The penalties for drunk driving in Michigan are severe. Heavy fines, jail time and a driver’s license suspension are all real possibilities. One man from Kalamazoo, Michigan, finds himself facing felony charges after allegedly causing about $75,000 worth of damage to eight cars inside a parking ramp.
The incident occurred last week inside the ramp at the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites. According to an official from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the 26-year-old driver told police officers that he had consumed 20 beers. The man said he was depressed and wanted to kill himself, the official said. The man’s case was not scheduled for review until next month because he was in the hospital.
As a result of the incident, the man was charged with operating while intoxicated as well as operating with a high blood alcohol content. This second charge, known as “super drunk driving,” comes into play when a driver allegedly is tested with a blood alcohol level of over 0.17. According to authorities, the man registered a blood alcohol level of over 0.20. This means that, should he be convicted or plead guilty, the driver would be subjected to mandatory alcohol treatment plus enhanced jail time and more severe fines.
While these certainly are serious charges, the driver in this case will have an opportunity to defend himself. Facts that have emerged about the case, such as the fact that the man allegedly told police that he was depressed, may help his defense, along with the input of an experienced drunk driving defense attorney.
Source: WOODTV.com, “‘Super drunk’ driver hits 8 cars,” Feb. 3, 2012
