Michigan law calls drunk driving Operating While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated – OWI / DUI / DWI, which specifically forbids the driver of any motorized vehicle, such as cars, trucks, boats, jet-ski’s, snowmobiles, golf carts, and go-carts, from operating the vehicle after consuming intoxicating beverages or any intoxicating substance. If the substance or beverage is alcohol, a BAC, or bodily alcohol content of .08% is illegal. Alternatively, for intoxicating substances the law penalizes a driver if the substance materially and substantially affects the driver’s ability to operate the motor vehicle. It is imperative that you hire an experienced OWI attorney to defend your case. There are several factors to considering in creating the best defense strategy possible, and for that reason, you will want expertise to assist you in coming up with a plan that maximizes your chance of success, including dismissal of charges altogether or a significant charge reduction.
OWI Offense and Penalties
It is important to understand that whether or not your ability to drive is impaired, if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is above .08% you will be charged with operating while intoxicated.
Although a first OWI offense is a misdemeanor, you could still be facing:
- Up to 93 days in jail / Up to 180 if a BAC is .17% or greater.
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Up to $500 in fines
- Six month driver’s license suspension/restriction
Being convicted of drunk driving will also damage your ability to obtain affordable car insurance and will show up during any criminal background check making it more difficult to obtain a job, housing, and financial assistance for education. As of now, Michigan law does NOT allow for driving convictions to be expunged off of your record – once there, it stays there.
It is imperative that you contact the Law Offices of Ravi R. Gurumurthy, PLC for an immediate case evaluation to find out more about your OWI / DWI / DUI charge. Attorney Ravi R. Gurumurthy is dedicated to researching and understanding OWI /DUI/ DWI charges and takes an aggressive approach in defending each and every one of his clients all across the state of Michigan. Having conducted multiple jury trials gives Attorney Ravi R. Gurumurthy the experience necessary to effectively handle every criminal matter and persuade any jury that the prosecution cannot and has not proven their case.
