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If I Get a DUI in Genesee County, MI, What Should I Know?
If you’re facing DUI charges in Flint, Michigan, your penalties could be severe. They may range from operating while Impaired (OWI) or intoxicated to more dire offenses such as Super Drunk/High BAC, zero-tolerance minor, child endangerment, or other felony charges.
You should also be aware that navigating the complex Genesee DUI/OWI legal terrain demands the help of an experienced and knowledgeable DUI who’s thoroughly familiar with the court’s proceedings and the judge’s expectations and attitudes.
Make no mistake, a DUI is a serious offense in Flint, and the help, legal advice, and guidance of an experienced DUI lawyer cannot be overemphasized.
Amongst other things, your diligent and thorough DUI lawyer will:
- Fully understand and explain your perspective and draft a strategic defense accordingly.
- Offer wise legal guidance about your DUI charge’s possible personal and family impacts.
- Thoroughly explain the court’s legal processes, helping to reduce fears and uncertainties.
- Ensure you fully understand the situation and involve you in all crucial decision-making steps during your case.
- Negotiate a sound and well-thought-out plea deal if your situation demands it, and more.
Facing a DUI charge in Flint is a daunting and stressful experience. That said, it’s critical to obtain professional legal guidance as soon as possible so that your lawyer can “get ahead” of the state’s case and navigate the complexities of your case effectively.
Is There a Difference Between a DUI and OWI in Flint, Michigan?
Although DUI is the almost universally recognizable acronym for driving drunk or under the influence, the phrasing for DUI offenses varies among states.
In Michigan, offenses related to drunk driving or driving under the influence are known as operating while intoxicated, or OWI.
You should note, however, that Michigan recognizes three types of OWI violations, these are:
- If your ability to safely operate your motor vehicle was significantly affected by using alcohol, drugs, or any other types of intoxicants.
- If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was at least 0.08, as determined by field sobriety or other chemical tests.
- If your blood alcohol is over 0.17, it’s deemed to be a “High BAC” and is subject to more severe charges and possible penalties.
So, although DUI may be the more common term for drunk or impaired driving, in Michigan, those who are accused of driving under the influence are charged with an OWI.
No matter what it’s called, it’s a dire charge that can have life-changing effects on you and your family. So, you must be proactive and obtain the legal advice you need to learn more about how to approach and minimize the adverse effects this charge can have on your future.
Are the Possible Penalties for OWI in Flint, Michigan, Severe?
The simple answer to this question is yes, they are. If you’re charged and arrested for an OWI in Genesee County, it carries serious consequences, including potential jail time, high fines, driver’s license suspensions or revocation, and more.
For the sake of your future and your family, consulting with an experienced Flint OWI lawyer is mandatory to minimize the repercussions you can face.
Additionally, your DUI/OWI lawyer should have the local experience needed to effectively represent DUI/OWI clients in the district in which you have been charged.
Every OWI case differs in its circumstance and severity, and the best legal path to take will always depend on the particulars of your unique case.
A well-versed Flint DUI lawyer will do many things depending on your case. Some defenses include attempting to get your charges reduced or dismissed, arranging for a plea deal, representing you at trial, seeking an expungement, and restoring a suspended driver’s license.
Even a first-time offense can result in high fines, a temporary loss of your license, and other consequences that could severely impact your everyday life.
But it can get worse from there, for example, even a first-time DUI/OWI offense with a High BAC (or “Super Drunk”) that involves a BAC of at least 0.17 and will be subject to the following penalties if you’re convicted:
- A maximum jail sentence of up to 180 days.
- High fines of up to $700 or more, depending on the circumstances.
- Possibly up to 360 hours of community service.
- A full one-year driver’s license suspension and eligibility for a license with particular restrictions after 45 days. However, an ignition interlock device must be installed (at your expense) on every vehicle you own or operate.
- Your license plates could be confiscated if you operate a vehicle without the court-mandated ignition interlock device.
- Additionally, if you’re convicted of driving a vehicle without a properly installed ignition interlock device, your vehicle could be immobilized.
The above are but a few of the harsh penalties you may face, but if someone has been injured, or worse, killed, then the penalties can include years of jail time and more. Therefore, even for your first-time DUI charge, a Flint DUI lawyer’s professional, empathetic, and knowledgeable advice and guidance is mandatory to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Should I always Hire a DUI/OWI lawyer if I’m charged with a Drunk Driving Charge in Flint?
First and foremost, even if it’s your first DUI charge, never take the situation lightly. There are a lot of nuances to Michigan’s DUI/OWI laws, and a skilled attorney specializing in DUI cases will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal process you’re facing and assure that your rights are upheld throughout the entire process. A skilled and passionate Flint DUI lawyer has the resources and knowledge needed and will provide valuable guidance on the numerous complexities of the charges against you and their potential consequences.
Your lawyer will use their expertise to thoroughly analyze and assess the evidence, identify any procedural errors, and develop a strategic defense strategy based on the unique circumstances of your case.
Even in a complex case to defend, your Flint DUI lawyer will likely be able to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charges or mitigate them using plea bargaining, which often minimizes the penalties associated with your DUI offense.
Most importantly, your lawyer can clearly and lawfully represent you in court while always advocating for your rights and best interests and striving to secure a more favorable outcome.
I Have been charged with a DUI in Michigan; How Should I Proceed?
Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI charge or criminal charges in Michigan, it must always be legally treated as a dire matter. Every case differs, but every part of this stressful legal issue presents opportunities for legal challenges, skillful negotiations, and strong defense strategies. A well-versed, knowledgeable, and experienced DUI lawyer will guide you every step while ensuring your rights are protected and you obtain the best outcome possible.
Clint Perryman, of Clint Perryman Attorney at Law, is a motivated, passionate, and tireless advocate for Flint residents charged with DUI. He will always professionally and empathetically represent you using the best strategy for your specific case.
Call him today at (810) 498-2370 and schedule a confidential evaluation of your unique DUI case, and know that you are in the most experienced, honest, and diligent legal hands possible.
