What Should I Do if I'm Stopped for DUI in Michigan?
Know your rights. Michigan OWI criminal defense lawyers Manley & Manley explain
Have you been stopped for drunk driving in Michigan? Were you arrested or charged with OWI? The decisions you make in the short time after you are stopped can have a significant impact on your legal case if you are arrested. It's important to know the law and understand your rights. And the reason is simple - DUI charges can have serious consequences. You could lose your driver's license, be fined and even imprisoned.
The Michigan DUI defense attorneys at Manley & Manley have worked with people from all walks of life facing similar charges. We have successfully resolved many of these cases for our clients. That's why we're eager to help you. Our attorneys strongly believe that everyone deserves exceptional legal advice - and we're here to help.
"What should I do if I'm stopped for drunk driving in Michigan?"
- Don't panic - Stay calm. We realize being stopped by a police officer can be disturbing. But don't make a potentially bad situation worse.
- Be polite - Don't be argumentative with the police officer. Say "Sir" or "Ma'am" when addressing the officer. If you are rude or uncooperative, police might interpret your behavior as a sign that you're intoxicated.
- Keep your answers short - Answer "yes" or "no" to most questions. You don't need to elaborate. Remember, anything you say might be used against you and could result in your arrest.
- Field sobriety tests - Field sobriety tests are completely voluntary. You do not have to take them in Michigan.
- Breath test - This test (along with the blood test or urine test) to measure your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) does have consequences if you decide not to take these tests. Your driver's license will automatically be suspended for one year or more if you refuse to take this test. Commercial drivers who refuse to take a breath test can also be imprisoned for up to 93 days or fined $100. If you do take a breath test and fail, you can challenge the test results. We can help.
- Contact us - Our attorneys have years of experience handling OWI cases - and he has the case results and testimonials to prove it. Throughout Michigan, people charged with Operating Under the Influence (OWI) contact Manley & Manley to help them get their life back on track.