Types of OWI Charges in Michigan
By Law Offices of Freedman & Freedman
Feb. 21, 2012 9:31a
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in various types of criminal charges in the state of Michigan. These include:
- Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)
- Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
- Operating With Any Presence of a Schedule 1 Drug or Cocaine (OWPD)
- Under 21 Operating With Any Bodily Alcohol Content (Zero Tolerance Law)
OWVI means that your driving ability has been visibly impaired as evidenced by a law enforcement officer due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs. A conviction of this charge can result in a $500 penalty for two years in addition to other penalties, fines, and court costs.
OWI includes three types of violations, including an impairment of your ability to drive, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above, or a High BAC of .17 or above. OWPD involves driving with even a minor trace of Schedule 1 drugs in your system, even if your driving ability has not been impaired. Schedule 1 drugs include marijuana, GHB, cocaine, and cocaine-derivatives. The Zero Tolerance law prohibits a BAC of .02 to .07 or any alcohol at all for those under 21.
Faced with an OWI? Consult with a Michigan OWI Attorney
The penalties for a drunk driving or drug-impaired driving conviction in Michigan can be severe. If you have been charged with any type of OWI in Wayne County, Oakland County, or the surrounding areas, you should seek the help of an experienced and dedicated attorney who focuses on OWI defense. You will find a Michigan DUI / OWI lawyer at the criminal defense law firm of Freedman & Freeman who will provide legal representation that is tenacious, personalized, and principled. The attorneys at the firm have 34 combined years of legal and trial experience. They know the ins and outs of
OWI cases, the legal strategies necessary to challenge state prosecutors, and how to get results that will minimize the harsh consequences that can result from a conviction.
If you or someone you know is facing such charges, you should contact the firm for a free consultation with an experienced attorney to find out what to expect and how best to proceed.
Contact a Michigan OWI lawyer at the firm for effective legal assistance in any OWI case today.
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