What Happens if I Cause a Drunk Driving Accident in Michigan?

After an automobile accident occurs, police are generally called to the scene to assess the damage, condition of those involved, and to investigate to determine the reason for why it occurred. If the responding officer is able to determine that you were operating your vehicle with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) level of 0.08, which is the legal limit in the state of Michigan, you will not only face the consequences for driving drunk but for also causing a wreck.

 

What are the penalties for driving drunk in Michigan?

 

If this is your first time being charged with DUI in Michigan, these are the penalties for a first time DUI offender:

 

• Having your licenses suspended for six months. You may be eligible for a restricted license after serving 30 days of the suspension period, however, that may not be an option if the incident resulted in injuries or death.

• Having your license suspended for one year if convicted of operating a motor vehicle with a BAC level of .17 or higher, also referred to as a “High BAC.”
• Participate in and complete one or more rehabilitation programs, which might include an alcohol treatment or a self-help program. You would be subjected to participating in a program if you have one or more prior DUI convictions or if your BAC level was .17 or higher.

• Having to pay a reinstatement fee of $125 if your driver’s license was suspended, revoked, or restricted.
• Responsible for paying a Driver Responsibility Fee of $1,000 for a driving while intoxicated conviction, including a High BAC conviction.
• Potentially serving up to 93 days in jail and/or having to complete 360 hours of community service.
• Pay a fine between $100-$500.
• You may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
• You will have six points added to your driving record.

[Source: State of Michigan Secretary of State].

 

What are the penalties for causing a drunk driving crash?

 

Depending on how serious the accident was will determine what charges will be filed against you. For instance, if the collision resulted in someone suffering a serious injury or resulted in their death, you will be charged with a felony which only increases your penalties. The penalties are as follows for causing a drunk driving accident that has resulted in serious injury or death of another:

 

• If the crash resulted in a death, you could be looking at spending up to 15 years in prison, having to pay a fine of $2,500 to $10,000, or both.
• If you cause another individual to suffer an injury, you may be required to spend upto five years in prison, pay a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, or both.
• Have your driver’s license revoked for a minimum of one year.
• Have your license plate confiscated.
• Vehicle immobilization for up to 180 days, unless your vehicle is forfeited.
• Having six points added to your driving record.
• Having to pay a Driver Responsibility Fee of $1,000.

 

[Source: State of Michigan Secretary of State].

 

If you were recently charged with causing a DUI crash in Lansing, MI or vehicular homicide as the incident resulted in the death of another motorist, pedestrian, bicyclist, etc. you need to contact Michigan drunk driving accident attorney Stuart R. Shafer. Michigan courts impose stiff penalties for drivers who violate the state’s DUI laws and will show no mercy when it comes time to convict you. In order to ensure your rights and freedom are protected and that your case is being handled fairly and in the proper manner, you need to retain a drunk driving accident attorney who has extensive experience in handling these types of cases.

Contact the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. today to speak with a lawyer who is well versed in DUI law and has the ability to fight your charges and possibly even get your penalties reduced.

 

You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. at:

 

1223 Turner Street, #333

Lansing, MI 48906

517-487-6603

Website: www.stushafer.com