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Detroit’s Greektown is a vibrant hotspot known for its bustling nightlife, casinos, and thriving bar scene. On any given weekend, the area is packed with people enjoying themselves. However, with a lively bar district comes an uptick in DUI arrests. If you’ve been charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) after a night out in Greektown, you may be feeling anxious about what comes next. In this post, we’ll cover how Detroit’s bar scene contributes to DUI arrests, what the legal process looks like, and how you can fight back if you’re facing charges.

Why DUI Arrests Are Common in Greektown

Greektown is one of Detroit’s most popular entertainment districts. Between the bars, restaurants, and casinos, it's no surprise that alcohol plays a big role in the fun. Unfortunately, the increased alcohol consumption leads to more DUI arrests.

Several factors contribute to the frequent OWI charges originating from Greektown:

  • High Police Presence: Because this area attracts large crowds, Detroit police officers frequently patrol the streets and keep an eye out for drunk drivers.
  • Casino Alcohol Consumption: Unlike regular bars, casinos in Detroit serve alcohol around the clock, meaning individuals can leave intoxicated at any hour.
  • Limited Public Transport Options: Unlike cities with robust public transit options, many Greektown visitors rely on driving to get home—sometimes after drinking too much.

These factors make it easy to see why people who had just planned for a fun night out can suddenly find themselves in serious legal trouble.

Michigan’s OWI Laws: What You Need to Know

Michigan law defines drunk driving under several legal categories. The most common drunk driving charges are:

  • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI): This charge applies when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at least 0.08% or if police believe you are visibly impaired due to alcohol.
  • High BAC – "Super Drunk" Law: If your BAC is 0.17% or higher, you will face enhanced penalties, including longer license suspensions and increased fines.
  • Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI): Even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you can still be charged if police believe your ability to drive was significantly impaired.

A first-offense OWI can lead to:

  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Fines between $100 and $500
  • License suspension for up to 180 days
  • Possible community service and alcohol education programs

The penalties increase with multiple offenses, making it crucial to take any DUI charge seriously.

The DUI Arrest Process in Detroit

1. The Traffic Stop

The vast majority of DUI arrests in Greektown start with a traffic stop. Police may pull you over for swerving, running a red light, or even a minor infraction like a broken taillight. If they smell alcohol or believe you appear intoxicated, they will proceed with field sobriety tests.

2. Field Sobriety and Breath Tests

Officers commonly conduct roadside sobriety tests and may ask you to take a preliminary breath test. If you refuse, your license could be suspended under Michigan’s Implied Consent Law. However, refusal can sometimes make it harder for the prosecution to prove intoxication.

3. Arrest and Booking

If officers believe you are intoxicated, you’ll be arrested and transported to the Detroit Detention Center or another nearby facility. At this point, you may be given a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine). Refusing this test results in automatic penalties unless successfully challenged in court.

4. Arraignment

Your first court appearance is the arraignment, where you’ll hear the formal charges against you. The judge may set bail or release you with conditions, such as avoiding alcohol or submitting to regular testing.

How to Fight a DUI Charge in Michigan

Even if you were arrested in Greektown, it doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty of DUI. There are ways to fight back and defend yourself, including:

1. Challenging the Traffic Stop

Did the police pull you over without a valid reason? Officers must have probable cause to initiate a DUI stop. If they didn’t, any evidence gathered after the stop could be thrown out.

2. Questioning the Breath Test

Breathalyzer results aren’t always accurate. Machines can be improperly calibrated, and other factors (such as medical conditions) may lead to false positives. Your attorney can challenge these test results in court.

3. Examining Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are subjective, meaning an officer’s personal judgment plays a role. If the test wasn’t administered correctly, the results could be unreliable.

4. Exploring Plea Deals

In some cases, your attorney may negotiate a plea deal to reduce your charges. This could mean reduced penalties or avoiding a conviction altogether.

Final Thoughts

Greektown's lively atmosphere makes it a fun place to visit, but it also means an increased risk of DUI arrests. If you find yourself facing OWI charges after a night out in Detroit, understanding the legal process and your defense options is the first step toward protecting your future.

Every case is unique, and the best way to handle an OWI charge is with an attorney who knows Michigan law inside and out. Whether it’s challenging the legality of a stop or questioning test results, having the right lawyer can make all the difference.

Call Boria Law today at (734) 453-7806 and take the first step toward fighting your DUI charge.

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