Grand Rapids DUI Attorney
Defending Clients Charged With Driving Under The Influence In Michigan
Because driving under the influence can harm others and property, law enforcement officers and prosecutors fiercely pursue these matters. You could face several penalties if you were charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) and convicted for the offense. For example, your driver’s license may be suspended, you may be sentenced to jail, and you will have a criminal record. All of these sanctions can harm your life. With the steep consequences, it’s best to have a seasoned attorney on your side to fight your charges.
Understanding the challenges that can arise from an OWI charge and conviction, the experienced lawyer you hire at Brandon Gardner & Associates, PLC, will provide aggressive defense to those accused. Backed by years of legal experience, we know that several factors could have affected the evidence collected in your case. Even if the prosecutor has built a case against you, it may need to be stronger, and we may be able to develop a defense strategy to challenge it.
Are you facing a DUI in Michigan? Call Brandon Gardner & Associates, PLC, today at 616-366-9045 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our DUI lawyer in Grand Rapids!
What Constitutes A DUI?
In Michigan, several different situations could trigger an alcohol-related charge.
You could be accused of operating while intoxicated if:
- The amount of alcohol in your system impaired your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
- You had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.
- You had a blood alcohol content of .17 or higher (this is what’s referred to as a “high BAC”).
You could be charged with operating while visibly impaired (OWVI) if:
- The amount of alcohol in your system caused you to drive with less care than an ordinary motorist.
You could be charged with operating with any alcohol content if:
- You are under 21 years of age, and
- You had a BAC between .02 and .07.
Can A Cop Pull Me Over If They Suspect I’ve Been Drinking?
Generally, for an officer to stop you on suspicion of an OWI, they must have probable cause to do so. That means they must have more than just a “haunch” that you were intoxicated; something in your driving must indicate your impairment.
An officer may pull you over if they notice any of the following driving behaviors:
- Weaving in a lane
- Driving in more than one lane at the same time
- Driving off the road
- Driving too fast or too slow
- Failing to follow traffic laws
- Driving in the opposite direction of traffic
What Are The Penalties For A DUI In Michigan?
If you are found guilty of driving while intoxicated, the penalties you face depend on your circumstances.
A first-time offense may result in:
- Up to $500 in fines
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Driver’s license suspension for up to 180 days
- Possible ignition interlock device installation
- Six points added to your driving record
A second offense within seven years may carry the following penalties:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to 90 days of community service
- Driver’s license revocation for at least one year
- Loss of license plate
- Vehicle immobilization for up to 180 days
- Six points added to your driving record
A third offense within your lifetime may result in the following:
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Up to five years in prison
- Up to 180 days of community service
- Driver’s license revocation for at least one year
- Loss of license plate
- Vehicle immobilization for up to three years
- Vehicle registration denial
- Six points added to your driving record
The penalties listed above are for charges related to operating a vehicle while impaired with a BAC of .08 or higher. You could face even harsher punishments if you had a blood alcohol content of .17 or higher. For instance, a first-time high BAC offense results in up to 180 days in jail, up to $700 in fines, and up to 360 hours of community service.
Contact Our Grand Rapids DUI Lawyer Today
There are plenty of potential conviction penalties for an alcohol-related offense, and those listed above are just a few you could face. To learn more about your charges, potential outcomes and defenses that could be mounted in your case, speak with a Grand Rapids DUI attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Brandon Gardner & Associates, PLC, today to schedule a FREE consultation with our DUI attorney in Grand Rapids!