Owi / Dui Defense
Aggressive, Technical Defense Against Drunk Driving Charges
OWI and DUI cases in Michigan are not routine traffic matters—they are highly technical criminal prosecutions built on assumptions, flawed testing, and officer discretion. Prosecutors rely on juries believing that breath machines are infallible and that police observations are unquestionable. Neither is true.
At Mumen Barlaskar Law Firm PLLC, we approach OWI cases as scientific and constitutional battles. Every stop, test, and arrest decision is scrutinized. If the government cuts corners, we expose it.
We defend clients charged with OWI and DUI offenses throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, where enforcement intensity and sentencing philosophies vary dramatically by court.
How OWI / DUI Cases Are Built in Michigan
Most OWI cases begin with a traffic stop—often justified after the fact. Officers then rely on subjective observations to escalate the encounter into a drunk driving arrest.
Prosecutors typically base OWI cases on:
- Alleged traffic violations
- Field sobriety tests were never designed for roadside accuracy
- Portable breath tests are used improperly
- Breathalyzer or blood test results assumed to be precise
- Officer opinions rather than objective proof
Each step presents legal and scientific vulnerabilities.
Penalties and Exposure for OWI Convictions
The consequences of an OWI conviction extend far beyond fines. Depending on charge level and prior history, exposure includes:
- Jail time
- License suspension or revocation
- Ignition interlock requirements
- Probation with intrusive testing
- Heavy fines and court costs
- Dramatically increased insurance rates
- Employment and professional licensing consequences
- Serious immigration consequences for non-citizens
Oakland County courts are known for harsh sentencing and strict probation, while Wayne and Macomb County outcomes vary significantly by judge and location.
License Sanctions and Secretary of State Consequences
OWI cases carry immediate and long-term driving penalties:
- Suspended or restricted licenses
- Mandatory alcohol treatment
- Vehicle immobilization or forfeiture
- Interlock installation
We pursue administrative appeals and strategic resolutions to protect your ability to drive legally.
Common Police and Prosecutor Tactics in OWI Cases
OWI prosecutions depend on predictable tactics:
- Stretching reasonable suspicion for traffic stops
- Misstating field sobriety test performance
- Treating breath machine numbers as the absolute truth
- Pressuring defendants into quick pleas
Our defense is designed to dismantle these assumptions.
How We Defend OWI / DUI Cases
We prepare every OWI case as a trial-ready file, including:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence
- Attacking breath and blood test reliability
- Exposing officer training and procedural failures
- Retaining experts when necessary
- Leveraging evidentiary weaknesses for dismissal or reduction
Strong motion practice is often the difference between conviction and freedom.
Refusal, Breath, and Blood Tests – What You Should Know
Michigan’s implied consent law carries serious penalties for refusals—but testing itself is often flawed.
We analyze:
- Whether refusal warnings were proper
- Whether blood draws were lawful
- Whether testing procedures complied with regulations
Mistakes in testing frequently invalidate the prosecution’s case.
Immigration Consequences of OWI Convictions
For non-citizens, OWI convictions, especially repeat offenses, can jeopardize:
- Immigration status
- Visa renewals
- Naturalization applications
Defense strategy must account for criminal and immigration law simultaneously.
What To Do If You Are Arrested for OWI or DUI
DO:
- Remain silent and request an attorney
- Comply with bond and testing requirements
- Preserve all paperwork and receipts
DO NOT:
- Admit to drinking to the police
- Assume breath results end the case
- Miss Secretary of State deadlines
- Plead guilty without legal review
OWI / DUI – Frequently Asked Questions
License penalties depend on test results, refusals, and prior offenses.
Yes. Many cases are reduced or dismissed through aggressive defense.
Every situation is different. Refusals carry penalties but may limit evidence.
Certain outcomes may qualify for expungement. Early defense is critical.