Michigan DUI Consequences

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Michigan is a stressful experience. You find yourself wondering about the type of consequences you are facing. Will you lose your driver’s license? Will you be sentenced to jail time? If you have recently been charged with drinking and driving, you should contact a law firm that focuses on DUI defense to learn more about Michigan DUI consequences.

In Michigan, driving a vehicle if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher is illegal. For drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit is .02%. Even if your BAC is below this legal limit, you may still be charged with drunk driving if the prosecution can prove that your driving abilities were lessened as the result of consuming alcohol and/or drugs.

If this was your first offense, with no extenuating circumstances, you may be sentenced to jail time, community service, and hefty fines. Other Michigan DUI consequences include the loss of driving privileges and mandatory alcohol education classes and/or treatment.

In Michigan, a third DUI offense within ten years is classified as felony. The consequences of a felony conviction include prison time (one to five years) as well as increased fines and a longer driver’s license suspension. You may also be forced to forfeit your vehicle or have it impounded (at your expense).

The judge may also order you to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle in order to have your license restored. An ignition interlock device is a small unit, typically installed on your dashboard, that measures your BAC. If your BAC is over a preset limit, your vehicle will not start.

There are other Michigan DUI consequences that can affect you in your day-to-day life. After a drunk-driving conviction, your auto insurance provider may raise your rate or even cancel your coverage. You may also run into problems seeking employment, especially if your potential employer requires a clean background check and/or driving record.

Don’t let Michigan DUI consequences affect the rest of your life. Contact The Barone DUI Defense Firm today by entering your case information into our online contact form. An experienced defense attorney will provide you with a free DUI case evaluation and a complimentary copy of The Michigan DUI Book (A Citizen’s Handbook on Fighting a Michigan DUI Case).