Taylor, MI DUI Law Firm - DUI Defense Attorney Marke Gilbert

A DUI (OWI, DWI, or OVI) charge always comes as a shock. Make sure you have the best Metro Detroit DUI attorney on your side.

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The feelings and worries that follow, anxiety, embarrassment, and concern over the court process are things that everyone in this situation experiences. With experienced DUI defense in your corner, this can be navigated and can be put in the past with less stress.

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We know every drunk driving case is unique, and requires the best DUI attorney to reach an ideal outcome

 

And this is what sets our firm apart as one of the best DUI defense attorney firms in the downriver area, we treat every client as an individual, not just a case number.

 

It's vital that every detail from the beginning of the traffic stop, and beyond is thoroughly evaluated to find every possible detail that can be used to the advantage of the client.

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Understanding Michigan Drunk Driving Laws

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​Remember, Michigan is a zero tolerance state.

 

In Michigan, there is no threshold for illegal controlled substances-- any amount can result in a DUI/OWI charge.

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​Remember, a police officer only needs a reasonable suspicion to pull you over -- this can be as simple as:

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• Driving too fast

• Driving too slow

• A rolling stop

• Crossing the center or outside line, even briefly

• Mechanical or equipment issues such as tail lights or turn signals

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Michigan has two basic categories of impaired or intoxicated operation of a motor vehicle:

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• “Intoxicated” by or “under the influence” of alcohol or drugs (called “OWI” or “DUI”), or

• “Visibly impaired” by alcohol or drugs (called “OWVI” for “operating while visibly impaired”), or

• Having any amount of a schedule 1 controlled substance in the body

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If your BAC tests at .08% or more, and/or if you are deemed "materially" impaired, impaired by drugs or alcohol you are considered “intoxicated” or “under the influence.” To receive a conviction for "visibly impaired" you need only be impaired to the point of your driving being affected—a MUCH lower standard than "materially impaired".

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Being charged with a DUI is a serious offense, which has a wide range of life-affecting penalties including: 

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• Incarceration/ jail

• Probation 

• Court fines

• Treatment plans by court order.

• Suspension or revocation of driver’s license 

 

A DUI conviction can result in the suspension, revocation, or limitation of your driver's license, all of which can affect you life in more ways than simply not allowing you to drive. As these convictions are very serious, having a dedicated DUI defense attorney by your side can help greatly improve your circumstances.​

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Testing for Alcohol

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If the police have stopped you and suspect you may be intoxicated or under the influence, under Michigan law you are required to submit to a chemical test. This requirement is often referred to as implied consent. This mean that the  driver of a vehicle must submit to a preliminary chemical breath test when asked to do so by a police officer. If the driver refuses, or will not take the PBT he/she will be additionally charged with a misdemeanor which is not dependent on whether or not there are other charges.

Chemical Testing

If a PBT test is refused at the scene or later, a chemical test (blood test) will be ordered and done by a physician. The test will be used to determine the presence of alcohol or any controlled substance. The test must only be requested if the police officer has reasonable grounds to think that the person has committed a crime.

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Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident?

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In the situation you are involved in an auto accident while impaired or intoxicated, there is much higher potential for more serious felony charges, especially if anyone is injured or killed. In this case, having an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer like Marke Gilbert on your side is vital, not all proclaimed DUI attorneys are experienced in drunk driving auto accident cases.

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Driver's License Restoration

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In just about any DUI, OWI, or OVI case, the judge will make the decision to suspend your driving privileges indefinitely. To restore your driver's license, there are a number of steps you must take to prove to the judge you are fit to drive again. Attorney Marke Gilbert is an experienced drivers license restoration lawyer that guides clients through the steps of restoring driving privileges by making all necessary preparations, attending court hearings, and filing all paperwork needed to get your license back!

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We will create a DUI defense strategy specifically designed for your case

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As your DUI defense lawyer, we have one aim: to defend you while preserving your rights. This is done by:

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• Examining the record for possible police errors in protocol.

• Looking to make sure your rights were properly explained.

• Examining any field sobriety tests or blood alcohol tests.

• Checking for court  or administrative errors that can lead to the dismissal of charges

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We handle all matters related to a drunk driving charge, from the administrative hearing to determine the status of your drivers license to the criminal proceeding to determine penalties. We will make certain that all required documents are timely filed to protect your rights.

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When you hire us to defend you on a DUI/DWI charge, we conduct an exhaustive investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest. We will carefully examine the evidence to determine whether police had probable cause to pull you over, and whether you were adequately notified of your rights before making any statements. We will also review police reports and question any witnesses, clarifying whether field sobriety or blood alcohol tests were correctly administered. If there are irregularities, we will seek the exclusion of evidence and/or the dismissal of all charges, if appropriate.

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For the best DUI defense in Taylor, Downriver, and all Southeast Michigan areas, contact the DUI defense firm of Marke Gilbert & Associates for a free consultation so we can formulate a winning DUI defense strategy for you!

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