DUI Defense Attorney in Ypsilanti, Michigan 

In the state of Michigan, drivers are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (OWI) of alcohol or drugs. A defendant convicted of OWI/DUI may be facing massive fines, lengthy incarceration, a criminal record, license suspension, and other social consequences. With your license suspended or revoked, you may experience inconveniences in your education, work, and health or even miss out on future opportunities.  

If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI offense, it is imperative that you contact a reliable Michigan criminal defense attorney to help build your defense. The Law Offices of John R. Bailey enjoys providing guidance and skilled representation to clients in their drunk driving cases. Attorney John Bailey has everything necessary to support your rights, help refute the accusations against you with factual evidence, and improve your chances of a brighter tomorrow.  

The Law Offices of John R. Bailey is proud to serve clients across Ypsilanti, Michigan, and the surrounding areas of Portage, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, and Belleville.

DUI Charges in Michigan  

According to Michigan law, it is an offense for a driver to operate a motor vehicle while: 

• Under the influence of a controlled substance or an alcoholic liquor. 

• Having any amount of controlled substance or illicit drugs in the body. 

• Having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08%. 

• Visibly impaired by drugs or alcohol (OWVI). 

On suspicion of drunk driving, a police officer may pull your vehicle over and ask you to take some field sobriety tests or chemical tests. A knowledgeable lawyer can enlighten you about your rights with DUI tests when stopped by law enforcement for alleged drunk driving. 

Sobriety Tests and Your Rights  

Field sobriety tests are a group of three tests, including the one-leg stand test, the walk-and-turn test, and the horizontal gaze. These tests are used by law enforcement officers to determine if a person’s driving ability is impaired.  

Generally, field sobriety tests are not as accurate as blood alcohol tests. In the state of Michigan, taking a field sobriety test is strictly voluntary. You are within your rights to refuse to take any field sobriety test. There are no punishments for refusal.  

Conversely, Michigan’s Implied Consent Law makes it obligatory for any person with a valid driver's license in The Great Lakes State to agree to a chemical test – blood, breath, or urine test – when arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Hence, it is against the law to refuse a lawfully requested chemical test may lead to automatic license suspension and other administrative punishments. 

Possible Penalties 

Drunk driving is a serious offense in Michigan that is often punished severely. Depending on the defendant’s number of prior convictions, BAC level, and other surrounding circumstances, an OVI conviction may result in any of these criminal penalties and consequences: 

• Jail time or imprisonment 

• Massive fines and court fees 

• Community service 

• Probation 

• License suspension or revocation 

• Mandatory attendance at alcohol treatment or substance abuse program 

• An ignition interlock device 

Other potential consequences of a drunk driving conviction include: 

• A criminal record/history 

• Deterioration of professional and personal relationships 

• Increased difficulty in securing housing or job opportunities. 

• Increased auto insurance premiums 

• Increased difficulty in getting public benefits 

• Loss of your rights to possess, own or carry firearms 

• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans 

• Loss of scholarships or university acceptance 

An experienced Michigan DUI/OVI defense attorney can fight vigorously to protect your legal rights and help you avoid or mitigate the devastating penalties and implications of a criminal conviction. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help 

Defending your DUI charges without experienced representation could potentially expose you to the risks of getting convicted. Unfortunately, a drunk driving conviction might jeopardize your personal reputation, liberty, driving record, career, and future opportunities. Therefore, when arrested and charged with a DUI/OVI, retaining a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney is paramount for clear direction and to help strategize your best defenses.  

Attorney John Bailey has devoted his career to giving experienced legal services and protecting individuals arrested or indicted with a DUI offense from the worst possible punishments. As your legal counsel, he can explore every aspect of your case and outline an effective defense to help maximize your prospects of a favorable outcome. Above all, Attorney John Bailey will fight aggressively to protect your driving privileges and help keep your record as clean as possible.