Michigan Drunk Driving

Being charged with drunk driving can be intimidating and worrisome. Each case is unique and presents its own challenges. Below are some answers to common questions I get. Feel free to call me or send me an email if you would like to discuss your case. 

1.    What is the process? You will be arraigned and given a pre-trial date in the district court where you were allegedly drunk driving. Your attorney should start doing discovery immediately including getting copies of the police reports, dash cam videos, body cam videos, copies of the preliminary breath test results and evidentiary breath test results, and booking videos.  It is important to determine if the police stop was valid and whether there are any issues with evidentiary breath test and how it was administered.

2.    What is the likely outcome? This is truly a case by case basis. Each judge and prosecutor are different. Each client’s factual scenario is different. The best thing you can do is call and schedule a meeting with an attorney to go over the facts of the stop, arrest, and breath test results. 

3.    Am I going to jail? Under the drunk driving statute, a person convicted of their first drunk driving can serve up to 93 days in jail. How much jail time you get, if any, depends on the facts and circumstances of your case and the city you were arrested in. It is best to hire an attorney immediately who can advise you in the steps you can take to limit any possible jail time.

4.    What are the consequences of a first offense drunk driving? $100 to $500 fine and one or more of the following:

·     Up to 93 days in jail.

·     Up to 360 hours of community service.

·     Driver's license suspension for 30 days, followed by license restrictions for 150 days.

·     Possible vehicle immobilization.

·     Possible ignition interlock.

·     Six points added to driving record.

·     Driver Responsibility Fee of $1,000.00. 

 Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss your case.