Under current 2024 law in Michigan, an OWI or OWVI conviction remains on your driving and criminal record permanently unless it is expunged. However, a first offense OWI conviction can be expunged five years after the completion of probationary period. 

As every experienced OWI defense attorney knows, the only way to get an operating while intoxicated conviction dismissed is to litigate. DUI cases don’t dismiss themselves or get cleared automatically after a certain amount of time, and local prosecutors and judges don’t dismiss them either, unless they have no other choice. 

Some ways to beat a recent OWI charge in Michigan include:

• A full-blown trial and getting a Not Guilty verdict
• An anonymous false report of OWI
• An illegal stop of a person or vehicle
• Improperly conducted field sobriety testing
• An unlicensed or improperly trained breath test operator
• Improperly calibrated breath test equipment and breathalyzer machine malfunctions
• Failure to provide a speedy trial 

A skilled local lawyer can also look for ways to beat a Michigan OWI charge, once they can pinpoint case-specific defenses during a free arrest review.

Best Strategic Ways to Beat a Michigan OWI Case With a Reduction or Dismissal of Charges

Getting arrested with a recent OWI charge in Michigan can feel like a nightmare. The stress, uncertainty, and potential consequences can be overwhelming. But before you resign yourself to the worst, understand this: you still have case-winning options with expert local legal help early on after an arrest.

And with the right approach, you can significantly improve your chances of getting your OWI charge dismissed or reduced.

This local program guide, outlined by a Board Certified OWI lawyers in Michigan with FightDUICharges, is your roadmap to navigate this challenging situation. We’ll delve into the most effective strategies, dispel common myths, and offer real-life examples of how seemingly impossible cases have been successfully dismissed. So, keep reading and reclaim control of your situation.

Understanding Your Best OWI Defense Options

The first step is understanding the potential outcomes of your OWI case:

• Dismissal: This is the ultimate victory, where the charges against you are dropped entirely.
• Reduction: Your OWI charge could be reduced to a lesser offense, like reckless driving, with significantly milder penalties.
• Negotiation: Prosecutors may be willing to offer a plea bargain, reducing the charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea.

Top Tactics for Dismissal or Reduction

Now, let’s explore the most powerful strategies for achieving these outcomes:

1. Challenging the Stop: Was the initial traffic stop that led to your arrest legal? If not, any evidence obtained subsequently, including breathalyzer results, could be inadmissible, potentially leading to dismissal.

Example: In a recent case, our client was pulled over for a “broken taillight” that turned out to be functional. The judge ruled the stop illegal, and the entire case was dismissed.

2. Questioning the Field Sobriety Tests: These tests are notoriously subjective and prone to error. A skilled lawyer can identify inconsistencies or improper administration, potentially invalidating the results.

Example: We successfully challenged a client’s OWI charge based on the officer failing to properly instruct them on the walk-and-turn test.

3. Challenging the Breathalyzer Results: Breathalyzers are not foolproof. Medical conditions, recent consumption of certain foods or substances, and even the device itself can produce inaccurate readings.

Example: Our team secured a dismissal for a client whose breathalyzer result was deemed unreliable due to their recent use of an inhaler.

4. Exploring Alternative Explanations: Were there alternative explanations for your behavior that could be mistaken for intoxication? Fatigue, medical conditions, or even prescription medications can mimic the symptoms of impairment.

Example: We helped a client with diabetes avoid a conviction by demonstrating their low blood sugar could explain their unsteady gait and slurred speech.

5. Negotiating with the Prosecutor: In some cases, prosecutors may be open to plea bargains, especially if the evidence against you is weak. A skilled lawyer can negotiate a reduced charge or lesser penalties.

Remember: Every case is unique, and the best strategy will depend on the specific details of yours. A free attorney review of he arrest details with a top local Board Certified OWI lawyer in Michigan is crucial to understand your options and develop a winning strategy.

Don’t Let Cost to Fight OWI Charges Be a Barrier

Even the thought of trying to get out of an OWI charge can be financially terrifying in itself, but don’t let cost prevent you from getting the best representation to help make a dismissall actually happen. At FightDUICharges, we understand the challenges you face, and the best OWI attorneys in the area offer the cheapest payment options to ensure you have access to the legal expertise you deserve.

We firmly believe that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to fight for a fair outcome in their OWI case.

Take Action, Get Free Local OWI Help With an Arrest Review

A local OWI charge doesn’t have to define your future. By understanding your options, exploring potential defenses, and seeking the guidance of a skilled OWI lawyer, you can significantly increase your chances of dismissal or reduction.

Don’t wait – contact FightDUICharges today for a free OWI attorney review of your arrest and reclaim control of your situation.