask Your Detroit Criminal Defense Attorney OWI

When Charged with Operating While Intoxicated

5 Questions to Ask Your Detroit Criminal Defense Attorney When Charged with Operating hile Intoxicated

Are you in need of a Michigan criminal defense attorney?

Have you or someone you know been charged with an OWI and need help?

Michigan, as well as the United States, has strict laws about drinking while intoxicated. While many know this charge as “drunk driving”, here in Michigan it is often referred to as OWI or operating while intoxicated.

You can get charged with an OWI whether you are driving a tractor, a boat, or a car, and there are serious penalties that you face when you are charged.

Famous OWIs

It was only a few weeks ago that the Detroit News reported that Michael Phelps, the University of Michigan graduate and Olympian, was arrested in Baltimore for driving under the influence. The article reported that he was released after being cited for excessive speed – going 84mph in a 45 mph zone.

This isn’t Michael’s first time either. In 2004, at the age of 19, he was also arrested for drunk driving.

Amanda Bynes was also arrested for drinking under the influence. You may remember Amanda Bynes from her years as a child actor on All That or The Amanda Show.

Arrests like those of Michael Phelps and Amanda Bynes remind us that there is a law, and that even one of the greatest athletes is subject to that law.

With that in mind, today I am sharing with you 5 questions to ask your Detroit criminal defense attorney when you’ve been charged with an OWI or DUI.

5 Questions to Ask Your Detroit Criminal Defense Attorney When Charged with an OWI or DUI

  1. What is your experience with OWI cases?
    One of the best ways you can defend yourself when charged with drunk driving is by making sure your Michigan criminal defense attorney already has experience in fighting these battles.
  2. What kinds of penalties am I facing?
    A lot of considerations go into what types of penalties you will be facing. Questions need to be addressed like:

    • Is this your first offense?
    • Were you driving a car or a boat?
    • Are you over the age of 21?
    • Are you a commercial driver?
    • Did you refuse to take the chemical test?
    • What was your blood alcohol level?
  3. What are your concerns about my OWI case?
    Having an open dialog with your Detroit criminal defense attorney may be the last thing you want to do. However, it will be worth it.
  4. What are you defense strategies?
    There is more than one way to defend against a operating while intoxicated charge. Discuss the options with your defense attorney.
  5. Which defense strategy will you use for my case?
    After discussing the possible defense options, find out what your attorney is planning for your case. Every case is different, so there might be a different approach. I would also include to make sure you ask how often particular strategy has been used?

Summary

Just because you are facing an OWI charge doesn’t mean you have to face it alone. Arm yourself with an experienced criminal defense attorney who is will fight for your rights, who you can trust, and who will listen to you. It’s your future we are talking about after all. Please call my office at:

248-348-7400 or 586-530-1000

Are you wondering what kinds of defense strategies there are for a DUI charge? Please see, 5 Strategies for Defending a DUI Charge.