Eaton County, Michigan DUI Lawyers

There are two possible charges for drunk driving in Michigan; Operating While Impaired - OWI and Operating While Visibly Impaired - OWVI. Recent changes in laws established OWI as the most serious drinking and driving offense in Michigan, a charge often referred to as DUI - Driving Under the Influence in other parts of the country. The OWVI charge is usually applied when a motorist has a blood alcohol content below the legal limit but exhibits signs of impairment.

All drunk driving offenses are considered crimes and carry severe penalties. Even if you have been charged with driving under the influence in Michigan you have many legal options and you should never give up your right to a fair hearing or your opportunity to challenge the case against you. An arrest for DUI does not mean a conviction.

Drunk driving has become a political issue and judges and prosecutors are very hesitant to reduce charges or dismiss cases because of the influence of anti-drinking and driving advocacy groups. Your DUI lawyer must be knowledgeable about both the laws and the science that pertain to drinking and driving to ensure you get the best resolution.

The Charlotte DUI Attorneys at The Nichols Law Firm not only know Michigan DUI laws and the science but are always prepared to go to trial and win, as well as pursue evidentiary hearings. If the police violated your rights there is a chance your case could be reduced or thrown out. Preparing for trial, filing motions and overall knowledge in DUI laws makes prosecutors know that they must seriously consider reducing charges or even dismissing charges. The Nichols Law Firm understands the criminal justice system, and they will use them to the benefit of their clients.

To learn about your case and more about your legal options, contact the Eaton County Michigan DUI Lawyers at The Nichols Law Firm by filling out the form to the left or calling (517) 588-0009. The initial over the phone consultation is free and there is no obligation, so call now.

Penalties for MI DUI
The penalties for drunk driving in Eaton County are influenced by the charge filed - OWI/DUI versus OVWI - and several others factors, including blood alcohol content, causing an accident with injury, having a minor in the vehicle or holding a commercial driver license (CDL).

In general the offense of driving under the influence in Michigan can result in loss of driver's license, fines, jail, community service and probation. In more serious cases, the penalties could include mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device and alcohol rehabilitation.

It is important for you and your attorney to know what you are facing. Time is critical when it comes to a DUI defense, so contact the Charlotte DUI Lawyers with The Nichols Law Firm now and ask them for a free telephone review of your case.

About the Michigan DUI Attorneys at The Nichols Law Firm
The Nichols Law Firm is a premier law firm practicing criminal law with a focus on drunk driving defense. The Eaton County DUI Attorneys at The Nichols Law Firm offer a team approach, combining the skills, strengths and experience of all the attorneys to help solve your situation.

In addition to professional legal guidance, the Charlotte, Michigan DUI Attorneys at The Nichols Law Firm will listen to you and communicate with you during your entire case. The outcome of your case is important to both you and to the law firm. You be consulted about options and decisions and be kept up to date on developments.

Choosing an attorney is a very important and critical decision. The Nichols Law Firm wants to make you feel comfortable with your decision, and earn your trust. Every case is different, but once you retain the law firm, the attorneys will go right to work to get the best possible result for you. The Eaton County DUI Attorneys at The Nichols Law Firm will develop an aggressive defense and prepare for trial.

The team of Eaton County, Michigan DUI lawyers at The Nichols Law Firm want to help you. Rising to a legal challenge and solving problems for their clients are reasons they became lawyers in the first place. Contact them now to find out more and to receive a free assessment of your case.

MI DUI Attorney Profiles
The Lansing, Michigan DUI Lawyers of The Nichols Law Firm serve clients accused of drunk driving throughout mid-Michigan.

Mike Nichols is one of the leading criminal defense attorneys and litigators in Michigan. Attorney Nichols is the Chair of the Ingham County Bar Association Criminal Law Section. He is a member of the Ingham County Bar Association's Board of Directors, the State Bar of Michigan Criminal Law Section, the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College of DUI Defense.

Wendy M. Schiller-Nichols is an experienced litigator who has devoted a substantial portion of her practice to defending people charged with drinking and driving. She believes in serving clients with professional legal service and hard work. She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Memphis and a juris doctorate from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School; graduating With Distinction. Lawyer Schiller-Nichols is a member of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association and the Ingham County Bar Association.

Karen Phillips focuses on criminal defense, fighting passionately for her clients. She has successfully tried cases, including gaining outstanding results during representation of the defendants in the so-called "cedarfest" riot. She graduated from Central Michigan University and received a juris doctorate from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School; graduating cum laude. While at the Cooley Law School, Ms. Phillips was actively involved with the Cooley Law Review; Thomas M. Cooley Journal of Practical and Clinical Law; Moot Court Board; and Mock Trial Board. Lawyer Phillips is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Ingham County Bar Association.

Fred E. Bell practices only criminal defense, especially defending people charged with Michigan DUI. He spent 25 years as an attorney in the State Appellate Defender Office (SADO). Fred Bell has helped shape Michigan law, arguing and winning cases for criminal defendants before the Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Attorney Bell turned his focus to litigation at the trial level after retiring from SADO. Mr. Bell has tried many cases to an acquittal, including a drunk driving case in which the jury found his client not guilty despite a BAC of .27!

For a free telephone review of your MI DUI case, contact the Eaton County Michigan DUI Attorneys with The Nichols Law Firm by filling out the form to the left or calling (517) 588-0009. You will learn about your legal options and the fees for handling your case, before having to make a decision to hire the law firm.