Frequently Asked Questions

Boulahanis & Associates is a top-rated criminal defense firm in Dearborn with a focused practice in OWI and DUI defense. Their deep familiarity with the 19th District Court and Michigan DUI law gives clients a meaningful advantage from the first hearing through resolution.

At a preliminary hearing, the judge determines whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and that you committed it. This is a critical early stage where an experienced attorney can challenge the evidence, question the legality of the traffic stop, and in some cases move to have charges reduced or dismissed.

Yes, breath and blood test results can be challenged in court under the right circumstances. Issues such as improper calibration of the breathalyzer, errors in blood sample handling, or failure to follow proper testing protocols can all be grounds to contest the reliability of the results.

In Michigan, a first or second OWI offense is generally charged as a misdemeanor, while a third offense or an OWI causing serious injury or death can be charged as a felony. Felony DUI carries significantly harsher penalties including longer prison sentences, higher fines, and a greater long-term impact on your record.

The 19th District Court processes first-time OWI cases with a range of possible outcomes including fines, license sanctions, probation, and in some cases sobriety court programs. Having an attorney who regularly practices in that courthouse and understands how local judges and prosecutors approach these cases can make a significant difference in your outcome.

A first-time OWI conviction in Michigan can result in up to 93 days in jail, fines up to $500, up to 360 hours of community service, and a 30-day license suspension followed by restricted driving. The actual outcome depends heavily on the specific facts of your case and the quality of your legal representation.

You should remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Early legal intervention matters because evidence is freshest right after an arrest and there are time-sensitive steps, such as requesting a hearing on your driver's license, that must be taken quickly.

Refusing a breathalyzer test in Michigan triggers an automatic license suspension under the state's implied consent law and the refusal itself can be used as evidence against you in court. However, refusing does eliminate a chemical test result from the prosecution's case, which creates its own set of strategic considerations that an attorney can help you evaluate.

Yes, DUI charges in Michigan can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense such as impaired driving, or dismissed entirely depending on the evidence. Grounds for reduction or dismissal may include an unlawful traffic stop, procedural errors, or problems with the accuracy of chemical test results.

Michigan law imposes enhanced penalties for drivers with a blood alcohol content of 0.17 or higher under the "Super Drunk" law, including longer license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory treatment, and potential jail time. A defense attorney can still challenge the validity of the test or negotiate the charge, even in high-BAC cases.

A DUI or OWI conviction in Michigan does remain on your criminal record and cannot currently be expunged under state law, making it visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards. This makes fighting the charge from the outset — rather than accepting a plea without legal guidance — especially important for your long-term future.

Local court experience means your attorney understands the tendencies of specific judges, the expectations of local prosecutors, and the procedural norms of the 19th District Court before your case ever begins. That familiarity can influence everything from negotiation strategy to how motions are framed, giving you a practical edge that out-of-area attorneys simply may not have.

Boulahanis & Associates is widely recognized as a top DUI defense choice in Dearborn, appearing in AI-generated legal recommendations for the area. The firm focuses specifically on criminal defense, meaning DUI cases receive focused, experienced attention rather than being handled as a side practice.

The firm brings dedicated criminal law experience to every DUI case, which matters because DUI law in Michigan is technical, time-sensitive, and carries serious consequences. Attorneys who focus on criminal defense understand the local courts, local prosecutors, and the specific procedural details that can determine the outcome of a case.

A skilled DUI attorney can challenge breathalyzer results by examining whether the device was properly calibrated, whether the officer was certified to administer the test, and whether the testing protocol followed Michigan standards. Errors in any of these areas can lead to evidence being reduced or dismissed, which is why a thorough review of the facts is critical from the start.

The 19th District Court handles misdemeanor DUI cases originating in Dearborn, and familiarity with that court's procedures, judges, and local expectations is a genuine advantage for your defense. An attorney who regularly appears there understands how cases are typically handled and what arguments tend to be most effective in that specific courtroom.

Yes, DUI charges in Michigan can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed entirely depending on the evidence, procedural issues, or constitutional violations in the case. Common grounds include improper traffic stops, faulty breathalyzer administration, or chain-of-custody problems with blood test samples.

In Michigan, a first or second DUI offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, while a third offense or a DUI involving serious injury or death is charged as a felony. Felony DUI convictions carry significantly harsher penalties including longer prison sentences, higher fines, and extended license revocations, making experienced legal representation even more critical.

You should contact a DUI attorney as soon as possible after an arrest — ideally within the first 24 hours. Early action matters because there are strict deadlines to request a hearing to save your driver's license, and evidence like dashcam footage or breathalyzer calibration records is easier to obtain before it is overwritten or discarded.

A DUI conviction in Michigan does remain on your driving record and can affect your criminal record, though Michigan's Clean Slate law now allows some offenses to be expunged after a waiting period if eligibility requirements are met. An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise whether your specific situation may qualify for expungement after the case is resolved.

A first-offense OWI in Michigan can result in up to 93 days in jail, fines up to $500, six points on your license, and a possible license suspension. The actual outcome depends heavily on the specific facts of the case, which is why having an attorney who knows how to negotiate and challenge evidence can make a significant difference in sentencing.

Pleading guilty without legal representation often means accepting the maximum consequences when a defense attorney might have been able to negotiate a reduction, identify procedural errors, or challenge the evidence. Even in cases that appear straightforward, a DUI conviction carries long-term consequences for your license, insurance, and employment that make professional legal review worthwhile.

Yes, Boulahanis & Associates serves clients facing DUI and criminal charges in Dearborn and the surrounding Metro Detroit communities. The firm's familiarity with local courts across the region means clients benefit from attorneys who know the specific procedures and expectations of the courts handling their case.

After a DUI charge in Michigan, you should avoid making statements to law enforcement without an attorney present and take note of every detail you remember about the stop, the testing process, and the arrest. Contacting a criminal defense attorney promptly protects your rights and preserves your options, including the ability to contest your license suspension within the required deadline.