Operating a vehicle under the influence in Wayne County, Michigan can turn a routine evening into a legal crisis. Police patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and dash-cam technology make enforcement swift, and Michigan’s statutes leave little room for error. After an arrest, working with a Wayne County Michigan DUI attorney from Fraiberg & Pernie offers a clear route to understanding your rights and limiting the fallout.
Michigan DUI Thresholds in Wayne County
State law sets a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.08 percent for most adult drivers and 0.04 percent for those holding commercial licenses. A reading of 0.17 percent or higher falls under Michigan’s “super drunk” category, triggering enhanced penalties and mandatory treatment programs. Officers rely on field sobriety tests, portable breath units, and, in some situations, blood draws. Yet equipment malfunctions, medical conditions, and poor roadside conditions can skew results, calling the state’s evidence into question.
Immediate Penalties and Hidden Costs
First-time convictions can bring up to 93 days in jail, steep fines, community service, and a 180-day license suspension, though restricted privileges may become available after 30 days. Insurance premiums often soar, and professional licenses may come under scrutiny. Repeat offenses escalate sharply: longer jail terms, extended revocations, and possible vehicle immobilization threaten long-term mobility and financial stability. Penalties arrive quickly, making early legal guidance essential.
Defense Strategies that Make a Difference
Fraiberg & Pernie dissect every element of the traffic stop. Was the officer’s reason for the stop legitimate? Were field sobriety instructions clear and adapted to surface or weather conditions? Breath-test maintenance logs, calibration records, and chain-of-custody paperwork may expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. When flaws emerge, motions to suppress evidence or negotiations for reduced charges become viable. Even when evidence appears strong, alternative sentencing—such as sobriety courts and rehabilitation programs—can reduce the impact on daily life.
Fraiberg & Pernie’s Client-Centered Approach
Legal challenges are easier to bear when you know what to expect. The attorneys at Fraiberg & Pernie emphasize plain-language explanations, realistic timelines, and prompt replies to client questions. Whether steering a matter toward dismissal, reduction, or constructive sentencing alternatives, their focus stays on preserving future goals while addressing immediate demands.
A DUI arrest in Wayne County is serious, but it does not have to define your path. With strategic counsel from Fraiberg & Pernie, you can take decisive steps toward regaining control and rebuilding confidence.
