DWI and DUI Charges Threaten Your Life — Fight Back.
A DWI or DUI charge can upend your life in an instant. Even a first-time charge carries serious consequences—but with our team at Michael & Associates in your corner, you don’t have to face them alone.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is one of the most common criminal charges in the country—and one of the most serious. At Michael & Associates, we’ve built a reputation for aggressively defending clients against DWI charges and helping them move forward with their lives. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys, former prosecutors, ex-judges, and DWI/DUI scientists has decades of experience and one clear goal: getting your DWI charge dismissed or reduced with the least impact on your life.
Even a first-time conviction can carry serious consequences, including jail time, fines, a suspended license, and higher insurance rates. That’s why we take every case seriously—and why we fight so hard.
What Is a DWI?
DWI laws vary by state, but most follow a similar standard: you are considered legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, you can still be charged even with a BAC below that limit if the arresting officer believes you are impaired.
Typical signs of impairment officers cite include erratic driving, poor performance on field sobriety tests, and slurred speech. If you refused testing, law enforcement may still attempt to prove intoxication based on observations alone.
Our advice: remain polite, don’t admit guilt, and do not perform field sobriety tests or breath tests if not required by law. Call a defense attorney as soon as possible.
Penalties for DWI Charges
Penalties vary depending on prior convictions, BAC levels, and aggravating factors such as having a child in the vehicle. Here’s a general breakdown of what you may face:
First DWI Offense
- Fines up to $2,000
- Jail time ranging from a few days to six months
- License suspension for up to one year
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment
Second DWI Offense
- Higher fines (up to $4,000 or more)
- Jail time from 30 days to one year
- Longer license suspension
- Possible ignition interlock device (IID) requirement
Third or Subsequent Offense
- Felony classification
- Fines up to $10,000
- Two to ten years in prison
- Permanent license revocation in some states
- Lifetime criminal record
Common DWI Enhancements
Certain circumstances can increase the severity of your charges:
- BAC of 0.15% or higher – often upgraded to a more serious misdemeanor
- Open container in the vehicle – may trigger mandatory jail time
- Child passenger – typically a felony with additional penalties
- Accident with injury – can lead to felony assault charges
Real Consequences Beyond Court
A DWI conviction doesn’t just impact your record. It can affect nearly every area of your life:
- Insurance premiums may double or triple
- Professional licenses may be revoked or denied
- Employment opportunities may disappear
- International travel can be restricted
- Personal relationships and custody rights may be affected
That’s why an experienced legal team matters. We don’t just focus on the legal technicalities—we consider the full scope of your life and what’s at stake.
How We Defend Against DWI Charges
Every DWI case is different, but our approach follows proven steps designed to maximize your chance of success:
1. ALR Hearing / License Protection
After an arrest, you typically have a limited window to challenge your license suspension. We handle this immediately—often securing the ability for you to keep driving.
2. Occupational License Support
If your license is suspended, we work quickly to obtain an occupational or restricted license so you can continue driving to work, school, or essential activities.
3. Challenge the Traffic Stop
If the initial traffic stop lacked legal justification, we can file a motion to suppress, which may result in the case being dismissed entirely.
4. Dissect Blood and Breath Tests
Our team includes trained DWI scientists who challenge the accuracy of blood and breath test results—looking for technical flaws, procedural errors, and calibration issues.
5. Review Arrest Video
Video evidence often tells a different story from the police report. We look closely to see if you appeared sober, were polite, and cooperated—details that can help sway prosecutors or juries.
6. Mitigation and Character Evidence
If the evidence is stacked against you, we prepare a compelling mitigation packet to show you’re a responsible individual who made a one-time mistake—not someone who should be branded a criminal.
What We Aim For
Our top priority is a complete dismissal of your case. When that’s not possible, we fight for:
- Reduced charges
- Deferred adjudication (no conviction)
- No jail time
- Favorable probation terms
- License protection
We’ll always be honest with you about your options and chances, and we’ll never pressure you to accept a deal you don’t feel comfortable with.
Why Hire a Private DWI Defense Attorney?
Public defenders do valuable work—but they’re often overwhelmed and under-resourced. With a private defense team like ours, you get:
- A full staff of attorneys, investigators, and DWI experts
- Regular communication and case updates
- Deep courtroom and negotiation experience
- A strategy tailored to your life and your goals
You deserve more than a rushed plea deal. You deserve a real defense.
Your Future Is Worth Fighting For
A DWI charge doesn’t have to define your future. Whether it’s your first arrest or you’re facing a more serious situation, we’re ready to fight for the best outcome possible.
Reach out today for a free consultation. We’ll listen, explain your options, and take immediate steps to protect your license, your record, and your freedom.