Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys in Detroit, Southfield and Westland Michigan
In Michigan, driving (or even boating and snowmobiling) while impaired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs (even prescribed medications) has stiff penalties and other serious consequences.
Drunk Driving Charges in Michigan
Drunk driving charges are classified in different categories based on circumstances, such as ‘‘operating while impaired’’ (OWI), ‘‘operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor’’ (OUIL), or DUI, ‘‘driving under the influence.’’
If you are convicted of an alcohol or drug impairment offense, you will have court costs and fines, which vary depending on whether the charge is a first, second or third offense. Among other consequences, you may lose your license to drive or serve a jail sentence, either of which curtails your freedom and your ability to earn a living.
An alcohol or drug impairment conviction may affect you and our family in numerous ways, including:
- Fines & Court Costs
- Loss of Driver’s License
- Mandatory Jail Sentence
- Vehicle Immobilization or Impoundment
- Alcohol Abuse Assessment & Treatment
- Criminal Record
- Increased Insurance Rates
- Cancellation of Insurance
- Mandatory Alcohol Safety School
- Job loss
- Community service
Fines & Penalties
1. If BAC is below .17 and this is a first offense, a first time DUI conviction in Michigan carries possible penalties of a maximum sentence of $500.00 in fines in addition to court costs, 93 days in jail and 360 hours of community service. If BAC is .17 or higher (high BAC charge) and this is a first offense, a first time DUI conviction in Michigan carries possible penalties of a maximum sentence of $700.00 in fines in addition to court costs, 180 days in jail and 360 hours of community service.
2. Conviction of first offense in Michigan will influence charging and sentencing of subsequent OWI/DUI arrests for a period of seven (7) years.
3. For a second DUI offense, fines and court costs may be as high as $1000 and imprisonment up to a year.
4. The third DUI is a felony offense, with fines up to $5,000 and prison sentences one to as much as five years. Additionally, two prior convictions within a defendant's lifetime is a felony and is punishable in the same manner.
(It should be noted that the examples above only relate to the criminal justice system. The Michigan Secretary of State may also impose penalties, fines, and restrict your ability to drive)
When you are charged with an OWI or DUI violation, call The Michigan Legal Team. Our attorneys will aggressively defend against charges of a felony or misdemeanor. Based on our broad experience with drunk driving offenses, we understand the scientific procedures involved in Breathalyzer, blood and other tests, which police officers administer to prove your guilt. Our drunk driving defense attorneys are prepared to question the reliability, accuracy and validity of tests used to determine the level of alcohol or drugs in your system. Known for tackling tough cases, we fight to protect your legal rights, and do our utmost to have the charges against you dismissed or reduced. We have the know-how to make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Michigan 14-Day Limit
If you refused to take a breath, blood or urine test after being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or another drinking related charge in Michigan, your license may be at risk of being suspended if you do not take appropriate action to demand an administrative hearing within 14 days after your arrest. Get more information about saving your driver’s license NOW before it is too late.
Contact Detroit Area Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys
Contact one of our skilled Detroit Area Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys today at (248) 353-3600 to learn how we can help.
Our skilled Lawyers provide legal advice and representation for clients in the Metropolitan Detroit and Tri-County area of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties and in cities including Detroit, Southfield, Farmington, Novi, Commerce, Wixom, Troy, Bloomfield, Ferndale, Royal Oak, Waterford, Madison Heights, Dearborn, Romulus, Taylor, Plymouth, Sterling Heights, Warren, Shelby Township Michigan and nearby communities.