Arrested for OWI in Howell? Get Immediate Help

Being arrested for OWI in Howell is stressful and 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 53rd District 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 Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fenton, and the entire Livingston County area. My job is simple: protect your license, protect your record, and protect your future.

Howell OWI Charges Are Serious — But They Are Defensible

Howell OWI cases go through the 53rd District Court, which handles a high volume of drunk driving arrests from:

• Howell Police Department

• Livingston County Sheriff

• Michigan State Police

A DUI in Howell 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 Howell Is Different

Howell 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 and compliance

• 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 Howell DUI Defense

Every Howell 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?

• 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

Howell 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 Howell

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 Howell do not go to jail when the case is handled correctly.

Super Drunk (.17 or higher) in Howell

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 Howell

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 Howell OWI Case Is Heard

Your case will be heard at:

53rd District Court

204 S. Highlander Way

Howell, MI 48843

This is the court that handles nearly all OWI cases in Livingston County. I’ve appeared here 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 Howell, 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.