Paul J. Tafelski – Detroit DWI Lawyer

Michigan DWI charges are serious. Driving while impaired can lead to damaged property, severe accidents and injuries, and in the worst cases wrongful death. Drivers arrested on DWI charges face hefty fines, possible suspension of their driver’s license, time in jail or prison, and marks on their permanent record which can negatively impact their future. Driving under the influence is a politically charged issue, and Michigan prosecutors now hand down stiff penalties in those cases. But innocent or guilty, defendants who have been charged with driving under the influence have rights protected by law and they require a dedicated Detroit DWI attorney to help them defend those rights.

Lawyer Paul J. Tafelski’s DUI Law Center offers step-by-step information about drunk driving offenses and the legal issues you will be facing. Paul J. Tafelski has broad knowledge of Michigan drunk driving laws, including the most recently added “Super Drunk Law,” and can help you get on with your life following a drunk driving arrest.

Since 1995, criminal defense attorney Paul J. Tafelski, P.C. has successfully defended the people of Detroit, Bloomfield Hills and other parts of Michigan on DWI charges. Through ethical but aggressive representation, he has made a reputation for himself as the criminal defense lawyer to turn to for help with drunk driving offenses. When dealing with a DWI charge, you need an attorney who will take time to gather all the evidence, listen to your side of the case, and explain which strategies will be implemented in your defense. Along with possessing extensive knowledge of Michigan DWI laws, Paul J. Tafelski has extensive experience with the court system in Bloomfield Hills, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Oakland County, as well as the communities of Detroit, Rochester Hills, Troy, Plymouth, and Canton.

There are many different alcohol-related offenses in Michigan – Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (OUIL), Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level (UBAL), Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI). While certain offenses may carry lesser penalties (OWI, operating while impaired), being charged with any of these offenses can have a devastating effect on your life and your future. Those negative consequences include:

Jail time
A criminal record
Fines and court costs
Loss or suspension of your driver’s license
Points posted to your driving record
Vehicle impoundment
Increased insurance rates
Alcohol treatment counseling
Job loss
Driver’s Responsibility Fee through Michigan Secretary of State

Here’s what you’ll face on your first or subsequent drunk driving arrest.

1st Offense – If you have been charged with a DWI, you face up to 93 days in jail, 30 days suspended license/150 days restricted license (automatic), plus $125 reinstatement fee. You will also have to pay at least $100 in fines, 6 points on your license, $1,000 driver responsibility fee for two years, possible probation up to 2 years, up to 360 hours of community service, and court costs. The first-time offenses for OWI carries a slightly lighter fine: 90 days restrictive license, up to 93 days in jail, fine of up to $300, possible 2 years probation, 4 points on your license, and $500 in driver responsibility fees for two years.

2nd Offense – A second offense OWI within 7 years of the first is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. It also carries probation and a mandatory 1 year revocation of your license. You cannot get a restricted license during this period and are not guaranteed to get your license back after one year. There are very serious penalties involved.

3rd Offense – A third offense is incredibly serious. It is a felony to have three drunk driving charges, regardless of when the last incident occurred. If you have been charged with a third offense, you run the risk of having your license revoked and possibly facing a sentence of up to 5 years in prison.

Additionally, it is a serious felony to cause an accident resulting in death or serious impairment of another while driving drunk or impaired. It is a 5-year prison sentence to cause a serious impairment of a body function of another person, 15 years for wrongful death charges, and 20 years for the death of firefighters, police or other emergency personnel.

If you have been charged with an alcohol-related crime in Michigan, then you need an experienced Detroit DUI lawyer to defend your rights. Paul J. Tafelski has a reputation as a thorough, aggressive and professional litigator who is dedicated to helping his clients obtain the best possible result under the particular facts of their cases.

A criminal charge such as a DWI is a serious matter. That’s why you need a strong and experienced Michigan DWI attorney at your side to see you through. If you find yourself facing legal action due to a DWI, call Paul J. Tafelski today at (248) 451-2200 for a free consultation or contact him online.

He also handles other criminal cases, including: Misdemeanors and Felonies, Drunk Driving Offenses, Traffic Tickets, Domestic Violence, Drug Cases, License Restoration, Criminal Sexual Conduct and Internet Crimes, Expungement and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

With offices in Detroit, Bloomfield Hills and Western Wayne County, Paul J. Tafelski proudly represents the Michigan people located in Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, Detroit, Troy, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Plymouth, Canton, Dearborn Heights, Southfield, Livonia, St. Clair Shores, Novi, Grosse Pointe, Warren, Sterling Heights, and throughout the state of Michigan.