Offenses and Consequences

Michigan Attorneys Who Can Explain Drunk Driving Law and Penalties

Law enforcement across the country and particularly in Michigan is cracking down on drunk driving. The police are increasing enforcement efforts and every year it seems the penalties imposed on convicted drunk drivers become more harsh.

For more than 20 years, the criminal defense attorneys at Larin and Leonard have specialized in drunk driving law and practice. We regularly lecture other lawyers at legal seminars on updates or changes in drunk driving laws. We are extremely knowledgeable and well-prepared to explain the laws and penalties to you.

Contact us today to protect your future.

Drunk Driving Penalties

The attorneys at Larin and Leonard have authored books and articles for defense lawyers to understand the most effective Drunk Driving defense strategies. We are prepared to clearly explain the penalties for first, second and third drunk driving offenses, such as:

• 1st offense Drunk Driving — First-time offenders face up to 93 days in jail, a $500.00 fine plus costs, and up to two years on probation with the possibility of random alcohol and drug testing and substance abuse education or treatment. At a minimum, a first offense drunk driving conviction will cause you to lose your driving privileges for 30 days followed by five months of restricted driving. Six points will be entered on your driving record.
• 1st offense Impaired Driving – A first Impaired conviction is punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a $300.00 fine plus costs and up to two years on probation with the possibility of random alcohol and drug testing and substance abuse education or treatment. At a minimum driving privileges will be restricted for 90 days. Four points will be entered on your driving record.
• 2nd offense — Individuals can be charged with a second drinking and driving offense, if they have a prior conviction in the past seven years. A second offense is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of $200.00 to $1,000.00 plus costs, up to two years probation with the possibility of random alcohol and drug testing and substance abuse education or treatment. The driver’s vehicle must be immobilized for at least 90 days, unless it is ordered forfeited.
• 3rd offense — A third drinking and driving conviction in a lifetime is a FELONY punishable by a minimum of 30 days in jail and up to five years in prison and fine of $500.00 to $5,000.00 plus court costs. You face a potential lifetime revocation of driving privileges and may not be able to even apply for a driver license for up to five years. Individuals also face up to five years on probation and vehicle immobilization for at least one year if the vehicle is not forfeited.
• Child Endangerment – If you are stopped for drinking and driving and you have a passenger in your vehicle who is less than 16 years old, in addition to any other drinking and driving charge you could face up to a year in jail and up to 90 days complete loss of driving privileges.
• Operating While Under the Influence of Drugs – If you are arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance including Marijuana and Cocaine the offense is treated like a drunk driving conviction.
• Drunk Driving Causing Serious Personal Injury — Briefly, individuals accused of drunk driving resulting in serious personal injury face up to five years in prison, a fine of $1,000.00 to $5,000.00 plus costs, a revocation of their driving privilege for at least one year up to life.
• Drunk Driving Causing Death — A drunk driving accident resulting in a fatality is a felony punishable for up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000.00 to $5,000.00 plus costs, and a driver license revocation for not less than one year up to life. In the alternative, drunk drivers causing death can also be charged with manslaughter, also a fifteen year felony. In extreme circumstances, the driver can also be charged with second degree murder and face up to life in prison.

Contact Us

Whether you are charged with an OWI, child endangerment or impaired driving, we are prepared to challenge the evidence against you. Contact us today to protect your rights.