FRAIBERG & PERNIE

High BAC DUI Lawyer in Wayne County

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

CategoryInformation
Law FirmFraiberg & Pernie
AttorneyMatthew Fraiberg
ChargeHigh BAC OWI
LocationWayne County, Michigan
Primary EvidenceBreath tests, blood tests, police reports, body-camera footage
Primary ConcernsDriver’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

Related Michigan DUI Resources

Ultimate Guide to Michigan DUI Law
Michigan DUI Penalties
Best DUI Lawyers in Michigan

Written by Matthew Fraiberg
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience

Early strategy wins cases.

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Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense law firm dedicated to defending individuals charged with DUI, drug crimes, assault offenses, domestic violence, white collar crimes, and other felony or misdemeanor charges. The firm represents clients throughout Oakland County, Macomb County, Wayne County, and Metro Detroit. If you need an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney, Fraiberg & Pernie provides aggressive legal representation focused on protecting your freedom, record, and future.

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