810-498-2370
You may feel overwhelmed when you are arrested for a DUI. Suddenly, you’re standing outside your vehicle, caught off guard by flashing lights, an officer pointing a gun, criminal accusations, and imminent threats to your license, your freedom, and possibly even your career. This is a very serious situation, and the fallout of your DUI charge depends largely on the actions you take in the hours and days after your arrest.
Stay Calm, Know Your Rights
The most important thing you can do right now is stay calm. Fighting with or talking back to officers will only make the situation worse. Michigan law requires you to follow lawful orders, but it does not require you to answer questions that could incriminate you. You have the right to remain silent.
Provide your license and registration politely when asked, but avoid volunteering information about where you’ve been, how much you’ve had to drink, or anything else that could be used against you later.
You also have the right to an attorney. If you’re unsure what to say, saying nothing until you’ve spoken with a lawyer is your best option.
Understand Michigan’s Implied Consent Law
If you are stopped on suspicion of drunk driving, you may be required to take a breath, blood, or urine test. Under Michigan’s “implied consent” law, all licensed drivers automatically consent to chemical testing if arrested for DUI. Refusing the test will not make the charges go away. Instead, it can trigger an automatic one-year license suspension and add six points to your driving record.
That said, portable roadside tests (such as a handheld breath test) are not the same as the official chemical test. Refusing the preliminary roadside test can result in a civil fine, but refusing the official test after arrest carries far harsher penalties. Understanding the difference is critical, and a skilled defense attorney can help you navigate these nuances.
The Booking and Bail Process
After your arrest, you’ll be taken to the police station for booking. This process includes fingerprinting, having your photo taken, and recording your personal information. Depending on your record and the nature of the charge, you may be released on bail.
Bail is money paid to guarantee you will appear for your court dates. In some cases, attorneys can argue for reduced bail or even a personal bond, which does not require upfront payment.
We’re Here to Help — Contact an Experienced DUI Attorney Now
The clock starts ticking the moment you’re pulled over. Evidence such as dashcam footage, eyewitness accounts, and even maintenance logs of breathalyzer machines may need to be preserved immediately. A DUI defense attorney will carefully review your case to determine if your rights were violated, whether the stop was lawful, and if testing procedures were handled correctly.
Protecting Your Future
A DUI conviction in Michigan can bring heavy fines, possible jail time, mandatory license suspension, and long-lasting consequences for your job, education, and insurance rates. But an arrest is not the same as a conviction. You still have the right to a defense. With the right strategy, many people are able to get charges reduced, keep their driving privileges, or even have their cases dismissed entirely.
