An OWI arrest can leave you with urgent questions. Will you lose your license? Could you go to jail? What will happen in court? How could a conviction affect your job, insurance, or record?
Although the situation is serious, an arrest is not the same as a conviction. The traffic stop, officer’s observations, testing procedures, and other evidence should be carefully reviewed before you decide how to proceed.
James Fillmore helps clients understand the allegations, evaluate the evidence, and prepare for each stage of the legal process.
Michigan law uses the term operating while intoxicated, commonly abbreviated as OWI. Many people also use “DUI” when searching for information about impaired-driving charges.
An OWI allegation may involve alcohol, a controlled substance, medication, or another intoxicating substance. Michigan also recognizes operating while visibly impaired, or OWVI, which focuses on whether a substance visibly affected a person’s ability to operate a vehicle.
The charge and potential consequences depend on several factors, including:
James reviews the specific allegations and explains what they may mean for both the criminal case and the client’s driving privileges.
Fillmore Law assists clients facing matters that may include:
Each type of case presents different questions. James will explain which issues apply to your situation without overwhelming you with unnecessary legal terminology.
A successful OWI defense begins with understanding why the vehicle was stopped and what happened afterward.
James may review:
A minor traffic violation does not automatically establish that a person was impaired. The entire sequence of events must be examined.
Law enforcement officers may ask a driver to perform roadside exercises as part of an OWI investigation. The officer may then describe the driver’s performance as evidence of impairment.
However, performance may be affected by factors unrelated to alcohol or drugs, including:
James reviews the officer’s report and available video to determine whether the written account is consistent with what actually occurred.
Chemical test results can play an important role in an OWI case, but those results still require careful evaluation.
Depending on the type of test, relevant questions may include:
James examines the testing records rather than assuming that a reported number tells the complete story.
An OWI case can affect more than the criminal record. Depending on the charge and prior history, a person may face license restrictions, suspension, or revocation in addition to the court process.
These issues can affect a person’s ability to commute, care for family members, attend medical appointments, or continue working. Commercial drivers may face additional professional consequences.
James helps clients understand how the criminal and licensing issues relate to one another and what steps may be required.
After an arrest:
Do not ignore correspondence involving your license or assume that the criminal case is the only issue requiring attention. Acting early gives your attorney more time to obtain records and prepare.
James Fillmore is a lifelong Michigan resident, a Wayne State University Law School graduate, and a longtime Oakland County resident. He understands the fear and uncertainty that can follow an OWI arrest.
Clients work directly with James throughout their cases. He listens carefully, answers questions, and explains the available options in straightforward language.
No lawyer can guarantee a dismissal or other particular outcome. James can provide a thorough review, personal attention, and a defense strategy shaped around the evidence and circumstances.
