What to Do If You're Facing a DUI in Macomb County: A Guide to Protecting Your Future

March 5, 2025

What to Do If You're Facing a DUI in Macomb County: A Guide to Protecting Your Future



Getting pulled over and charged with a DUI—or OWI as it’s often called in Michigan—isn’t just stressful. It’s scary. One moment you’re on your way home, and the next, you’re facing flashing lights, field sobriety tests, and a whole world of uncertainty. What happens next? Will you lose your license? Your job? Your freedom?


First things first: take a breath. You’re not alone, and your future isn’t set in stone. Coppins Law Group, based in Macomb County, Michigan, helps clients just like you navigate the legal system and protect what matters most. This blog will walk you through what a DUI means in Michigan, what penalties you could face, and how the right attorney can help guide you through the chaos.


In Michigan, DUI and OWI are legal terms used for the same basic offense: operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) is the technical charge, while DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is the more commonly used phrase. Whether it’s alcohol, prescription medication, or another substance, getting behind the wheel while impaired can result in serious legal consequences. And those consequences can follow you long after your court date.


If you're over the age of 21 and your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, you can be charged with OWI. If your BAC is 0.17% or higher, you may be charged under Michigan’s “Super Drunk” law, which comes with much harsher penalties. If you’re under 21, the threshold is only 0.02%, thanks to Michigan’s zero-tolerance law for underage drivers.


So what exactly can happen if you’re convicted?


For a first-offense OWI with a BAC under 0.17%, you’re looking at up to 93 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, community service for up to 360 hours, a 30-day license suspension followed by 150 days of restricted driving, and six points added to your driving record. Not to mention potential court costs, license reinstatement fees, and higher insurance rates.


If your BAC was 0.17% or higher—under the Super Drunk classification—you face up to 180 days in jail, a fine up to $700, mandatory alcohol treatment, a 45-day license suspension, and a full year of restricted driving with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed in your vehicle.


Now let’s say this isn’t your first time. A second offense within seven years of your first comes with much steeper consequences. Jail time ranges from 5 days to 1 year, fines can reach $1,000, and you may be required to perform 30 to 90 days of community service. More importantly, your license will be revoked—not just suspended—for a minimum of one year, and you’ll be required to attend alcohol education or rehabilitation. Your vehicle may be immobilized for up to 180 days, and your license plate could be confiscated.


A third offense? That’s a felony in Michigan. You could face 1 to 5 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, 60 to 180 days of community service, and a license revocation for at least one year. Your car might be immobilized or forfeited, and a felony conviction can permanently alter your ability to get certain jobs, housing, or loans.


Beyond the legal consequences, there’s a real human cost. Your job could be at risk, especially if it involves driving. Your car insurance premiums are likely to skyrocket—or you might be dropped altogether. Friends, family, and coworkers may judge you unfairly. The stress alone can take a toll on your health and relationships.


This is why hiring a qualified DUI attorney is so critical. Having someone in your corner who understands the law and how the Macomb County courts operate can be the difference between a conviction and a case dismissed—or at least reduced. At Coppins Law Group, clients get more than just a defense strategy—they get a partner who’s committed to protecting their future.

There are several common defense strategies a skilled DUI lawyer can explore depending on the details of your arrest. For instance, was the traffic stop legal? Police must have a valid reason—called probable cause—for pulling you over. If they didn’t, any evidence gathered after that could be inadmissible in court.


Field sobriety tests are another common area of challenge. These tests are notoriously unreliable and can be impacted by weather conditions, the driver’s physical health, or even uneven pavement. If you have a medical condition or were just nervous, your performance could be misunderstood.


Then there’s the breathalyzer. These devices must be calibrated regularly, and officers must be properly trained to use them. If the device was malfunctioning or used incorrectly, your BAC reading may be inaccurate. Blood tests must also follow strict procedures. Any error in collection, labeling, storage, or testing can cast doubt on the results.


Another potential defense is the rising BAC argument. Alcohol takes time to be absorbed into your bloodstream. You may have had a drink shortly before being pulled over, and your BAC could have continued to rise between the time you were stopped and the time you were tested.


In addition to challenging the evidence, your attorney can represent you at the administrative hearing with the Michigan Secretary of State. This hearing determines whether your license will be suspended or revoked outside of the criminal case. Losing your license—even temporarily—can disrupt your entire life. A good attorney can advocate for restricted driving privileges or fight the suspension entirely.


The legal process after a DUI arrest can move quickly. You’ll have an arraignment, possibly a pre-trial hearing, and in some cases, a trial. Plea negotiations, sentencing guidelines, and court procedures are complex and often intimidating. But you don’t have to go through it alone.


At Coppins Law Group, every client gets individualized attention. The firm’s founder, Shawn J. Coppins, has years of experience representing clients throughout Southeast Michigan. He understands how Macomb County judges and prosecutors operate, and he uses that knowledge to craft strong, strategic defenses.


You won’t be shuffled between lawyers or ignored. When you hire Coppins Law Group, you work directly with your attorney. You get your questions answered in plain English. You’re informed, supported, and guided every step of the way.


There’s also something to be said for working with a local attorney who knows the community. This isn’t some massive firm where you’re just a case number. You’re a person with a life, responsibilities, and a future that matters. That’s how Coppins Law Group treats every client—from your first phone call to your final court appearance.


If you’re feeling the pressure of a recent arrest, you’re probably wondering what to do next. First, don’t ignore it. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more time they’ll have to build a strong defense and preserve critical evidence. Witnesses forget. Records disappear. Delays can hurt your case.


Second, be honest with your attorney. They’re not here to judge you—they’re here to help you. Every detail matters, even the ones you might be embarrassed to share. The more your lawyer knows, the better they can protect you.


Third, prepare for the road ahead. While no one can promise an outcome, having a smart, aggressive defense gives you the best shot at minimizing the damage. Sometimes that means getting charges reduced. Sometimes it means avoiding jail time through alternative sentencing like probation, rehab, or community service. And sometimes, it means getting your case dismissed entirely.


The bottom line? A DUI charge doesn’t have to define you. With the right help, you can get through this and move forward with your life.


If you or someone you care about has been charged with DUI or OWI in Macomb County, don’t wait. Contact a trusted legal team like Coppins Law Group. They’ve helped countless people just like you get back on track—and they’re ready to do the same for you.

Will a DUI in Macomb County Affect My License, Job, or Insurance?

June 29, 2025
If you’ve recently been charged with a DUI or OWI in Macomb County or the surrounding Southeast Michigan area, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the first things many people ask is how the charge could affect their driver’s license, their job, or their insurance. Facing an OWI charge is stressful, especially if this is your first time dealing with the legal system. This post walks through some of the possible outcomes and important things to know based on how these cases are typically handled in the local courts. First, a Quick Look at the Terms In Michigan, the term OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) is used more often than DUI, though people tend to use them interchangeably. You may also hear the term OUID (Operating Under the Influence of Drugs), which covers driving while impaired by substances other than alcohol. Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, or a controlled substance, OWI charges are taken seriously in Macomb County, and local courts move quickly through the process. What Can Happen to Your Driver’s License? License penalties are common after an OWI charge, even before your case is finalized. For example: Implied Consent Violations : If you refuse to take a chemical test after arrest, the Michigan Secretary of State may automatically suspend your license for one year. This is separate from your criminal case. First OWI Conviction : This can lead to up to a 6-month suspension. In some cases, you may be eligible for a restricted license after 30 days. High BAC (.17 or higher) : This can trigger longer suspensions and require the installation of an ignition interlock device if a restricted license is granted. The local courts in Mt. Clemens often follow these guidelines closely, and the Secretary of State processes license penalties independently of the judge’s ruling. It’s important to be aware of both parts of the system. Can a DUI Affect Your Job? It depends on the type of work you do. For some people, an OWI has little or no impact on employment. For others, it can be more serious. Jobs that involve: Driving a company vehicle Holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) Security clearances State licenses or professional certifications …may be affected by a DUI conviction. Employers in these situations often require notification of criminal charges or conduct background checks as part of ongoing employment. This is especially true in regulated fields like healthcare, education, law enforcement, or government contracting. If your job is unrelated to driving or licensing, your employer might not take any action at all. However, if you have a company policy that requires reporting arrests or convictions, it’s important to be proactive and check what’s required. What About Your Insurance? In most cases, your auto insurance rates will go up after a DUI conviction. Some insurance companies may even choose not to renew your policy. This isn’t something that happens immediately, but once the conviction hits your driving record, insurers may re-evaluate your policy at renewal time. Drivers with an OWI on their record may need to obtain SR-22 insurance , which is a special certification that proves you’re carrying the required amount of liability coverage. Michigan doesn’t require SR-22 in every OWI case, but your insurance provider may. Will This Stay on Your Record? Michigan has recently made changes to its expungement laws. Some first-time OWI offenses may now be eligible for expungement, but only under specific conditions and after a waiting period. Expungement is not automatic and requires a formal process through the court. If you’re thinking about long-term consequences, especially for your driving and criminal record, it’s worth speaking with an attorney to see what your options are. How Macomb County Courts Typically Handle OWI Cases In Macomb County, OWI cases usually start in district court. For residents in Mt. Clemens, that typically means the 41-B District Court. Judges in this court have handled hundreds of these cases, and they are familiar with all the nuances involved. The court process often includes: An arraignment Pre-trial conferences Review of police reports, body cam footage, and breathalyzer or blood test results Possible plea negotiations A sentencing hearing if there is a conviction Every case is different. Some people are eligible for sobriety court programs or other alternatives, depending on the facts of the case and their criminal history. Steps to Take After Being Charged If you’ve been charged with OWI in or around Macomb County: Don’t delay. Court dates often come up quickly. Don’t try to navigate it alone. The consequences of a conviction can follow you for years. Write down everything you remember from the traffic stop and arrest while it’s fresh in your mind. Gather any documents you’ve received and keep them in one place. You don’t have to go through this process without support. Local attorneys who work in the district courts every week understand what to expect and how to guide you through the steps. Need Help Navigating an OWI Charge in Mt. Clemens? Our team at Coppins Law Group has worked with many individuals facing DUI or OWI charges in the Macomb County area. We understand the pressure this puts on your life, and we’re here to help you understand your rights and options at every step. Disclaimer : This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and results can vary depending on the facts and circumstances. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact Coppins Law Group directly.

How Child Custody Is Determined in Divorce Cases Around Mt. Clemens and Macomb County

June 18, 2025
If you’re going through a separation or divorce and you have children, it’s likely that child custody is one of your biggest concerns. In the Mt. Clemens and greater Macomb County area, custody decisions are handled by the local family court system. Understanding how judges in this region typically approach custody can help you better prepare for the process ahead. Every case is unique, but here’s what you should know if you're facing a custody matter in this part of Southeast Michigan. What Judges in Macomb County Family Court Look For Courts in Macomb County, just like others in the region, are guided by what’s called the best interest of the child . Judges look at a variety of factors to decide what kind of custody arrangement will support the child’s physical, emotional, and educational well-being. Some of the specific things they might consider include: The emotional ties between the child and each parent Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home The child’s age and needs Any history of abuse or neglect The mental and physical health of all parties involved The willingness of each parent to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent These are just a few examples. Judges have broad discretion and will look closely at the full picture before making a decision. Types of Custody That May Be Awarded Local courts may award joint custody or sole custody , and they’ll often divide custody into two categories: Legal Custody : This determines who has the authority to make decisions about schooling, medical care, and other major life issues. It’s common for parents to share legal custody unless the court sees a specific reason not to. Physical Custody : This refers to where the child lives most of the time. Some families have a shared parenting time schedule, while others may have one parent with primary custody and the other with scheduled visitation. In Macomb County, parenting time orders are generally detailed. Judges want clear schedules that outline school days, weekends, holidays, and even pick-up and drop-off times to help avoid conflict. What You Should Bring to a Custody Hearing If you’re preparing for a custody hearing in Mt. Clemens or a nearby court, there are a few things that can help your case: A detailed parenting time proposal that shows you’ve thought about the child’s needs Proof of a stable home environment Information about your work schedule and availability Any documentation related to the child’s school or healthcare needs If you have concerns about the other parent, especially regarding safety, substance use, or unstable living conditions, bring documentation to support those concerns. Local judges expect facts and evidence, not just opinions. What to Avoid During the Process While emotions can run high, it’s important to stay focused on the child’s well-being. Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of your children or online, and follow any temporary court orders to the letter. Also, be careful about informal agreements that aren’t court-approved. Even if both parents agree on something, it won’t be legally binding unless it’s documented and approved by the court. Why Local Representation Matters Every county handles custody cases a little differently. Local knowledge can be a major advantage. Attorneys who regularly appear before Macomb County family court judges understand how to present a case effectively, what kind of evidence judges expect, and how to navigate the system without unnecessary delays. At Coppins Law Group, we represent clients in Mt. Clemens and the surrounding areas every day. We’re familiar with the expectations of the local courts, and we focus on helping clients feel informed and supported through the process. If Custody Agreements Break Down If there’s already a custody agreement in place but one parent isn’t following it, you may need to file a motion for enforcement or ask the court to modify the order. This happens more often than many people expect, especially as life changes — jobs shift, children get older, and new partners or moves come into play. The family court will always return to the best interest of the child when reviewing modification requests, but they also look at how well each parent has honored the current agreement. Next Steps if You’re Facing a Custody Dispute in Macomb County If you’re dealing with child custody in or around Mt. Clemens, make sure you know your rights and have the support you need. Custody matters are deeply personal, and you shouldn’t have to navigate them alone. Whether you’re just beginning a divorce, responding to a custody motion, or thinking about modifying an existing arrangement, our office is available to discuss your situation and what steps make the most sense for your family. Disclaimer : This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Custody outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case, and results can vary. For personalized legal guidance, contact Coppins Law Group directly to schedule a consultation.