Drunk Driving & DUI Defense Lawyers in Kalamazoo, MI

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drunk driving offenses

Kalamazoo and Michigan drunk driving laws are some of the toughest in the nation. A conviction for any alcohol or drug-related driving offense, commonly referred to as DWI and DUI, has serious consequences, including criminal penalties of fines and incarceration and license sanctions. With Michigan's tough drunk driving laws it is imperative to have an equally tough drunk driving defense lawyer representing your interests.

Penalties for a drunk driving or DUI conviction can range from fines to seizure of your car all the way up to jail time. With stakes this high, it's imperative that your interests are represented by a lawyer experienced with drunk driving offenses and the tough drunk driving laws in Michigan and Kalamazoo County.

DUI & DWI Driver's License Sanctions

Driver’s license sanctions are a very important part of certain criminal sentences, including alcohol related crimes such as DUI and DWI. These possible sanctions are sometimes overlooked by drunk driving offense attorneys who may be inexperienced in handling criminal matters. Information as to possible driving sanctions for drunk driving offenses can be as important as fines, costs, incarceration, probation, etc. in trying to determine how a criminal matter should be handled.

Driver’s license sanctions can arise in a variety of ways, such as imposition of points on your driving record, restrictions on your driving and/or suspension or revocation of your driving privileges.

Most of us realize that sanctions on our driving privileges are imposed on drunk driving related crimes. However, the restrictions differ as to the types of suspensions and revocations along with what happens when the Secretary of State is notified as to the specific conviction. DUI defense attorneys can help you understand the different sanctions.

Individuals should also be aware that in certain alcohol related drunk driving cases immobilization of the automobile or forfeiture of the automobile may be imposed.

In addition to drunk driving cases there are a whole host of crimes that contain driver’s license sanctions. These include many drug crimes and many negligent driving crimes.

It is therefore important to at least contact an drunk driving defense attorney for his advice as to possible sanctions under your personal set of facts and circumstances. Remember, every case is unique and there is no one answer that fits all when it comes to DUI or DWI defense in Kalamazoo Michigan.

Michigan Drunk Driving Charges

There are four major alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses which a drunk driving defense lawyer can handle, each with its own penalties:

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)

is operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or greater or under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. The first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by one or more of the following:
  • up to 93 days in jail
  • a fine of $100 to $500
  • community service of up to 360 hours
The Secretary of State will suspend the operator's license for 180 days and a restricted license is available only after 30 days. Six points are also assessed against the driver s record.

Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)

is operating a motor vehicle while visibly impaired due to the consumption of alcohol or a controlled substance. No specific alcohol or drug content is required. The first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by one or more of the following:
  • up to 93 days in jail
  • a fine of up to $300
  • community service of up to 360 hours
The Secretary of State will suspend the operator's license for 90 days in the case of alcohol, 180 days in the case of drugs, and a restricted license is available. Four points will be assessed against the driver's record.

Operating with Presence of Drugs (OWPD)

is operating a motor vehicle with any amount of a controlled substance in the body. No specific amount is required, and the drugs need not affect one's driving. The first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by one or more of the following:
  • up to 93 days in jail
  • a fine of $100 to $500
  • community service of up to 360 hours
The Secretary of State will suspend the operator's license for 180 days and a restricted license is available only after 30 days. Six points will be assessed against the driver's record.

"Zero Tolerance"

provides that no person under the age of 21 shall operate a motor vehicle with any bodily alcohol content. No specific amount is required, and the alcohol need not affect one's driving. The first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by one or more of the following:
  • a fine of up to $250
  • community service of up to 360 hours
The Secretary of State will suspend the operator's license for 30 days and a restricted license is available. Four points will be assessed against the driver's record.

High BAC "Super Drunk" Law

On October of 2010 a new "Super Drunk" law went into effect in which drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .17 or greater will face increased penalties from both the courtroom and the Secretary of State.
  • Fines increased from $200 to $700
  • Jail increased from 93 days to 180 days
  • Enhanced license sanctions
If the Secretary of State gets notice that an individual was convicted of a super drunk driving charge their driving privileges will be suspended for 1 year. The first 45 days the driver will be allowed no driving, and after that they may be entitled to drive under restricted conditions with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID).

For all of these drunk driving offenses, the penalties are progressively more severe with multiple convictions which underscores the need for a DUI defense attorney. The Motor Vehicle Code also includes other alcohol-or drug-related offenses, such as OWI/OWVI causing injury or death and OWI/OWVI endangering a child, that have significant criminal penalties and Secretary of State sanctions. Moreover, the Michigan Penal Code includes numerous offenses which, when committed with a motor vehicle, have serious penalties.

Persons accused of these driving offenses require effective and proven representation by a drunk driving defense lawyer.

We at Hills Law Office have the experience and know-how you need, in courts and before the Secretary of State, to evaluate your case thoroughly and provide the best advice on how to approach it and defend your interests. Contact us to find a Southwest Michigan and Kalamazoo criminal defense attorney. We provide expert legal services to nine Southwest Michigan counties.