Kalamazoo DUI & Drunk Driving Lawyers & Attorneys

Michigan’s Premier Drunk Driving & DWI/DUI Defense Lawyers

Michigan has some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the nation. A drunk driving conviction will have criminal consequences and result in sanctions from the Michigan Secretary of State. Having an experienced drunk driving attorney during this time is extremely important.

In Michigan, there are many different charges involving drinking and/or driving with a controlled substance (drugs) in your system. The most common version is Operating While Intoxicated, or OWI, though it is sometimes referred to as DUI (driving under the influence), OUIL (operating under the influence of liquor), or DWI (driving while intoxicated). These acronyms are remnants of older laws that were enacted in years past. OWI and several other, more common currently-enacted offenses are broken out into several links below.

Driver's License Consequences

Drunk Driving FAQ’S

How much does it cost to hire a DUI attorney?

If you’re facing a DUI or drunk driving charge, one of the first questions is: how much does a DUI lawyer cost? Legal fees vary depending on the type and complexity of the case—whether it involves underage drinking (zero tolerance), an accident, injury, or more serious charges. At our firm, we understand that a DUI charge is an unplanned expense, so we offer flexible retainers and transparent pricing. We evaluate each case individually and communicate clearly about any additional costs, such as trials or legal motions. Our goal is to provide experienced DUI defense with compassion, flexibility, and financial transparency.

What can a DUI lawyer do for me?

If you’re wondering what a DUI lawyer can do for you, the answer goes beyond just courtroom representation. A skilled drunk driving attorney will thoroughly evaluate your case—reviewing police reports, dashcam footage, witness statements, and identifying legal issues such as unlawful stops or improper searches. They can file motions to suppress evidence, represent you in court, negotiate plea deals, and work to reduce sentencing. At Hills Law Office, we go a step further by supporting clients beyond the legal case. We assess individual needs and connect clients with counselors for substance abuse, mental health, or personal challenges. Our goal is to help clients not only navigate the legal system but also change the trajectory of their lives to avoid future offenses.

What should I do immediately after being arrested for a DUI?

If you’ve just been arrested for drunk driving, you may be wondering what to do next. The most important step is to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement. This doesn’t mean providing statements—do not speak further to police without a lawyer present. Talking can unintentionally provide evidence against you. Instead, comply physically with all lawful instructions: allow yourself to be handcuffed, transported, and processed. Cooperating helps avoid escalating the situation into more serious charges like resisting arrest or obstruction, which could turn a misdemeanor DUI into a felony. After your arrest, contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your defense.

What are the legal defenses to a DUI charge?

If you’re facing a DUI charge, you may be asking, what are the legal defenses to drunk driving? A skilled DUI lawyer will analyze every detail of your case. Common defenses include challenging the traffic stop—police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. Other issues may involve improper search and seizure, lack of a valid search warrant for a blood draw, or mishandling of evidence. Timing also matters; through retrograde extrapolation, your attorney can argue your blood alcohol level was below the legal limit at the time of driving. Additional defenses focus on whether police followed proper procedures, gave correct legal warnings, and calibrated their equipment accurately. Each technicality—from phlebotomist testimony to breathalyzer protocol—can make a critical difference. An experienced DUI defense attorney knows how to use these factors to protect your rights and challenge the charges against you.

What are the potential consequences of a DUI conviction?

Wondering what happens if you’re convicted of drunk driving? A DUI conviction brings serious and lasting consequences. First, it creates a permanent criminal record. Depending on whether it’s your first, second, or third offense—and whether anyone was injured—you could face jail time, probation, or both. Your driver’s license will be suspended or restricted, and professional licenses (for lawyers, doctors, nurses, etc.) may also be at risk. Convictions must often be reported to licensing boards, which could result in disciplinary action or suspension. Additionally, auto insurance premiums will increase significantly after a DUI. In short, the legal, financial, and professional impact of a DUI conviction is severe. The best advice: don’t drink and drive—and if you’re facing charges, speak with an experienced DUI attorney right away.

Will I lose my driver's license if I get a DUI?

If you’re convicted of drunk driving in Michigan, the answer to “Will I lose my license after a DUI?” is yes—every DUI conviction comes with driver’s license consequences. The specific penalties depend on the category of the offense (first-time, high BAC, repeat offense, etc.), but all carry some form of license suspension, restriction, or revocation. Additionally, you’ll receive points on your driving record, which can further affect your insurance and driving privileges. These consequences are enforced by the Michigan Secretary of State, and they vary based on the nature and severity of the conviction. Understanding these penalties is crucial, and consulting with a DUI attorney can help protect your driving rights.

DUI & DWI Driver’s License Sanctions

Benefits of Working with An Experienced DUI Attorney

Driver’s license sanctions are a very important part of certain criminal sentences, including alcohol-related crimes such as DUI and DWI. These possible sanctions are sometimes overlooked by DUI defense lawyers who may be inexperienced in handling criminal matters. Information relating to possible driving sanctions for DUI/DWI offenses can be as important as fines, costs, incarceration, probation, etc. in trying to determine how a criminal matter should be handled.

Driver’s License & Vehicle Sanctions

Driver’s license sanctions can be levied in a variety of ways, such as the addition of points to your driving record, restrictions on your driving privileges, and/or suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. The length and severity of restrictions, suspension, or revocation vary, and additional penalties may be imposed if the Michigan Secretary of State is notified of the specific conviction. An experienced DUI defense attorney can help you understand these different sanctions.

Individuals should also be aware that in certain alcohol-related drunk driving cases, immobilization of the automobile or forfeiture of the automobile may be imposed.

In addition to drunk driving cases, there are a whole host of other crimes that can result in driver’s license sanctions. At present these include many drug crimes and a number of negligent driving crimes. However, due to legislative changes signed into law by the Governor earlier this year, on October 1, 2021 license suspensions will no longer occur for crimes that are unrelated to driving safety.

Therefore, it is important to at least contact a drunk driving attorney for advice regarding potential driver’s license and vehicle sanctions related to the facts and circumstances of your specific case. Remember, every case is unique and there is no one catch-all answer when it comes to DUI or DWI defense in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Michigan Drunk Driving Charges

There are many alcohol or drug related driving charges against which an experienced drunk driving lawyer can defend a client. To provide an initial guide for individuals charged with OWI or a similar charge, several of the major drinking/drug driving charges are addressed in the links below:

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)
Operating with Presence of(Impaired by) Drugs (OWID)
Zero Tolerance
Michigan Super Drunk Law (Operating with High BAC)
Drug Crimes and Michigan Secretary of State Consequences
DUI Ignition Interlock Law

For these drunk driving offenses, the penalties become progressively more severe with multiple convictions, underscoring the need for an experienced DUI attorney.

The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code also includes other alcohol or drug-related offenses that result in significant criminal penalties and Secretary of State sanctions, such as OWI/OWVI causing injury or death and OWI/OWVI endangering a child. Moreover, the Michigan Penal Code includes numerous offenses which, when committed with a motor vehicle, carry serious penalties.

Persons accused of these driving offenses require effective and proven representation by a drunk driving defense lawyer. If you or a family member are in need of legal defense against these or any other charges, contact Hills at Law, P.C. today.

Southwest Michigan Counties Served

The drunk driving defense attorneys of Hills at Law, P.C. represent clients in State and Federal courts throughout eight southwest Michigan counties, including:

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DWI/DUI Defense Lawyers