The holiday’s bring out the best in some and the not so great in others. During these times of the year, the number of officers on the road looking for people who are drinking and driving increases. With fall almost upon us and Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, now is the time to start planning for the holidays. Don’t put yourself at risk or others at risk by drinking and driving, make a plan for the holidays and save yourself and others from arrest, injuries or worse.
The holidays are a great time to celebrate and while there is nothing wrong with having a couple of drinks, getting behind the wheel could get you put in jail or worse. In Michigan, State, City and County Officers hit the road in force on the lookout for drivers who have been drinking. In 2012 alone, a total of 35,748 DUI arrests were made. Of those, a total of 16,469 drivers were convicted of drinking and driving and faced fines, points to their license and in many cases, jail time.
In Michigan, those who are caught drinking and driving can face serious charges depending on a number of factors. From actual blood alcohol levels to the number of repeat offenses or even the way you act, punishments may range from a night in the drunk tank to fines, mandatory alcohol treatment or even loss of your license. If your blood alcohol level is found to be over .17%, the fines and penalties are now even greater in Michigan thanks to the newest Super Drunk laws. Convictions for being found guilty of Super Drunk offenses are almost double those relating to a standard conviction with fines of $200 to $700, restricted driving and longer incarcerations as well.
No matter what you are convicted of however, these charges and the penalties associated with them can easily impact your life including employment, finances and your family. To protect your rights and make sure that you are treated fairly, it is imperative that you hire an attorney with your best interests in mind. An attorney who is familiar with the laws regarding drunk driving in Michigan can help you by assisting you in understanding issues such as the different sanctions and your rights as well as making sure that the judge hears all facts relevant to your case to ensure an outcome which is best for you. Each case is unique and Michigan laws relating to drinking and driving can have long lasting effects on the rest of your life. Don’t risk your future, be sure that you have an attorney who understands the laws and cares about your interests.
If you live in Michigan and are facing charges relating to drinking and driving, Harris Law can help you. For a free consultation, call Harris Law at 231.347.4444.
