WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE ARRESTED FOR DUI?

by Van Den Heuvel Law Office

One of the most common traffic violations in the Grand Rapids area, as well as just about anywhere else in Michigan is driving under the influence (DUI). Although in Michigan, the law technically refers to this offense as operating under the influence (OWI), most people recognize it as a “DUI.” Whatever you call it, it can be a serious offense that can have lasting consequences for those who are convicted. 

Serious Penalties 

If you are charged with drinking and driving in Michigan and it’s your first offense, you can spend up to 93 days in jail and pay a fine of $100 – $500. That’s in addition to a possible license suspension for as long as six months. The penalties obviously get more severe if it’s a second or third offense. For that your license will be suspended for a minimum of one year and your fine will be from $200 – $1,000. You could also spend up to a year in jail in both instances. 

What Should You Do? 

Obviously, being convicted of an OWI/DUI is a serious matter in Grand Rapids. So what should you do if you are facing an OWI/DUI charge? Anyone who is facing this kind of situation has limited options, which is why the most effective strategy is to contact an experienced OWI/DUI defense attorney. Overcoming a drunk driving charge can be very difficult, especially if you try to represent yourself. Having an attorney who understands how to defend these cases is important. 

Uphill Battle 

In most instances, officers and court authorities will have some kind of physical evidence that they can use against you, including a breath test, urinalysis, and/or a blood alcohol test. This evidence can be very difficult to overcome. However, an experienced OWI/DWI attorney might be able to find a hole in the evidence or perhaps discover an error in the officer or prosecutor’s operating procedure. These kinds of mistakes can lead to an acquittal. In the event the evidence is too strong to overcome, a knowledgeable attorney might still be able to help you get a reduced sentence. 

Contact An Experienced Attorney for Help 

The bottom line when it comes to an OWI/DUI arrest is that you need to act fast and you should seriously consider seeking the help of an attorney. Trying to take on prosecutors and law enforcement officers can be a tough battle to face alone. If you have been arrested and charged with any kind of drunk driving-related offense, then please contact us at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office for more information.

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