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Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney

Michigan - DUI - OWI - DWI Attorney Joseph Awad, a Lawyer that helps people charged with drunk driving or driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He also helps defend related charges, such as leaving the scene of an accident or manslaughter. Among the offenses this DUI / OWI / DWI Law Firm handles are traffic crimes (such as reckless endangerment, excessive speeding, vehicular homicide) to avoid possible jail time and loss or suspension of a drivers license. We may challenge the Breathalyzer test results or other roadside sobriety tests, often working with the judge and prosecutor to get a conditional discharge, alternative sentencing.

On September 30, 2003, Michigan made .08 blood-alcohol content (BAC) the new drunk driving standard. Michigan previously had a two-tiered standard, with .10 BAC or greater considered drunk driving and .08-.09 BAC being impaired driving. Michigan is the 44th state to adopt an .08 BAC standard for drunk driving offenses. A first-time offender convicted of drunk driving faces: Up to 93 days in jail Up to a $500 fine Up to 360 hours of community service Up to 6 points on a driver’s license Up to 180 days with a suspended license, with a restricted license possible after 30 days Convicted drunk drivers will also be subject to a new $1,000 penalty that is included in a recently approved driver responsibility program. The $1,000 penalty will be imposed for two consecutive years. Drivers may still be arrested and charged with impaired driving, however, the law no longer has a blood alcohol content associated with impaired. Those convicted of impaired driving face an additional $500 penalty assessed for two consecutive years. In addition to the change in the drunk driving standard, the new law also contains a zero tolerance for drivers with certain illegal drugs in their system. These "schedule 1" drugs are those with no medicinal use, such as marijuana, GHB, cocaine and cocaine-derivative drugs. With this change, prosecutors will not have to prove the driver was impaired, just that they were driving with those drugs in their system. The same penalties for drunk driving will apply to those convicted under the zero-tolerance drug provisions. Other penalties have also been increased. Anyone who refuses a breath test the first time is given a one-year driver’s license suspension. The penalty had been a six-month license suspension. For a second refusal in seven years, it is a two-year suspension.

Charged with a drunk driving offense?

Please note that if you have been charged with a drunk driving offense, you should consult a Michigan criminal defense lawyer immediately. The Law Office of Michigan Attorney Joseph F. Awad is a criminal defense law firm that advocates client's rights.