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Increased Police Presence this St. Patrick’s Day

Mar 17 | 2020  by

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drinking days of the year.

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is extremely dangerous and the consequences are severe. If you are 21 or older driving with a BAC 0.08 or higher, you are considered to be Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). If you are under 21, it is considered to be a crime if your BAC is .02 or greater. Michigan also has a high-BAC law that includes enhanced penalties for anyone caught with a BAC of .17 or higher.

If you are convicted of drunk driving, your BAC is below .17, and this is your first offense, the penalties may include up to a $500 fine, up to 93 days in jail, up to 360 hours of community service, up to 180 days license suspension, and 6 points on your driving record. If this your first offense, but your BAC is .17 or higher, the penalties may include $700 fine, up to 180 days in jail, up to 360 hours of community service, up to a one year license suspension, 6 points on your driving record, mandatory completion of an alcohol treatment program, and ignition interlock use and compliance. The severity of these penalties increases for multiple drunk driving offenses. If you are charged with a second offense within 7 years, the penalties may include a fine ranging from $200—$1,000, 5 days to 1 year in jail, 30—90 days of community service, drivers license revocation, license plate confiscation, and vehicle immobilization for 90-180 days. A third offense in a lifetime is considered a felony and the penalties may result in a $500-$5,000 fine, 1—5 years imprisonment or probation with 30 days to 1 year in jail, 60—180 days community service, license plate confiscation, vehicle registration denial, and vehicle immobilization for 1—3 years.

If you refuse a breath test, you receive an automatic one-year license suspension. If you refuse another breath test within seven years, your license will be suspended for two years. Six points will be added to your driving record in both instances.

There are a number of different strategies an experienced Michigan drunk driving attorney could use to lessen the consequences, help you get your license reinstated quicker or keep your license altogether, depending on individual circumstances. Mark Mandell is an experienced Metro Detroit defense attorney and a former prosecutor. Call Mark today at  734-552-1449 for a consultation.