Being arrested for OWI in Fenton is frightening and stressful. 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 Fenton 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 Fenton, Linden, Holly, Hartland, Brighton, and the surrounding areas. My job is simple: protect your license, protect your record, and protect your future.
Fenton OWI Charges Are Serious — But They Are Defensible
Fenton OWI cases typically go through the 67th District Court, which handles a steady flow of drunk driving arrests from:
• Fenton Police Department
• Genesee County Sheriff
• Michigan State Police
A DUI in Fenton 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 Fenton Is Different
Fenton is a unique DUI environment because:
• Many stops occur on US‑23, Silver Parkway, and Owen Road, where officers often claim “lane violations”
• The court is strict on alcohol testing and compliance
• The judges expect preparation and professionalism
• The prosecutor’s office is experienced and detail‑oriented
• Video evidence (dash cam and body cam) is common and often helpful to the defense
This is not a court where you want to “just plead guilty.”
This is a court where strategy matters.
My Approach to Fenton DUI Defense
Every Fenton OWI case begins with one question:
Did the police follow the law?
From there, I break the case down into the areas where mistakes happen.
1. The Traffic Stop
I examine:
• Was there reasonable suspicion?
• Did the officer have a valid reason to pull you over?
• Was the stop based on 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
Fenton 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 Fenton
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 Fenton do not go to jail when the case is handled correctly.
Super Drunk (.17 or higher) in Fenton
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 Fenton
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.
Where Your Fenton DUI Case Is Heard
Your case will be heard at:
67th District Court – Fenton Division
17100 Silver Parkway
Fenton, MI 48430
I’ve appeared in this court for years, and I know the judges, the prosecutors, 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 Fenton, 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.
