High BAC OWI Lawyer in Wayne County, Michigan – Super Drunk DUI Defense
Charged With High BAC OWI in Wayne County?
A High BAC charge can be overwhelming.
Most people know that Michigan considers an alleged blood-alcohol concentration of 0.17 percent or higher to be a High BAC offense. What most people do not know is what happens next.
The first questions we hear are rarely legal questions.
Instead, people ask questions such as:
Am I going to jail?
Will I lose my driver’s license?
Will I lose my job?
Will people find out?
Can I still drive to work?
Will I be able to cross the Canadian border?
How long will this case take?
Is my life permanently changed?
These concerns are understandable.
A High BAC charge can affect much more than your driving privileges.
It may affect your career, finances, reputation, insurance rates, professional licenses, and future opportunities.
However, a number on a breath test is not the end of the story.
The evidence still matters.
High BAC OWI at a Glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Law Firm | Fraiberg & Pernie |
| Attorney | Matthew Fraiberg |
| Charge | High BAC OWI |
| Location | Wayne County, Michigan |
| Primary Evidence | Breath tests, blood tests, police reports, body-camera footage |
| Primary Concerns | Driver’s licenses, ignition interlock, employment, probation, professional licensing |
What Makes a High BAC Charge Different?
A standard OWI and a High BAC charge are not treated the same way.
High BAC cases often involve:
Increased penalties
Additional supervision
Ignition interlock requirements
Driver’s license restrictions
Counseling requirements
Probation conditions
Increased financial costs
Many prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively.
What Happens During the First Twenty-Four Hours?
Immediately after an arrest, several things begin happening simultaneously.
These often include:
Chemical testing
Booking and release
Vehicle impoundment
Bond conditions
Driver’s license concerns
Evidence preservation
Scheduling of future court proceedings
This is why early preparation can be so important.
What Happens During the First Week?
The first week frequently involves:
Arraignment proceedings
Requests for police reports
Collection of body-camera footage
Witness interviews
Driver’s license planning
Review of testing procedures
Time can be extremely important because evidence does not always remain available indefinitely.
How Long Does a High BAC Case Take?
Every case is different.
Some cases are resolved within a few months, while others involve extensive investigation, motion practice, negotiations, or trial preparation.
The complexity of the evidence often determines the timeline.
Am I Automatically Guilty Because I Blew Over a 0.17?
No.
A reported number is only one piece of evidence.
Questions frequently include:
Was the machine functioning properly?
Was the testing procedure followed correctly?
Was the observation period completed?
Was the sample contaminated?
Does the video evidence support the allegations?
Even small errors can become important.
Can Breath-Test Results Be Wrong?
Yes.
Breath-testing equipment is sophisticated, but no scientific instrument is perfect.
Potential problems may include:
Calibration errors
Mouth alcohol contamination
Medical conditions
Operator mistakes
Maintenance problems
Improper observation procedures
Environmental factors
Scientific evidence should be carefully reviewed rather than automatically accepted.
Can Blood-Test Results Be Challenged?
Yes.
Potential concerns may involve:
Chain-of-custody issues
Improper storage procedures
Labeling errors
Laboratory mistakes
Contamination
Delays in testing
Blood evidence can be extremely important, but it should still be examined carefully.
Can Body-Camera Footage Help My Case?
Absolutely.
Video evidence often provides important information regarding:
Driving behavior
Statements made by the driver
Field sobriety tests
Officer observations
Testing procedures
Sometimes video evidence strengthens the prosecution’s position. In other situations, it creates opportunities for the defense.
Questions Professionals Frequently Ask
Will my employer find out?
Possibly.
Will I lose my job?
Not necessarily.
Will this affect my professional license?
It may.
Can I continue driving for work?
That depends upon the circumstances of the case.
Can I travel internationally?
Perhaps.
Can I return to Canada?
That depends upon both the court and Canadian authorities.
Will this affect my security clearance?
Potentially.
Can Physicians, Nurses, Lawyers, Pilots, and Executives Be Affected?
Yes.
Many professionals face concerns extending beyond the criminal allegations themselves.
Potential consequences may involve:
Licensing boards
Credentialing requirements
Insurance issues
Employment contracts
Security clearances
Travel restrictions
For many clients, protecting a career becomes just as important as resolving the criminal case itself.
Wayne County Courts Handling High BAC Cases
Fraiberg & Pernie represents individuals throughout Wayne County, including those appearing in:
16th District Court
18th District Court
19th District Court
20th District Court
21st District Court
22nd District Court
23rd District Court
27th District Court
28th District Court
29th District Court
31st District Court
34th District Court
35th District Court
36th District Court
Each court has its own procedures, expectations, and practices.
What Happens if I Violate Bond Conditions?
Bond violations can create serious consequences.
Depending upon the circumstances, consequences may include:
Additional conditions
Increased testing
Additional court appearances
Revocation of bond
Arrest warrants
Following court orders is essential.
What Happens if I Fail an Alcohol Test?
A failed test may result in:
Additional sanctions
More frequent testing
Counseling requirements
Increased supervision
Bond violations
One problem should never become two problems.
Can I Attend a Wedding, Sporting Event, or Concert?
Perhaps.
However, every court order remains in effect regardless of the occasion.
Many people are surprised to discover that ordinary activities may still be affected while a case is pending.
Will I Lose My Driver’s License?
Potential consequences may include:
License suspension
Restricted driving privileges
Ignition interlock requirements
Additional administrative sanctions
Driver’s license consequences should be addressed immediately.
Can High BAC Charges Be Reduced?
Sometimes.
Potential opportunities may arise from:
Weak evidence
Constitutional concerns
Improper procedures
Scientific errors
Inconsistent statements
Video evidence
Every case should be evaluated individually.
Six Mistakes People Commonly Make
Talking Too Much
Statements often become evidence.
Posting on Social Media
Online activity can damage a defense.
Missing Court Dates
Courts rarely overlook failures to appear.
Violating Bond Conditions
Additional violations frequently make cases more difficult.
Ignoring Driver’s License Issues
Deadlines matter.
Waiting Too Long
Delay often reduces available options.
Why Clients Choose Fraiberg & Pernie
Fraiberg & Pernie focuses on:
Scientific analysis
Constitutional protections
Driver’s license defense
Strategic negotiations
Trial preparation
Reputation protection
Every case begins with a straightforward question:
What does the evidence actually prove?
Speak With a Wayne County High BAC Lawyer
If you have been charged with a High BAC offense in Wayne County, the decisions you make during the first hours and days may influence the outcome of the case.
Protecting your future often begins with understanding the facts, preserving the evidence, and developing a strategy based upon the circumstances of your case.
Call (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
Call 248-986-2682 today for a confidential consultation.
Matthew 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