Drunk Driving/DLAD

Experienced Detroit-area lawyers defend your rights

The team of criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Raymond A. Cassar PLC has the experience and knowledge necessary to help clients who have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

They are passionate about protecting your rights and helping you get the best result in your case if you have been charged with any of the following:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
• Operating while intoxicated/impaired (OWI)
• Operating while visibly impaired (OWVI)
• Operating under the influence of liquor (OUIL)

Working hard to protect clients

For clients charged with any of these offenses, Raymond Cassar’s team of lawyers does the following:

• Builds a strong defense
• Investigates the circumstances of your traffic stop and arrest
• Files motions on your behalf
• Represents you in court
• Defends any related traffic violations on your behalf
• Takes your case through the Driver's License Appeals Division (DLAD) license restoration process

The firm’s attorneys have helped clients accused of drunk driving in Michigan for more than a combined four decades. They have an intimate knowledge of drunk driving laws and know the best ways to defend your case in court. They give thorough, valuable advice.

Current drunk driving penalties

Drunk driving offenses have harsh consequences on your driving privileges, on your freedom, and on your wallet. The state’s drunk driving laws were changed in 2003 when the Michigan legislature passed Heidi’s Law. This means that a third or subsequent drunk driving offense within your lifetime is a felony, no matter how many years it has been since any prior offenses.

The penalties for Michigan drunk driving charges are as follows:

• First offense: Up to 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, 45 days of community service, four or six points on your driving record, and license suspension for up to 180 days
• Second offense: Up to one year in jail, a $200 to $1,000 fine, 30 to 90 days community service, four or six points on your driving record, license plate confiscation, vehicle immobilization for 90 to 180 days unless forfeited, and license revocation for one year or more
• Third offense: Up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, 60 to 180 days of community service, six points on your driving record, license plate confiscation, vehicle immobilization or forfeiture, and possible license revocation for one to  five years

In addition to these penalties, those convicted of a drunk driving offense must pay up to $1,000 in driver responsibility fees to the Michigan Secretary of State for two consecutive years.  Repercussions are even more severe if your drunk driving charge involves an accident or the presence of a minor in your vehicle; these types of cases are almost always classified as felonies.

Driver's license appeals and restorations

The loss of your driver's license is more than the loss of a privilege. It makes you dependent upon friends, family, and co-workers for transportation. It causes you to be passed up for promotional opportunities and advancements. The attorneys of the Law Offices of Raymond A. Cassar, PLC help get you back on the road. Let our attorneys put their dedication and experience to work for you throughout the Michigan Drivers Assessment Appeal Division (DAAD) or Drivers License Appeal Division (DLAD) and circuit courts. Our efforts have successfully helped clients get their drivers licenses restored since 1984. We have one of the best winning percentages in the State of Michigan on license restorations.

As one of the leaders on the subject, our office authored the article, Issue Spotting a Circuit Court Driver’s License Restoration, which was published in the Michigan State Bar Journal.

Michigan Drivers Assessment Appeal Division (DAAD) and Michigan Drivers License Appeal Division (DLAD)

Whether you are looking for full license restoration or a restricted license, we walk you through the process of filing an appeal with Michigan's DAAD and DLAD. To ensure you are fully prepared, we do the following:

• Provide detailed information packet on the appeals and restoration process
• Review your restoration appeals letters to ensure their accuracy
• Evaluate substance abuse problems
• Practice interview sessions with you before your hearing
• Represent you at your hearing

The firm’s lawyers understand that visiting the office may be difficult or impossible without your license, so they accommodate your needs as best as possible. If you are unable to travel, they can help you through the appeals process by phone, fax, or email.

Experience you can trust

Whether you are facing your first DUI arrest or looking to have your license restored, the team of attorneys at the Law Offices of Raymond A. Cassar, PLC has the passion and drive required to defend you against the charges. Their knowledge of the Michigan legal system is vital to the success of your drunk driving or license appeals case.

Schedule your free initial consultation

Located close to all major freeways in the Detroit metropolitan area, attorneys at the Law Offices of Raymond A. Cassar, PLC represent clients throughout Michigan.  Contact the firm online or call 248-419-4926 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. 

The firm also offers night and weekend meetings (by appointment only).  All major credit cards are accepted and flexible payment plans are available.