Arrested for OWI in Brighton? Get Immediate Help

Being arrested for OWI in Brighton, Michigan is overwhelming. You’re worried about your license, your job, your family, and what will happen in court. You’re searching for answers, and you need someone who knows the Brighton court, the judges, the prosecutors, and the local system.

I’m Doug Dern, and for over 25 years I’ve defended people charged with OWI throughout Michigan — including Brighton, Howell, Hartland, Fenton, and the entire Livingston County area. My job is simple: protect your license, protect your record, and protect your future.

Brighton OWI Charges Are Serious — But They Are Defensible

Brighton OWI cases typically go through the 53rd District Court, which handles a steady flow of drunk driving arrests from:

• Brighton Police Department

• Livingston County Sheriff

• Michigan State Police

A DUI in Brighton can lead to:

• Jail time

• License suspension or restrictions

• Points on your driving record

• Fines and court costs

• Probation

• Mandatory alcohol testing

• Increased insurance rates

But here’s the truth: most OWI cases are winnable when you know what to look for.

Why Brighton Is Different

Brighton is a unique DUI environment because:

• The police use dash cams and body cams

• Traffic stops often begin with speeding or lane violations

• The court is strict on alcohol testing

• The judges expect preparation and professionalism

• The prosecutor’s office is experienced and detail‑oriented

This is not a court where you want to “just plead guilty.”

This is a court where strategy matters.

My Approach to Brighton DUI Defense

Every Brighton OWI case begins with one question:

Did the police follow the law?

From there, I break the case down into the parts where mistakes happen:

1. The Traffic Stop

• Was there reasonable suspicion?

• Did the officer have a valid reason to pull you over?

• Were you stopped for weaving, speeding, or a minor violation?

If the stop was bad, the entire case can collapse.

2. Field Sobriety Tests

These tests are not scientific. Officers often:

• Give incorrect instructions

• Demonstrate the test wrong

• Score the test improperly

• Ignore medical conditions

• Ignore age or weight limitations

A bad FST can be challenged and thrown out.

3. Breath or Blood Testing

The Datamaster and blood tests must follow strict rules. I look for:

• Calibration errors

• Operator certification issues

• Improper observation periods

• Contaminated samples

• Chain‑of‑custody problems

These errors can suppress the test or weaken the prosecution’s case.

4. Video Evidence

Brighton officers use video — and video often helps the defense more than the prosecution.

If you look steady, polite, and coherent on video, that matters.

Penalties for a First Offense OWI in Brighton

A first offense OWI in Michigan carries:

• Up to 93 days in jail

• Up to $500 in fines

• Up to 360 hours of community service

• 6 points on your license

• Possible vehicle immobilization

• Mandatory alcohol education or treatment

But most first‑offense clients in Brighton do not go to jail when the case is handled correctly.

Super Drunk (.17 or higher) in Brighton

A “Super Drunk” charge carries:

• Up to 180 days in jail

• One‑year license suspension

• Mandatory alcohol treatment

• Higher fines

But even Super Drunk cases can be reduced with the right strategy.

Second Offense OWI in Brighton

A second offense within 7 years includes:

• Mandatory jail

• License revocation

• Vehicle immobilization

• Probation with strict testing

These cases require aggressive defense and early intervention.

What Happens to Court

Your case will be heard at:

53rd District Court 

204 S. Highlander Way

Howell MI 48843

You will appear before one of the judges who handle OWI cases regularly. I know the court, the procedures, and the expectations. Preparation is everything.

Why Clients Hire Me

People hire me because:

• I explain the law in plain English

• I don’t judge you

• I answer my phone

• I know the courts you’re dealing with

• I fight for the best possible outcome

• I’ve handled thousands of OWI cases

• I understand how one mistake can affect your entire life

You’re not a criminal. You’re a person who needs help.

Your Next Step

If you were arrested for OWI in Brighton, you need to act quickly. License issues, court dates, and testing requirements happen fast.

Call me directly at:

248‑882‑0838

You’ll talk to me — not a secretary, not a call center, not a junior associate.