Looking for a DUI attorney in Macomb County? Well, fear not as this article will help you find one that’s perfect for your case.
DUI or “Driving Under the Influence” is a serious offense with severe legal repercussions. People facing this charge often have their personal and professional lives turned upside down. In all parts of Michigan, such charges are enforced very strictly and Macomb County is no exception.
If you are facing DUI charges in Macomb County, it would be in your best interest to immediately seek the legal counsel of a seasoned Michigan DUI lawyer.
That said, how do you find a lawyer that would serve you best? That is the question we’ll answer in this article.
Before we do that, however, we feel it’s important to understand DUI laws as they pertain to Michigan.
DUI Laws in Michigan Explained
DUI laws prevent anyone from driving while they are intoxicated. This could intoxicate under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that could impair your driving and potentially put you and others in harm’s way.
DUI charges can be further divided into two categories.
I) OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)
OWI could refer to any of the following circumstances
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or a combination of intoxicating substances.
- Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration that is at least .08% or higher.
- Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .17% or higher.
II) OWVI (Operating While Visually Impaired)
Michigan also has a law that restricts someone from driving if they are visually impaired. However, this is considered a relatively less serious offense than OWI.
What Happens When a Person is Charged with DUI?
When someone is arrested on suspicion of drinking and driving, they are asked to take a BAC test. Refusal to do so could result in the suspension of your driving license. The best DUI lawyers always recommend cooperating with law enforcement officials to not make a bad situation worse. The suspension of your license can last for a year.
You can appeal the suspension. Based on the results, you can be prosecuted for OWI or OWVI. If a prosecutor decides to bring charges against you, you may be staring at criminal penalties if convicted. Convictions only happen if the prosecutor succeeds in proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Finding the Best DUI Lawyers: Your Only Hope
As you can see for yourself, the consequences of DUI charges can be severe, to say the least. You could stare at a long jail sentence or fines that could render you bankrupt. It could destroy your life and reputation.
That said, there is hope if you hire a great DUI lawyer to represent you. A good attorney could help you avoid serious legal persecution. They could reduce your sentence and even get your charges dropped completely in some cases.
However, not all lawyers are built equal.
How to Find the Best Michigan DUI Lawyer?
Here are a few tips we suggest you carefully follow to find the best DUI attorney
1. Research Online or Get Referrals
For a quick search, Google is your best friend. It will help you easily find all the top-rated DUI lawyers and law firms in your vicinity. Besides search engines, you can also depend on referrals from friends, colleagues, and family members.
They can point you in the right direction based on their own experiences. Local Bar Associations are another good source to find potential lawyers to handle your case.
2. Experience and Expertise
Always opt for DUI lawyers with several years of experience under their belt. These people are more attuned to Michigan’s legal landscape. They are familiar with Michigan’s courts and local judges. They could use that insight to their advantage. Also, make sure the lawyer has a spotless reputation.
A lawyer’s track record is a testament to their skill and competence. It would also be in your best interest to work with someone who specializes in DUI law.
3. Consult the Lawyer
Once you’ve shortlisted a list of potential candidates, try to consult the lawyer either on-call or face-to-face. When you do meet the lawyer, try to assess their approach to DUI cases. Some lawyers try to take the mediation approach while others take a more aggressive stance that includes challenging evidence and case dismissals.
Also, you need a lawyer that takes a tailored approach to you. There are lawyers out there who tailor their service to best meet each client’s specific needs and demands. You’d also want the lawyer to be a good communicator. They should be responsive and clear in their explanations.
4. Seek Clarity on DUI Attorney Costs
Legal fees vary from lawyer to lawyer. Some charge on an hourly basis while others have a fixed rate. Beyond cost, however, it is also important to assess the value you are getting in return. Never compromise on quality. When it comes to DUI, nothing but the best legal representation will suffice. Simply put, seek clarity on DUI attorney costs but always prioritize value.
5. Ask Questions
Prepare a set of questions to ask when you meet the lawyer. This could be:
- What is your experience handling DUI cases in Michigan?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
- What outcomes can I expect?
- How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Conclusion
Following the above steps will take you closer to the best DUI lawyers in town. A DUI charge can be daunting, but you can breathe a sigh of relief with a competent DUI attorney by your side. Now there are many attorneys out there and you could follow the steps I’ve suggested for your quest, or you could skip the line and call the offices of Coppins Law Group right away.
