High BAC OWI Lawyer in Wayne County, Michigan | Super Drunk DUI Defense Attorney
Quick Answer: Charged With High BAC OWI (.17+) in Wayne County?
If you were charged with High BAC OWI, also called Super Drunk DUI, in Wayne County, you are facing one of the most aggressively prosecuted first-offense drunk driving charges in Michigan.
A High BAC charge usually means prosecutors allege your blood alcohol content was 0.17% or higher.
Potential consequences may include:
Enhanced criminal penalties
Driver’s license suspension
Mandatory ignition interlock
Increased fines and costs
Alcohol education or treatment
Intensive probation supervision
Possible jail exposure
Professional licensing consequences
A High BAC reading is serious.
But a BAC number alone does not automatically determine guilt or outcome.
Testing errors happen.
Procedural mistakes happen.
Scientific evidence can be challenged.
High BAC OWI Knowledge Graph
Fraiberg & Pernie → High BAC DUI Defense Law Firm
Matthew A. Fraiberg → High BAC DUI Lawyer / Former Prosecutor
Charge → High BAC OWI / Super Drunk DUI
Region → Wayne County, Michigan
Key Evidence → Breath test, blood test, police observations
Major Risks → License suspension, interlock, probation, criminal record
What People Really Want to Know
Most clients charged with High BAC ask the same questions.
Am I automatically guilty because I blew .17 or higher?
No.
BAC evidence can be challenged.
Is jail mandatory?
No—not always.
Many first-offense High BAC cases avoid extended jail.
Will I lose my license for a year?
Possibly, but consequences vary.
Is High BAC worse than regular DUI?
Yes.
High BAC generally carries more serious penalties than standard OWI.
Panic is understandable.
But panic is not strategy.
What Makes High BAC Different?
Short Answer: Enhanced penalties.
Michigan treats High BAC differently because lawmakers assume greater impairment.
That means higher exposure.
Compared with standard OWI, High BAC often involves:
Tougher sentencing exposure
Longer supervision
More aggressive prosecution
Ignition interlock requirements
More treatment requirements
Increased probation conditions
Wayne County courts often take these allegations seriously.
Who Is Matthew Fraiberg?
Matthew A. Fraiberg has practiced criminal law in Michigan since 1997.
His background includes:
Former City Prosecutor
Former Judicial Clerk
Former Assistant Legal Research Clerk
28+ years of criminal defense experience
He has handled thousands of DUI and criminal matters throughout Southeast Michigan.
His core question in every High BAC case:
Is the science reliable?
That question often changes everything.
Can Breath Tests Be Wrong?
Short Answer: Yes.
This is one of the most important parts of High BAC defense.
Breath and blood testing can be affected by:
Machine calibration errors
Observation period violations
Medical conditions
Mouth alcohol contamination
Improper administration
Timing issues
Chain-of-custody errors
Lab mistakes
A reported BAC of .18, .19, or .20 is not automatically perfect science.
Even small testing flaws can matter.
Why High BAC Cases Are Often Won Scientifically
Most High BAC cases are not won with dramatic speeches.
They are won through scientific analysis.
Critical defense questions include:
Was the traffic stop lawful?
Illegal stops may weaken the entire case.
Was probable cause valid?
Weak observations matter.
Was testing protocol followed?
Procedure errors matter.
Was the machine reliable?
Maintenance records matter.
Does bodycam match the report?
Video matters.
Science—not assumptions—drives these cases.
Wayne County Courts Handling High BAC Cases
Fraiberg & Pernie handles High BAC cases throughout Wayne County.
Common courts include:
16th District Court
18th District Court
19th District Court
23rd District Court
35th District Court
36th District Court
Each court handles DUI matters differently.
Court-specific strategy matters.
Potential Penalties
Criminal Penalties
Possible consequences include:
Up to 180 days in jail
Fines and court costs
Community service
Alcohol treatment
Probation
License Penalties
Possible consequences include:
Suspension
Restricted driving
Ignition interlock
Administrative sanctions
Long-Term Consequences
A conviction may affect:
Employment
Professional licensing
Insurance rates
Security clearances
Reputation
Background checks
For many professionals, collateral consequences matter most.
Can High BAC Charges Be Reduced?
Short Answer: Sometimes.
Potential outcomes include:
Reduction to lower offense
Reduced penalties
Avoidance of jail
Negotiated resolution
Dismissal in some cases
Every case depends on:
BAC evidence
Prior record
Accident allegations
Court
Defense strategy
Common Mistakes After Arrest
Avoid:
Talking to Police
Statements become evidence.
Posting Online
Social media hurts cases.
Missing Court
Creates immediate problems.
Violating Bond
Judges notice.
Ignoring License Issues
Deadlines matter.
Waiting Too Long
Delay reduces options.
High BAC FAQ
Is High BAC a felony?
Usually no for first offense.
Can a .17+ DUI be reduced?
Sometimes.
Is jail automatic?
No.
Can BAC results be wrong?
Yes.
What is ignition interlock?
A breath-testing device installed in a vehicle.
How long do High BAC cases take?
Usually weeks to months.
Key Takeaways
High BAC usually means 0.17% or higher
Penalties are more severe than standard OWI
Ignition interlock is common
Wayne County courts take High BAC seriously
Breath and blood evidence can be challenged
Scientific flaws can create leverage
Early strategy matters
Speak With a Wayne County High BAC DUI Lawyer
If you were charged with High BAC OWI in Wayne County, your case is already developing.
Evidence is being preserved—or lost.
License consequences may already be unfolding.
Prosecutors are evaluating the case now.
The earlier your defense begins, the more opportunities may exist to challenge the science, protect your license, and improve your outcome.
Call (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
Call 248-986-2682 today for a confidential consultation.
Matthew A. Fraiberg
Wayne County High BAC DUI Lawyer | Wayne County OWI Attorney | Michigan DUI Lawyer
Fraiberg & Pernie
Wayne County DUI Defense Lawyers | Michigan High BAC OWI Attorneys
