Wayne County DUI Lawyer

If you have been arrested for DUI or OWI in Wayne County, your driver’s license, your criminal record, and your future are immediately at risk.

Michigan drunk driving laws are aggressive and technical. Prosecutors move quickly. Bond conditions can restrict your license, travel, and alcohol use within days of arrest.

Early legal intervention matters.

James E. Brittain is a Taylor-based criminal defense attorney representing clients charged with DUI offenses throughout Wayne County district courts.

Call (734) 285-6040 for a confidential consultation.

Understanding DUI and OWI Charges in Michigan

Michigan uses the term Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), but most people refer to the charge as DUI.

Common DUI-related charges include:

• OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)
• OWVI (Operating While Visibly Impaired)
• High BAC (“Super Drunk”)
• Second or Third Offense OWI
• Refusal of Chemical Test

Each carries different penalties and long-term consequences.

DUI Penalties in Wayne County

Penalties depend on prior record and blood alcohol level.

First Offense OWI may include:

• Up to 93 days in jail
• Fines and court costs
• Driver’s license suspension
• Community service
• Probation and testing

Second Offense:

• Mandatory jail
• Extended license revocation
• Vehicle immobilization

Third Offense:

• Felony charge in circuit court
• Potential prison exposure
• Habitual offender implications

Even a first offense can affect employment, professional licensing, and insurance rates.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Wayne County?

After arrest, your case moves quickly through the local district court.

The process typically includes:

Arraignment – You are formally advised of the charge and bond conditions are set. These may include alcohol testing, travel restrictions, or ignition interlock requirements.

Pretrial Conferences – The prosecutor provides discovery, including police reports, dash-cam footage, and chemical test results. Negotiations may begin.

Motions & Evidentiary Challenges – DUI cases often hinge on procedure. Traffic stops, field sobriety testing, breath testing protocol, and blood draw procedures must comply with constitutional standards.

Resolution or Trial – Some cases resolve through negotiated reduction. Others require trial.

Early review of the stop, arrest, and testing process can significantly affect the outcome.

Driver’s License Consequences After an OWI

A DUI conviction in Michigan triggers mandatory Secretary of State sanctions separate from the criminal court penalties.

Depending on the charge:

• License suspension
• License restriction
• Points on driving record
• Ignition interlock requirement
• License revocation (for repeat offenses)

These consequences can begin quickly and affect employment and daily life.

Protecting your license is often as important as resolving the criminal charge itself.

DUI Cases Often Turn on Technical Issues

DUI defense is not about excuses — it is about procedure.

Common defense issues include:

• Was the traffic stop legally justified?
• Were field sobriety tests administered correctly?
• Was the breath machine properly calibrated?
• Was the blood sample handled according to protocol?
• Were constitutional rights violated?

Even small procedural errors can change the direction of a case.

Strategic motion practice can impact admissibility of evidence and negotiation leverage.

First-Time DUI vs. Repeat Offense

First Offense DUI

A first offense does not mean minor consequences. Courts frequently impose probation, testing, fines, and license restrictions.

Early intervention may create opportunities for charge reduction depending on evidentiary posture.

Second Offense DUI

Second offenses carry mandatory jail and extended license revocation. Courts treat repeat offenses seriously. Structured defense preparation is critical.

Third Offense – Felony DUI

A third DUI is a felony handled in circuit court. Sentencing exposure increases significantly, and long-term consequences include potential prison time.

For broader felony defense representation, see our Wayne County criminal defense services

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DUI Defense in Wayne County District Courts

DUI charges in Wayne County may be heard in courts such as:

• 23rd District Court (Taylor)
• 18th District Court (Westland)
• 33rd District Court (Woodhaven/Rockwood)
• 20th District Court (Dearborn Heights)
• 24th District Court (Allen Park)

Local procedure and courtroom expectations matter.

Familiarity with court practices, probation departments, and prosecutorial policies can influence strategy.

Why Early Legal Representation Matters

Bond conditions, testing requirements, and license consequences begin immediately.

Waiting limits options.

Early review can:

• Preserve dash-cam or body camera evidence
• Identify procedural defects
• Shape negotiation strategy
• Address license concerns proactively

DUI cases move quickly. Early action preserves leverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI in Michigan

Should I take a breath test?

Michigan’s implied consent law imposes penalties for refusal of a chemical test after arrest. Refusal can lead to automatic license suspension.

Can a DUI be reduced?

In some cases, yes. Outcomes depend on evidentiary strength and procedural compliance.

Will I lose my license immediately?

Administrative and court sanctions vary by charge and prior record.

Do I need a lawyer for a first offense?

Even first offenses carry long-term consequences. Early legal evaluation can affect the trajectory of a case.

Speak With a Wayne County DUI Lawyer

If you have been arrested for DUI in Wayne County, do not wait.

Your license, record, and freedom are at risk.

Call (734) 285-6040 for a confidential consultation.

Office located in Taylor, Michigan. Serving clients throughout Wayne County and surrounding communities.