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Michigan drunk driving laws are some of the toughest in the US, but mistakes can happen even with the threat of punishment. If you are arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), the consequences can turn your life around. Your driver’s license will be suspended, since driving is a privilege that state officials can take away. Plus, drunk driving is a crime that carries significant penalties. You face jail time and fines if the government meets its burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fortunately, there are multiple angles to fight a drunk driving case and preserve your driving privileges. David G. Moore, Attorney at Law, will be at your side to assist with defense strategies, as there are opportunities to contest evidence, BAC results, and other factors. He has extensive experience in criminal courtrooms, having started his career on the prosecutor’s side. Now, David employs those skills to help you gain an edge in a criminal case, whether at trial or negotiating ways to resolve OWI charges.
For more information on how David G. Moore, Attorney at Law, will defend your interests, please contact our firm to consult with a Kalamazoo DUI lawyer.
After your arrest, you will move to a first court appearance for bond and entering a plea. There may be motions during pre-trial, especially if you have defenses. The final stage in the process is a trial.
For a first-time offense, a judge could order up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. If you are convicted for a second drunk driving offense, the court may sentence up to a year incarceration and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Your driver’s license is subject to suspension for a Michigan DUI, starting at 180 days for a first DUI and 12 months for a second conviction. You may also need to complete a substance abuse course, perform community service, and install an ignition interlock device (IID).
Chemical tests to measure your BAC may seem credible, but they can be inaccurate. Breathalyzer machines must be maintained, inspected, and calibrated. Those that operate them must be qualified. These factors may allow for a defense.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to seek a plea bargain, which would reduce your punishment. The prosecutor may even approach you about a plea agreement, especially when the evidence against you is weak.
It is critical to retain a Kalamazoo DUI defense lawyer if you are facing charges. There are defenses and options to favor your case, but you will need legal support from an experienced lawyer.