“What do I do if I’m charged with drunk driving?”
DUI is a serious offense, yet many respectable, responsible people find themselves facing this charge. Many folks do not intend to drive intoxicated or under the influence.
DUI is Not and Intentional Crime
Drunk driving charges often happen innocently, meaning without ill intent. Perhaps someone has a few drinks while celebrating at a wedding or a cocktail party, and that person does not realize they are under the influence. If that person is pulled over or is involved in an accident while driving home, the officer will conduct a DUI investigation. Drunk driving is often referred to as DUI or OWI. After a failed sobriety test or a breath alcohol level over .08%, a police officer will arrest you for driving under the influence.
Do Not Face DUI Charges without Help
Whether this is your first DUI or fifth, you will most likely feel frightened and have a good number of questions and concerns. The best advice we can offer is to not face these charges without the help of experienced and effective lawyers. Enlisting the help of an experienced and professional legal team can be one of the wisest investments you will ever make.
Will I Serve Jail Time? DUI Defense
If you stand accused of drunk driving charges, the question most likely to be on your mind is, will I serve jail time? The answer is that it depends. Jail time used to be unheard of for a first offense; however, an increasing number of courts are starting to impose jail even for a defendant’s first offense. For second and third-time offenders, a minimum of three or four months is not uncommon without top legal representation. Some jurisdictions are more flexible than others, some prosecutors more aggressive, and others less so. Your driving record, criminal record, and any aggravating or mitigating factors will influence the severity of the sentence you receive.
While anything is on the table, you can expect a suspension of your driver’s license and a hefty fine for your first DUI charge, and a revocation of your license for a second or subsequent offense. Additionally, the judge may order you to complete alcohol education, therapy, community service, testing, support groups, and more.
Whenever your freedom is at stake, it is advisable to enlist the services of a reputable legal team to represent you in a court of law. If your blood alcohol level was relatively high or there are witnesses to attest to your inebriated state at the time of arrest, your defense will need to be as strong as possible.
We Have Helped Many in their Drunk Driving Defense in Michigan
LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is an aggressive Michigan-based criminal defense law firm that has represented countless clients facing drunk driving charges, successfully helping their clients navigate a complex legal system and, in many cases, receive a far less severe sentence. In many cases, we have achieved outright dismissals of DUI charges or get the charges reduced to non-alcohol-related offenses.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!
