Michigan’s New Drugged Driving Law, Will it Pass?

The Memorial Day weekend has long been thought of as the unofficial start of summer. This means more people on roadways throughout Michigan, along with an increased police presence on these roads. Officers are conducting several safety campaigns, including cracking down on drivers who are not wearing seat belts as well as those motorists suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Michigan legislature is also considering new laws concerning drugged driving. These bills would drastically increase the penalties for those motorists convicted of driving under the influence of drugs. A conviction under these new drug DUI laws, should they receive the necessary support to pass, would result in penalties similar to those for drinking and driving. The proposals also allow the courts to set a bond for these motorists, and if these individuals are then subsequently caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are subject to immediate arrest.

The legislation has raised some concerns about the methods that officers are allowed to use to determine if a person is under the influence of drugs. Some had proposed letting law enforcement use saliva tests to check for drugs, but critics feel that this could lead to false arrests, especially concerning the use of marijuana.

Police have noticed an increase in drugged driving on Michigan roads, and feel that these new penalties are necessary in order to help remove some of these unsafe drivers from the state’s roadways. It is important that motorists realize that they could be facing these charges if they have any drugs in their system that impact their ability to operate a motor vehicle. This includes prescription medications that they may be using as directed by their physicians. Motorists need to be aware of any potential side-effects of medications that they may be taking before they drive.

If you are facing charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you need to reach out to an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You may not completely be aware of some of the potential penalties that can be handed down if you are convicted or plead guilty to the charges.

Your attorney can protect your rights during the early stages of the investigation, and also review the entire process to determine the defenses that may best apply to your situation. If you need to retain your driving privileges, your attorney can pursue a solution that may allow you to get back behind the wheel. Once you know more about your options, you can decide how you wish to proceed.