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Criminal Defense Attorneys
Flint, Michigan

(810) 238-0500

(810) 238-0500

Home > DUI Charges

DUI Charges

Michigan DUI defense attorneys Manley & Manley understand how much is at stake

Have you been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in Michigan? If you are convicted, you could be fined thousands of dollars, lose your driver's license and even face jail time in certain cases. That's why you need to take your DUI charge seriously right from the start. That’s why you need Michigan DUI lawyers Manley & Manley on your side, fighting for your rights.

Located in Flint, MI, our attorneys have a proven track record of success. In case after case, they have consistently helped people charged with DUI get their lives back on track. Our experienced legal team work tirelessly to protect the legal rights of those charged with a DUI in Grand Blanc, Flushing, Fenton, Davison and throughout Genesee County.

People trust Manley & Manley because they know we will work tirelessly on their case. If you have been charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan, you want one of our attorneys standing by your side. Discover the difference we can make in your life today.

Important issues related to your DUI/OWI charge in Michigan

The impact of an OWI conviction can dramatically change your life. Along with being fined and losing your driver's license, you could even lose your job or face other serious consequences. When so much is at stake, it's important to understand Michigan's OWI laws and other legal issues surrounding drunk driving. Learn more about drunk driving charges by clicking on the links below:

You can also learn more about driving under the influence of alcohol in Michigan on the following website pages that are devoted to different topics related to DUI in Michigan:

Whatever legal issue you’re facing due to your DUI charge in Michigan, you can find the answer here or by contacting our firm. We want to meet with you and develop a strategy that addresses your specific legal needs.

Clearing your name: DUI expungement

Our firm can also help you apply for expungement of a DUI conviction. A 2021 law allows drivers who have a single conviction for certain DUI offenses to petition to have that conviction expunged – meaning the conviction is set aside and only a non-public record of the case is maintained by the Court.

In order to get an expungement, you need to wait 5 years from the imposition of the sentence, completion of probation, or completion of any term of imprisonment (whichever comes last). Your application for expungement will be reviewed by a judge, who will determine whether your behavior since the time of conviction justifies clearing your record. Our attorneys can help you present a convincing case to the reviewing court for why your record should be cleared.

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Why should I hire DUI defense lawyers Manley & Manley?

Attorney Michael P. Manley is one of very few Board-Certified Criminal Trial Experts in Central Michigan. He graduated at the top of his class at the prestigious University of Detroit School of Law. Having handled some of the most high-profile criminal defense cases in the state, he has been featured on national news programs like "Dateline," "20/20" and "The Today Show."

Attorney Frank J. Manley has been named among the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. In addition, he has been listed among the Top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Michigan, the Top 100 OWI Attorneys in the State of Michigan, and the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association.

National notoriety is not what matters to us. Both natives of Flint, Michael and Frank Manley quite simply want to provide people throughout Michigan with exceptional legal representation. We truly believe that anyone who has been charged with DUI deserves a top-notch attorney who knows how to win complicated cases.

Even if you think your OWI case seems hopeless, you might not realize all the legal options available to you. The attorneys at Manley & Manley know the law and know how to win cases. Case results truly matter – and so do you! Call now. (810) 238-0500.

Frequently asked questions about DUI charges


What is the difference between DUI and OWI?

DUI (driving under the influence) and OWI (operating while intoxicated) refer to the same thing - being charged with drunk driving. The main difference: OWI is the official term used by the State of Michigan for drunk driving offenses. Either way, DUI and OWI offenses are serious legal matters that demand exceptional legal representation.

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What is the legal limit for drinking and driving in Michigan?

In Michigan, it is against the law for adults who are 21 and older to drive if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or above 0.08 percent. The limit is .02 percent if you are under 21. A person's BAC varies according to their weight, gender and other factors, including when you consumed alcohol and what you ate. You could also be convicted of operating while impaired if your BAC is over .02 but under .08, if the alcohol impaired your ability to operate the motor vehicle.

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Can I refuse to take a field sobriety test in Michigan?

Yes. You are completely within your rights to refuse to take a field sobriety test in Michigan. Field sobriety tests are completely voluntary. It's also important to realize that the results from your field sobriety test can be used against you if you have been charged with drunk driving. Common field sobriety tests include Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), One Leg Stand (OLS) and Walk and Turn (WAT).

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Can I refuse to take a breath test if I'm stopped for drunk driving?

Yes. However, it's important to understand the consequences of your actions. The rules for the breath test in Michigan are much different than the ones for field sobriety tests. You can read more about them in the section entitled "Breath Tests and Breathalyzers." In general, if a police officer stops you under the suspicion of drunk driving, you are required to a take a breath test - or blood or urine test - to determine if your BAC is above the legal limit. Refusal to take a chemical breath test in Michigan will result in your driver's license being automatically suspended for one year or more. After you refuse to take a breath test, you have 14 days to appeal the automatic suspension of your driver's license. You may also have other legal options depending on the details of your case.

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Should I plead guilty if I'm charged with DUI/OWI in Michigan?

No. Before you make any plea regarding your guilt or innocence, contact the attorneys at Manley & Manley. They can explain all the legal options available to you. Remember, the consequences of an OWI conviction in Michigan can be very severe. You can also read more about this topic on the page entitled, "Should I plead guilty to DUI?"

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Can I lose my driver's license if I'm convicted of drunk driving?

Yes. Losing your driver's license is a very real possibility if you are convicted of an OWI charge in Michigan. Depending on several factors - including your BAC, whether this was your first or subsequent offense, etc. - you could lose your driver's license for 30 days to 5 years.

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Can I appeal my DUI conviction in Michigan?

Yes. However, appealing a DUI conviction can be very difficult. A Michigan OWI appeal is not a retrial of your case. Convincing an appellate judge to review your OWI conviction can be hard, and you only have a limited time to appeal your case. Other restrictions may also apply. That's why it's important to contact attorney Manley as soon as possible to discuss your possible Michigan DUI appeal.

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Do I need to hire an OWI attorney in Michigan?

Technically, no, but the laws concerning OWI in Michigan can be very confusing. And you often only get one shot in court to get your charges dismissed or your penalty reduced. You have too much at stake to try to handle your DUI charge on your own. Make sure you give your case the attention it rightfully deserves. Contact the defense attorneys at Manley & Manley right now.

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BAC Drink Calculator

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) refers to the amount of alcohol in your blood system. Your BAC can be very different than someone else who consumed the exact same amount of alcohol. That's because several different factors determine a person's BAC. These factors include:

  • Weight * - Someone who weighs more generally will have a lower BAC than you. A heavier individual's body can absorb more alcohol than someone who weighs less. A man who weighs 200 pounds and drinks four, 12-once beers in one hour might have a BAC of 0.067, which is under the legal limit in Michigan. However, a man who weighs 150 pounds and drinks the same amount might have a BAC of 0.094, which is above the legal limit in Michigan.
  • Gender * - In general, studies have found that men can absorb alcohol faster than women. As a result, women who weigh the same as men and drink the same amount will often have a higher BAC reading. In the case of a 200 pound woman drinking four, 12-once beers like the man listed above, her BAC might be 0.086, which is above the legal limit.
  • Drinking time * - The longer your body has to absorb the alcohol in your body, the lower your BAC. In the case of the 150-pound man who drank four, 12-once beers, his BAC might be 0.079, which is below the legal limit, if he spent two hours drinking instead of one hour.
  • Alcohol strength * - Not surprisingly, the higher the alcohol concentration in your drink, the higher your BAC. Even among beers, some are much stronger than others. As a result, four India Pale Ale (IPA) beers would likely produce a BAC of 0.127, which is above the legal limit, if a 150-pound man drank four, IPAs in two hours.

Our BAC calculator is for informational purposes only. It should not be used to officially determine your BAC. The safest move is not to drink and drive.

If you were arrested and believe your BAC reading was wrong or you have any doubts about the results of your DUI arrest, contact us immediately. Call (810) 238-0500.

* These are hypothetical examples and should not be used to gauge whether you are legally able to drive. There are many other factors that can affect BAC.

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