DUI

Detroit DUI/OWI Lawyer

Being pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving is an intimidating experience and one that can dramatically impact your life. Many drivers react with fear and the notion that a conviction is forthcoming, and they can do little about it. 

That is a false assumption. Just as in any other criminal case, DUI, known as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) under Michigan law, can be challenged. Police officers and others can make procedural and technical mistakes, undermining the prosecutor’s claims. 

However, you will need an experienced and highly knowledgeable attorney who understands OWI's legal, scientific, and technical aspects and how to investigate them for errors and weaknesses. 

At The Law Offices of David I. Lee, you can turn to a Detroit OWI attorney with decades of experience. Attorney Lee has resolved countless cases in the local courts for drivers of all ages, backgrounds, and occupations. He provides comprehensive and seasoned representation to help you pursue an optimum outcome.

Call The Law Offices of David I. Lee at (313) 824-3497 for a free case review with a Detroit DUI/OWI attorney. You can also schedule a consultation online.

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Notable Cases

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • PA Boys and BMF – U.S. District Court (Judge Nancy Edmunds, Judge Avern Cohn)

    David represented Sherrod King in a large-scale drug conspiracy before Judge Nancy Edmunds,(03-80981, ED Mich, Judge Edmunds). King was a well-known Detroit rapper and an alleged member of the so-called “P.A. Boys.”

  • People v. Govender (Judge Patricia Fresard, Wayne County Circuit Court)

    David successfully represented an accomplished nurse in People v. Govender. In this case, Govender had killed her infant son and attempted suicide in a rage of postpartum psychosis.

  • People V. Terri Sutton, (Judge Paula Humphries)

    David represented Terri Sutton, the first of two 911 operators ever to be charged criminally in the United States. The case involved a young boy who called 911 after his mother had died. It was later determined that two operators acted criminally in the handling of the boy’s calls.

  • United States v. Abro, 93-80140, ED Mich (Judge Barbara Hackett)

    In 1993, David obtained his first federal not guilty verdict in the case of United States v. Abro, et al. This win came in the wake of David’s 20 consecutive “not guilty” state court verdicts.

  • United States V. Baily, (Judge Julian Cook)

    David represented a defendant in the “La Shish Restaurant” case, which included allegations of conspiracy to defraud the federal government, tax evasion and money laundering involving a well-known chain of restaurants, its employees and owner.

  • United States V. Bartkus (Judge Gerald Rosen)

    In 1989, David tried his first Federal case, United States v. Bartkus, wherein he represented the only defendant in this multi-defendant case to go to trial.

Penalties for a First OWI Offense

Even a first OWI conviction in Michigan carries serious consequences, including:

  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Fines ranging from $100 to $500
  • Up to 360 hours of community service
  • Six points added to your driving record
  • License suspension for up to six months (with possible restricted license after 30 days)
  • Possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) if deemed necessary

These penalties can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life, which is why early intervention is essential.

Penalties can be “enhanced” when aggravating factors occur, such as:

  • Having a BAC of 0.17% or higher
  • Causing an accident resulting in injury or death
  • Having prior OWI convictions
  • OWI with a minor in the vehicle 

Enhanced penalties can include longer jail time and license suspensions, higher fines, and mandatory alcohol treatment programs. 

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Why Choose The Law Offices of David I. Lee?

  • Proven Legal Experience
    With decades of courtroom experience, David Lee is prepared to defend your rights.
  • Complimentary Consultation
    Start with a free consultation to better understand your legal options.
  • Always Accessible
    You’ll have direct, 24/7 access to your attorney for trusted legal guidance.
  • Hands-On Representation
    David Lee provides respectful, one-on-one attention to every client and case.

Stay In The Know

  • How Long Is Drug Court in Michigan?
    In the state of Michigan, the Drug Court program consists of three separate phases: the stabilization phase, an intensive treatment phase, and a transition phase. The program can be completed in as quickly as 18 months but can vary depending on the progress of the individual participating in the program.
  • How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Michigan?
    There are several elements that factor into the total cost of a criminal defense lawyer in Michigan, including the overall severity of the case, the experience and reputation of the attorney, whether or not the case proceeds to trial, and the geographic location of the attorney. For example, a more experienced attorney in Detroit for a felony case is going to cost more than a misdemeanor case handled by a less experienced attorney.
  • What Is the Penalty for Drug Possession in Michigan?
    The penalties for drug possession in Michigan vary largely based on the classification of drugs, the amount of drugs in possession, if it is your first offense or you are a repeat offender, and whether or not you committed other crimes while in possession of the drugs.
    A possession conviction of a large amount of a Schedule I substance like heroin or cocaine can lead to likely jail time in addition to fines, whereas convictions for lesser classified drugs in a small quantity can still lead to fines and a driver’s license suspension, but may be able to avoid jail time.

How The Law Offices of David I. Lee Can Help You Fight OWI Charges

Our Detroit OWI lawyer can evaluate your case and identify possible defenses. 

For example, was the traffic stop lawful, and did the officer have reasonable suspicion to pull you over? Are breath or blood test results accurate, and were proper testing protocols followed? 

Were field sobriety testing instructions clear, and was the testing environment reliable? Did law enforcement violate your constitutional rights during the arrest process?

Scrutinizing the details of your case can unearth weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments, potentially leading to dismissed or reduced charges. 

Let us help you build your defense. Contact us at (313) 824-3497 for a free consultation. 

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Call our criminal defense lawyer in the Detroit metro area today at (313) 824-3497 or fill out the form to get started with a free consultation.

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