Arrested for OWI in Clarkston, Michigan?
If you were arrested for OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) in Clarkston, your case will usually be handled in the 52-2 District Court, located in Clarkston, Michigan.
An OWI arrest in Clarkston can affect far more than your court date.
It can impact:
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- Your driver’s license
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- Your criminal record
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- Your employment
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- Your professional licensing
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- Your insurance rates
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- Your future opportunities
At Fraiberg & Pernie, attorney Matthew Fraiberg represents clients charged with OWI, DUI, High BAC, Super Drunk, OWVI, drugged driving, and repeat-offense drunk driving throughout Oakland County and across Michigan.
Call 248-986-2682 immediately if you were arrested.
Quick Answer: What Is OWI in Michigan?
OWI stands for Operating While Intoxicated.
Michigan uses the legal term OWI, although many people search for:
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- DUI
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- Drunk driving
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- DWI
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- Impaired driving
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- Drunk driving attorney
In practical terms, people often mean the same thing.
A person may be charged with OWI if they:
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- Have a BAC of 0.08 or higher
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- Are substantially impaired by alcohol
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- Are impaired by marijuana or other drugs
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- Are under the influence of prescription medication
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- Show signs of intoxicated driving based on officer observations
Michigan OWI law is aggressive, and prosecutors in Oakland County take these charges seriously.
Where Are Clarkston OWI Cases Heard?
Most OWI arrests in Clarkston and nearby communities are handled in the 52-2 District Court in Clarkston.
This court handles cases from areas including:
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- Clarkston
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- Independence Township
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- White Lake
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- Springfield Township
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- Holly
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- Brandon Township
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- Groveland Township
The 52-2 District Court is known for taking drunk driving cases seriously and closely monitoring bond compliance, probation terms, alcohol testing, and sentencing recommendations.
What OWI Charges Can Be Filed in Clarkston?
Michigan prosecutors may file several alcohol-related driving charges.
OWI — Operating While Intoxicated
Usually involves:
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- BAC of 0.08 or above
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- Significant alcohol impairment
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- Drug-related impairment
Potential penalties for a first offense may include:
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- Up to 93 days in jail
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- Fines
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- Community service
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- License suspension
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- 6 points on driving record
OWVI — Operating While Visibly Impaired
This charge may apply when:
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- BAC is below 0.08
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- Driving ability is visibly affected
Sometimes OWVI becomes a negotiation target in plea discussions.
High BAC (“Super Drunk”)
This applies when BAC is 0.17 or higher.
Penalties are harsher and may include:
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- Increased fines
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- Longer restrictions
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- Mandatory ignition interlock
Second-Offense OWI
A second OWI within 7 years carries significantly increased consequences:
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- Mandatory jail exposure
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- License revocation
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- Vehicle immobilization
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- Intensive probation
Third-Offense OWI (Felony)
A third OWI is generally a felony in Michigan.
Possible consequences include:
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- Prison
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- Felony record
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- License revocation
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- Vehicle forfeiture
What Happens After an OWI Arrest in Clarkston?
Most people feel overwhelmed after arrest.
The usual process looks like this:
1. Traffic Stop
Police may stop a driver for:
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- Speeding
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- Swerving
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- Accident investigation
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- Equipment violations
2. Investigation
Officers often conduct:
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- Field sobriety tests
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- Preliminary breath testing
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- Questioning
3. Arrest
If probable cause exists, police may arrest you.
4. Chemical Testing
This may involve:
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- Datamaster breath testing
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- Blood testing
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- Urine testing
5. Arraignment
The court informs you of:
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- Charges
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- Bond conditions
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- Next hearing dates
Common bond conditions include:
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- No alcohol
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- Random testing
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- Travel restrictions
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- Reporting requirements
Can an OWI Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes—sometimes.
Many OWI cases have weaknesses.
A strong DUI defense often focuses on:
Illegal Traffic Stop
Did police legally stop the vehicle?
Weak Probable Cause
Did officers truly have reason to arrest?
Faulty Field Sobriety Testing
These tests are often subjective.
Medical issues, fatigue, anxiety, footwear, age, injuries, and weather can affect performance.
Breath Test Problems
Possible issues include:
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- Calibration errors
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- Maintenance failures
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- Operator mistakes
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- Observation period violations
Blood Test Problems
Potential challenges include:
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- Chain-of-custody issues
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- Improper handling
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- Contamination
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- Lab mistakes
Small errors can create major defense opportunities.
Why Hiring a Clarkston OWI Lawyer Matters
Not all lawyers understand Michigan OWI defense at a high level.
OWI defense requires understanding:
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- Police procedure
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- Constitutional law
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- Breath science
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- Blood science
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- Michigan Secretary of State rules
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- Oakland County court culture
Knowing the 52-2 District Court matters.
Local knowledge can help with:
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- Bond strategy
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- Negotiation
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- Sentencing mitigation
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- Probation positioning
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- Driver’s license protection
An attorney who regularly handles Clarkston OWI cases understands what arguments resonate.
Why Clients Hire Fraiberg & Pernie
People hire Fraiberg & Pernie because they want strategic defense from experienced Michigan criminal defense attorneys.
What Sets the Firm Apart?
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- Former prosecutor insight
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- 29+ years of courtroom experience
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- Deep Michigan OWI defense knowledge
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- Aggressive evidence review
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- Strategic negotiation and litigation
Attorney Matthew Fraiberg analyzes every aspect of the case, including:
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- Body cam footage
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- Dash cam video
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- Police reports
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- Breath logs
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- Blood records
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- Constitutional violations
The goal is simple:
Protect your freedom, record, license, and future.
Frequently Asked Questions About OWI in Clarkston
Is OWI worse than DUI in Michigan?
Michigan uses the term OWI.
Most people use DUI and OWI interchangeably.
Will I lose my license after an OWI?
Possibly.
License consequences depend on:
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- Charge type
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- Prior record
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- BAC level
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- Refusal issues
Can first-time OWI charges be reduced?
Sometimes.
Case facts determine available options.
Should I talk to police after arrest?
No.
Use your right to remain silent and request a lawyer.
How soon should I call an OWI attorney?
Immediately.
Early intervention can change outcomes.
Charged With OWI in Clarkston? Call Fraiberg & Pernie Now
An OWI arrest does not automatically mean conviction.
The prosecution still must prove its case.
Critical evidence can be challenged.
If you were arrested for OWI, DUI, High BAC, Super Drunk, or drunk driving in Clarkston, Michigan, speak with an experienced Michigan OWI defense lawyer right away.
Fraiberg & Pernie
Michigan DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers
248-986-2682
fpattorneys.com
Summary
Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense law firm representing clients charged with OWI, DUI, High BAC, Super Drunk, and drunk driving offenses in Clarkston, Michigan and the 52-2 District Court. Attorney Matthew Fraiberg is a former prosecutor with more than 29 years of experience defending OWI and criminal cases throughout Oakland County and Michigan.
