If you’re facing a drunk driving charge in the State of Michigan, bringing your strongest defense is critical. A conviction can have long-lasting consequences that upend your plans, your career, and your social standing. If this is the challenging situation you are facing, don’t wait to reach out to an experienced Troy drunk driving lawyer today. 

DUI Basics

In Michigan, drunk driving or DUI (driving under the influence) charges are exceptionally serious, and the circumstances involved can greatly affect the outcome of your case. Although some states allow the expungement (or legal erasure) of DUI charges, Michigan is not one of them. Consider the following charge basics:

• If you are at least 21 years old, a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .08 percent or higher puts you over the limit and can lead to a DUI charge, which is also known as operating while intoxicated (OWI).
• If your BAC is .17 or higher, your DUI charge can lead to additional legal penalties.  
• If you are under the age of 21, it is illegal for you to drive with any amount of alcohol in your system.  

The Penalties You Face

If you’re hit with a DUI charge, the penalties you face for even a first offense are considerable and can include jail time. The penalties and fines imposed for a first DUI conviction in the State of Michigan can include the following:

• Fines from $100 to $500
• Jail time of up to 93 days
• Community service of up to 360 days
• Six points on your driver’s license
• A 30-day driver’s license suspension with another 150 days of license restrictions

Things only become more serious from here – the additional fines and penalties for a BAC of .17 percent include:

• Jail time of up to 180 days
• Fines of from $200 to $700
• A driver’s license suspension of one year

A second violation within seven years of a prior conviction turns up the heat even more, and this is not to mention the social and professional implications involved, which can include all the following:

• Lost job opportunities
• Increased car insurance rates
• Difficulty renting a home or obtaining a home loan
• Lost opportunities related to higher education (in terms of receiving federal student loans, obtaining acceptance in the college of your choice, and being allowed to live on campus)

The losses you face as a result of a drunk driving conviction can be far more consequential than you realize, and fighting for your case’s optimal outcome is well advised. 

Turn to an Experienced Troy Drunk Driving Lawyer for Professional Legal Guidance

If you’re facing a drunk driving charge, the stakes are high, but the veteran Troy drunk driving lawyers at the Law Offices of Bradley J. Friedman have the experience, legal knowledge, and insight to skillfully advocate for your legal rights – in pursuit of your case’s most beneficial resolution. For more information about how we can help, please don’t delay in reaching out and contacting us today.