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Experienced DUI and OWI Defense Lawyers in East Lansing, Michigan

At Ben Hall Law, our East Lansing DUI and OWI defense attorneys understand how stressful and overwhelming it is to be arrested for drunk or impaired driving in Michigan. A single mistake or lapse in judgment can put your reputation, driver’s license, job, and even your freedom on the line. Michigan law takes operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges very seriously, and the penalties can be severe.

DUI and OWI Defense

Our team includes a former police officer, an Ingham County prosecutor, and a Marine Corps veteran who knows firsthand how law enforcement builds DUI cases and how prosecutors approach them. We use that knowledge to anticipate the state’s strategies and aggressively defend our clients’ rights from the very beginning.

Understanding DUI and OWI Charges in Michigan

Michigan law makes it a crime to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substance.

The terms “DUI” (driving under the influence) and “OWI” (operating while intoxicated) are often used interchangeably, but OWI is the official legal term under Michigan law.

You may be charged with OWI if:

  • Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher (.02% for drivers under 21).
  • You show visible signs of impairment, even if your BAC is below the legal limit.
  • You are impaired due to illegal drugs, prescription medication, or over-the-counter substances that affect your ability to drive safely.

An arrest does not equal a conviction. Our attorneys carefully examine every detail of your case, including the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath or blood testing, to identify mistakes and weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI or OWI Conviction in Michigan?

Michigan has some of the harshest impaired driving laws in the country, and penalties vary depending on your BAC level, prior history, and whether anyone was injured.

Consequences may include:

  • First Offense: Fines of up to $500, up to 93 days in jail, license suspension for up to 180 days, community service, and six points added to your driving record.
  • High BAC: If your BAC is .17% or higher, penalties increase to up to 180 days in jail, $700 in fines, mandatory alcohol treatment, and license suspension for one year.
  • Second Offense: Up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, mandatory license revocation for at least one year, and installation of an ignition interlock device.
  • Third Offense (Felony): Up to five years in prison, fines up to $5,000, mandatory license revocation, and possible vehicle forfeiture.

The impact of a conviction goes beyond fines and jail time. A DUI/OWI can raise insurance rates, damage your professional reputation, and limit your future opportunities. Our goal is to minimize or eliminate these consequences wherever possible.

How We Defend Against DUI and OWI Charges in Michigan

Every DUI/OWI case is different, and the defense must be tailored to the facts. Our East Lansing DUI attorneys use our insider knowledge of law enforcement and prosecution to challenge the case against you.

Common defense strategies include:

  • Challenging the traffic stop: Was there probable cause to pull you over?
  • Examining field sobriety tests: Were the instructions clear and properly administered?
  • Questioning chemical test results: Were the breathalyzer or blood tests accurate, adequately maintained, and legally obtained?
  • Investigating police conduct: Did officers follow correct procedures, or were your rights violated?
  • Exploring alternative explanations: Fatigue, medical conditions, or anxiety may be mistaken for impairment.

By thoroughly analyzing the evidence, we work to have charges reduced or dismissed and to protect your record and future.

Why Choose Ben Hall Law for DUI and OWI Defense?

Facing a DUI or OWI charge in Michigan is intimidating, but you do not have to face it alone. At Ben Hall Law, our attorneys bring unique insight to these cases because we have worked on both sides of the courtroom. As a former police officer and prosecutor, Ben Hall understands exactly how the state builds its case and how to find weaknesses in it.

When you choose us, you gain:

  • Aggressive advocacy from attorneys who know Michigan’s DUI laws inside and out.
  • Personalized strategies tailored to your circumstances.
  • A proven record of trial success and negotiation strength.
  • A defense team that treats your case as the most important one we handle—because it is.

Our mission is to safeguard your freedom, protect your license, and help you move forward with confidence.

Contact Our East Lansing DUI and OWI Defense Attorneys Today

If you have been arrested for DUI or OWI in East Lansing or anywhere in Michigan, you need skilled legal representation immediately. Do not speak to police or prosecutors before consulting an attorney.

Call 877-BEN-HALL (517-798-5801) or contact us online today to schedule an initial consultation with our experienced East Lansing DUI defense attorneys. We will review your case, explain your options, and build a strong defense to protect your rights and future.