Operating with the Presence of Drugs (OWPD) Lawyer in Michigan

Advocacy for Defendants Charged with an OWPD Offense

In addition to drunk driving charges, an individual can be charged with intoxicated driving if there is a presence of drugs in your system. Under Michigan, you can face Operating with the Presence of Drugs (OWPD) for the overuse of some prescribed medication, cocaine, or other Schedule 1 controlled substances. Schedule 1 drugs include substances such as amphetamines, ecstasy, LSD, and more.

OWPD Charges

Under Michigan law, you can be charged with a misdemeanor for operating a motor vehicle in a public area including roads and parking lots while under the influence of a Schedule 1 narcotic or other drugs outlined above. Additional charges can result in a felony conviction if you have already been convicted at least two other times for some form of driving under the influence.

The defense team at Grewal Law PLLC is ready to help you in your OWPD case. While serving as your legal counsel, we will build the best defense possible in your case.

Consequences of an OWPD Conviction

If you are convicted for Operating with the Presence of a Schedule 1 Drug or Cocaine the consequences vary depending on if you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Unlike with certain drunk driving charges, the evidence required to convict you is not as steep for an OWPD. There is not a specific amount of the controlled substance that must be present in your system in order for you to be charged. In fact, you can be charged even if you were not aware the drugs were present in your system.

Michigan law does not outline how law enforcement can determine a drug is present in your system, therefore you need a skilled criminal defense attorney to defend your case. While representing you, our lawyers will build an effective defense to help combat the prosecution’s case against you.

Anyone who is convicted of their first OWPD offense may face the following penalties:

• A fine up to $500.
• Up to 93 days in jail, 360 hours of community service or a combination of both jail time and community service.
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation.

A third or subsequent conviction can result in additional penalties including spending up to a year in prison along with increased fines and the revocation of your license.

The vague nature of the law makes it essential for you to have an excellent criminal defense lawyer. Call the legal counsel at Grewal Law PLLC to help you avoid the penalties outlined above for an OWPD conviction.

Call Grewal Law PLLC for a confidential no-obligation quote to start your defense. We can be reached at (888) 211-5798.