OWVI 3rd Offense

OWVI Lawyers Defending Clients in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Throughout Michigan Charged with Third Offense of Operating While Visibly Impaired

In the state of Michigan, drunk driving is a criminal offense, which is, punished harshly, especially those who have prior OWI, DUI, or OWVI convictions on their record. OWVI, or Operating While Visibly Impaired, is a drunk driving offense, which may result in an arrest when a police officer determines that in his or her opinion, the operator of a vehicle appears to be impaired due to alcohol or drug use. In this type of case, a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08% or above is not necessary. Essentially, prosecutors must prove guilt on the part of the defendant; this is not always easy, as without BAC there is little hard evidence of the defendant's intoxication or lack thereof, other than the police officer's opinion.

Regardless, it is essential to protect your legal rights and freedom, as a conviction will result in harsh penalties. At Grabel & Associates, our experienced Michigan OWVI defense lawyers have the experience, skill, and aggressive approach necessary to secure positive results for our clients. A 3rd OWVI offense means you will face felony charges, which may result in penalties including jail time, steep fines, driver's license revocation, and more. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, we know what is required in order to obtain a good outcome for our clients. We represent clients in all of Michigan's 83 counties, and urge you to contact a lawyer at once if charged with Operating While Visibly Impaired or any drunk driving offense.

Operating While Visibly Impaired or Intoxicated Lawyer in Michigan

Being charged with a 3rd OWVI offense is serious; if convicted, you will face penalties which are significantly harsher than those typically handed down for a first or second conviction, which are charged as misdemeanors. In Michigan, the legal BAC limit is 0.08% for motorists 21 years or older, however in an OWVI blood alcohol content is not an issue as you may be charged based solely on the officer's suspicion that you were operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance including alcohol and/or drugs. Police may suspect you of OWVI due to slurred speech, swerving or crossing the centerline, failed field sobriety test, or for other reasons.

As experienced OWVI 3rd offense attorneys in Michigan, we recognize there are other reasons why an individual may drive in an erratic manner, or display symptoms of impairment. Some of these may include medical conditions, medication prescribed for an illness, vehicle malfunction, even weather or road conditions. We will work vigorously to provide you with a strong defense strategy, and protect your from a wrongful conviction and resulting criminal penalties.

Michigan Criminal Penalties for Third Operating While Visibly Impaired Conviction

As mentioned before, individuals arrested for an OWVI 3rd offense will face felony charges, which means extremely harsh penalties if convicted. In fact, penalties for a third Operating While Visibly Impaired conviction include as long as one year in jail with probation and community service, or from one to five years in jail. You may be required to pay driver responsibility fees upon getting your driver's license restored, and face fines of up to $5,000. Your driver's license will be revoked for five years, and depending on your situation, your vehicle may also be forfeited or immobilized. To add even more to the difficulty and stress of the situation, a DAAD hearing is required in order to have your driving privilege restored, and even then is not guaranteed.

In addition, four points will be assigned to your driving record, and you will have a felony on your permanent record. Having a criminal record will negatively impact many areas of your life, including your career and future employment opportunities. Few employers today are hesitant to hire an individual who is a convicted criminal, regardless of the offense you are accused of committing.

It is critical that your legal rights are protected, and that you have the very best legal support and guidance throughout the process whether you have been arrested, charged with a third offense OWVI, or even convicted. At Grabel & Associates, our criminal defense lawyers are skilled and capable. We will carefully analyze your case and work toward the result you desire, developing the most effective defense strategy to protect you from potentially life-changing consequences. Our Michigan drunk driving defense firm is widely known across the state for the outstanding results we obtain for clients accused of DUI, OWI, OWVI, OUIL, and other related offenses.

Contact Grabel & Associates Now for Unsurpassed Drunk Driving Defense

We are prepared to begin fighting for you immediately, and are available 24/7 to take your call. Our experienced case analyst will answer any questions you may have, and direct you to one of our seasoned attorneys who will begin work on your case right away. We urge you not to put your career, freedom, and reputation at risk; contact us now for a free telephone evaluation by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-342-7896. Contact us online.