The penalties for DUI offenses are severe in Michigan. Whether it’s jail time, long-term license suspension, or costly fines, a conviction can leave lasting effects that can impact your life in ways you might not have thought possible. When you find yourself facing a drunk driving charge, it is imperative that you hire an excellent DUI lawyer Oakland County to help protect your rights.
When choosing a DUI lawyer Oakland County, it’s important to do your research on their background, practice, and experience. You’ll also want to see how committed they are to getting you ideal legal results for your case. A good way to get a feel for an attorney is to schedule a free in-person consultation with them. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how they will fight for your rights in court.
A good DUI lawyer Oakland County will be experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled at challenging the evidence that will be presented by the prosecutor’s office. A strong legal defense can be the difference between a conviction and keeping your license, freedom, and reputation intact. A DUI conviction is a serious matter and can negatively impact your future, which is why it’s so important to hire an expert to help you get the best result possible.
If you’re charged with a DUI, the consequences can be devastating to your career, personal life, and even your family. It’s important to hire an experienced DUI lawyer Oakland County who will work hard to keep you out of jail, protect your license, and avoid harsh penalties such as fines or a felony record.
There is a national trend toward getting tougher on DUI cases, and Oakland County courts are often at the forefront of this movement. This means that a first DUI in Oakland County is much more likely to result in jail time than in other Michigan counties. It’s important to choose a DUI lawyer Oakland County who has experience handling these types of cases and knows the judges, clerks, and processes that will be involved in your case.
The team of lawyers at Michigan Defense Law is experienced in OWI cases, and we understand what it takes to defend them. We will review all of the evidence in your case, including police reports and breath and blood tests, to determine if there are any weaknesses that could be exploited to get your charges dropped or reduced. In some instances, we can get your case dismissed altogether or the charges significantly reduced, saving you jail time, a record, and hefty fines. To get started, contact us today. We offer a free initial consultation and are available to take your call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. We accept all major credit cards and can even offer flexible payment plans. Our firm can handle all aspects of your legal defense, so call today! We are ready to start working for you.
Michigan’s drunk driving laws punish people who drive while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. The state has three distinct types of DUI offenses: operating while intoxicated (OWI), operating while visibly impaired (OWVI), and operating under the influence of Schedule 1 drugs or cocaine.
First-time offenders generally do not serve jail time for a Michigan DUI. However, a conviction can still ruin a person’s professional life and damage their reputation. For example, some employers will not hire someone with a DUI conviction on their record. Furthermore, it can also have an impact on insurance premiums. Furthermore, if a person has a criminal history, they may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car, participate in a court-approved alcohol treatment program, and/or lose their driver’s license.
The legal definition of intoxication in Michigan is a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. The BAC limit is lower for drivers under 21. The state has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers. A BAC of 0.17 or higher is considered “super drunk” and leads to a felony conviction.
Most DUI offenses in Michigan are misdemeanors. However, if the defendant is a repeat offender or caused an accident, the charges can become a felony. Felony DUI cases are treated much differently than misdemeanor cases. For instance, a second or third drunk driving conviction will result in prison time and more severe fines.
In addition to the criminal penalties, people who break Michigan’s DUI laws may be responsible for restitution payments on behalf of their victims. These expenses can add up quickly and are not dischargeable in bankruptcy.
Aside from the financial costs, there is also an emotional cost to drinking and driving. Those who have been injured or lost loved ones in an accident caused by a drunk driver often feel the burden of those losses forever. There is no way to quantify the cost of an accident or injury, but it is a very real expense that can have lasting consequences for victims and their families.
To avoid the serious consequences of a drunk driving conviction in Michigan, it is best to not get behind the wheel at all. Instead, make a plan ahead of time. This could include hiring a designated driver, using an Uber or Lyft, or getting a room at a hotel if you are drinking. Ultimately, the cost of an accident or injury far outweighs any amount of money paid in fines or jail time. Thankfully, the majority of DUI cases in Michigan result in only a misdemeanor charge. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact an experienced DUI lawyer Oakland County right away. They can help you fight the charges and protect your future.