Every year law enforcement agencies throughout Michigan increase their patrols around the 4th of July weekend. The initiative is to combat drunk driving, an epidemic that has taken the lives of 744 people in the last three years across Michigan.

Independence Day weekend is a time for celebration, a weekend that involves, barbeque, fireworks, boating, camping, and family. Alcohol consumption around the 4th of July increases dramatically from other times of the year. With the increased alcohol consumption comes an increase in drunk driving and drunk driving arrests.

According to the Michigan State Police Annual Drunk Driving Audit, there were approximately 33,720 Alcohol/Drug related driving arrests made statewide in 2015 alone. Each year that number goes up.

Drunk driving, or DUI, carries severe penalties, even for the first-time offender. Penalties for a first-time offender include: up to 93 days in jail, up to a $500 fine, up to 360 hours of community service, six points on your driver’s license, a license suspension for 30 days, followed by a license restriction for 150 days, a driver’s responsibility fee of $1,000, and many more costs that could exceed $10,000.

Additionally, Michigan imposes more severe penalties for a high BAC of over 0.17. These penalties include: up to 180 days in jail, up to a $700 fine, up to 360 hours of community service, a license suspension for 1 year, 6 points on your driver’s license, a driver’s responsibility fee of $1,000 and many other additional costs.

If you are heading out to enjoy the 4th of July weekend, remember to always have a plan, and don’t drink and drive.

If you are facing criminal charges for a DUI, Mark Mandell is an experienced DUI attorney in the Metro Detroit area. Call Fausone Bohn, LLP today at  248-380-0000 to find out how Mark and our other defense attorneys can help you.