WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET YOUR FIRST DUI IN MICHIGAN?

by Van Den Heuvel Law Office

Under Michigan’s DUI laws, a driver who is caught operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is subject to legal penalties. If you received your first DUI offense, you are likely worried about your future, and what the offense will mean for your driving privileges and reputation. It’s possible to fight your DUI charge with a criminal law attorney. Van Den Heuvel Law can help you explore your DUI case and the potential consequences that you face. Contact us for a consultation where we can discuss your specific circumstances. 

Consequences of a First Offense DUI

In Michigan, drunk driving convictions are subject to several different punishments of varying severities. A person who is “super drunk,” or has a BAC that is over 0.17%, can result in elevated penalties. Even if it is your first offense, you face potentially significant consequences depending on your BAC at the time of the incident, so don’t hesitate in seeking the advice of an attorney. We can help you understand the situation you’re in, learn more about Michigan’s criminal justice process and determine what the DUI charges mean for your future. 

If your first offense occurred with a BAC that was under 0.17%, you may face: 

• Maximum fine of $500
• Prison sentence of up to 93 days
• Maximum 360 hours of community service
• License suspension period of up to 180 days
• 6 points added to a driving record

If the first offense happened with a BAC over 0.17%, the penalties may include: 

• Maximum fine of $700
• Prison sentence of 180 days 
• Maximum 360 hours of community service
• License suspension period of up to 1 year
• 6 points added to a driving record
• Mandatory alcohol treatment 
• Ignition interlock installed on the defendant’s car

If the driver refuses to submit to a breath test, they will receive a one-year license suspension. A second refusal that occurs within seven years results in a two-year suspension. 

Fighting Your DUI Charge

Even a first-offense DUI is hefty, but that doesn’t mean your case is hopeless. With a skilled criminal defense attorney at your side, you may be able to change the course of your case. Van Den Heuvel Law defends you against the charges. 

In some cases, it’s possible to demonstrate that the breathalyzer test results were not accurate. Studies have shown that these devices aren’t perfectly calibrated for everyone, regardless of weight, gender and other physical characteristics. Our attorneys can use this knowledge to gain the upper hand as we work to protect your best interests. 

Call an Attorney Today to Determine the Next Steps

A single DUI charge can have significant impacts on your driving privileges and your future. Don’t underestimate the penalties, even if it is your first charge—working with an experienced lawyer makes it possible to lower the potential impacts the charge will have. Call a criminal defense attorney at Van Den Heuvel Law to begin building your defense. We will support you every step of the way.

Posted in Criminal Law, DUI/OWI | No Comments »