Drunk Driving

Flint DUI Attorney

Helping Clients

An arrest for DUI in Michigan is an unexpectedly humbling experience. For example, there are humiliating social stigmas that often follow a drunk driving arrest. Those convicted of DUI may also face stringent legal penalties. People from all walks of life face the consequences associated with these charges on a daily basis. For some, it will be the first time they have felt that their lives were out of control. Questions arise as to what will happen to your license, insurance rates, finances, and potentially your freedom. A wide range of emotions, from anxiety to anger, is natural and quite common in drunk driving cases.

It can be intimidating to face DUI charges, and many individuals wonder if there’s any way to get out of a conviction. We firmly believe that there is still hope when you hire a skilled criminal defense attorney like Clint W. Perryman. An experienced attorney can identify whether your rights were violated during the traffic stop or arrest. Your criminal defense lawyer can use their experience in criminal cases to fight for you and get your charges lowered or dismissed.

Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect your life. You could lose your driving privileges, your job, or your home. Drunk driving charges should not be taken lightly and are a criminal offense that can impact your life for years to come. Don’t take any risks with so much at stake. Get the legal counsel you need from an MI DUI attorney you can trust.

Let us put our knowledge, vast experience, and excellent reputation in Michigan courts to work for you as we help you attain the results you are hoping for. As your attorneys, we will work tirelessly to protect your freedom and driving privileges. We have handled countless DUI cases and will put that knowledge and skill to work for you. Call our criminal law firm at 810-498-2370 to schedule a confidential consultation.

What Are Michigan’s Drunk Driving Laws?

In July 2009, the Michigan Legislature enacted Public Acts 461 and 462, which amended the Michigan Vehicle Code by imposing criminal penalties for operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.17 or more. It became effective October 31, 2010, and is now functionally known as “Super Drunk Driving.”

A first offense will be a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 180 days (increased from 93 days) and/or a fine of at least $200.00 but not more than $700.00 (increased from not less than $100.00 but not more than $500.00). The remaining criminal penalties have effectively stayed the same.

However, the license sanctions also increased at that time. The Secretary of State must suspend a driver’s license for one year if there are no priors within the previous seven years and no more than two convictions within the previous ten years (as opposed to six months under the current law). A restricted license would be available after the first 45 days (as opposed to 30 days) of suspension.

The statute also requires an ignition interlock device calibrated at 0.025. If a person violates the conditions of the restricted license or attempts to operate a vehicle with a BAC of higher than 0.025, additional suspensions are required. Mandatory rehabilitative programs are also required. These conditions currently apply to repeat drunk driving offenses.

How Severe are Michigan DUI Charges?

Many people wonder whether they should take their criminal charges seriously. With a DUI, it is crucial to hire the best DUI lawyer possible to fight your charges and avoid a conviction. Even a first DUI can lead to devastating consequences for the individual and their family. Talking about your experience can be humbling and scary, but you must confront this problem so you don’t have more severe penalties to worry about.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Michigan, you can contact our criminal defense law firm for counsel about your unique situation. We can advise you on how to interact with officers in the Flint police department to avoid accidental self-incrimination. We’ll apply our experience and talent as we guide you through the legal process and ensure you don’t get a sentencing that is harsher than you deserve. Call today to get the legal representation you need from our law office.

What Additional Charges Could Enhance My Criminal Conviction?

One problem that often arises with DUI charges in Flint is that the person is charged with aggravating factors that enhance their sentencing. In other words, you could face additional penalties if your actions were more grievous than an ordinary DUI.

Some examples of charges that would enhance your criminal conviction include:

  • Child endangerment – If a child was a passenger in the vehicle while you were allegedly impaired, you could face more serious penalties
  • High BAC – In Michigan, a blood alcohol content of 0.17% or higher may indicate an enhancement to your charges
  • Multiple prior DUIs – Individuals with prior DUI convictions could face harsh penalties
  • Causing an accident that results in injury or death – If someone died or was badly injured because of your drunk driving, you could face severe penalties

Our criminal defense attorney is ready to fight for clients in both state and federal courts. We also handle criminal cases involving drunk driving where aggravating factors are involved. We promise to use all of our talent and experience to protect your driver’s license and get your charges lowered whenever possible. Avoid the serious consequences of an enhanced criminal conviction. Call our law office for a drunk driving defense that matches your needs and goals.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Flint, MI?

The penalties you’ll face for an OWI (operating while intoxicated) conviction depend on several factors. Individuals typically have lower charges for a first OWI with increasing consequences for subsequent DUIs. However, if you have certain aggravating factors, you could face harsh penalties, even if this is your first OWI.

Assuming there are no enhancing factors, the following are some examples of penalties for various levels of OWI:

  • First OWIs may lead to up to 93 days in jail and between $100-$500 in fines. The person could also face up to 360 hours of community service and a license suspension of 180 days.
  • Second OWIs within seven years of the first offense could result in up to one year of jail time, up to $1,000 in fines, and a maximum of 90 days of community service. Penalties may also include mandatory ignition interlock device use.
  • Third offense DUIs could lead to between one and five years in prison, fines of up to $5,000, at least 60 days of community service, mandatory vehicle immobilization, and ignition interlock device requirements.
  • OWVI (operating while visibly impaired) charges are less severe than OWIs, but a conviction can still mean jail time, fines, and license suspension.

Call our law office immediately to learn more about your legal options and fight against your suspended license. We also help with many other criminal matters, including DUI, drug crimes, driver’s license restoration, criminal cases, and more.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Arrested for DUI in Flint, MI?

Being arrested for DUI can be a terrifying experience. Many individuals wonder how to react when a police officer pulls them over and threatens them with arrest. It can be tempting to resist, but please remember that resisting arrest can lead to more severe legal charges. The best option is to cooperate with the law enforcement official’s demands and behave politely when being placed under arrest.

You should also keep in mind that you have certain rights that must be respected, even when you are charged with criminal activity. For example, you have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer the police officer’s questions, and we recommend that you refrain from responding until you’ve gotten legal counsel from an experienced attorney like those at the law office of Clint W. Perryman PC. Your attorney can advise you on how to answer questions during an interrogation so you can avoid accidental self-incrimination.

You have the right to representation from a criminal defense attorney, and you should take advantage of this right by immediately contacting our legal team. We will act quickly to investigate the details of your arrest and ensure your Constitutional rights were not violated. Call right away to get the legal help you need in this crucial situation.

Is a DUI a Felony in Michigan?

Understanding the nature of your charges can help you determine the best way to fight your DUI in Flint, MI. Some DUIs in Michigan are charged as a misdemeanor, such as first DUIs with a lower BAC. However, other cases lead to felony charges, which are much more serious.

Unlike misdemeanor DUIs, a felony DUI can result in severe penalties. These cases are often tried based on federal laws and can lead to time in a state or federal prison. Having a felony DUI on your record can be devastating for your career, social life, and family. If you are facing felony DUI charges, please take this matter seriously by hiring a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Some reasons a DUI could be considered a felony in Michigan include:

  • Third or subsequent DUI – If you were driving while intoxicated for the third time or more, you could face felony charges in Michigan
  • Child endangerment – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a child in the vehicle can result in felony DUI charges
  • Causing an accident that results in severe injury or death – If you caused an accident that severely injured or killed someone, you could face a felony DUI

If you need help creating a defense strategy that meets your needs, please contact our law firm right away. We will vigorously fight for your legal rights and help reduce the penalties for your felony DUI.

What Defenses Can I Use to Get Reduced Charges for My DUI?

It’s common for individuals to wonder whether they can fight DUI charges. With the stigma against drunk driving in Flint, MI, you may wonder whether there’s any hope in defeating your charges. However, you can still defeat or lower your charges when you work with a skilled MI DUI attorney like Clint Perryman. We will identify the proper manner to fight your OWI, including when to plead guilty or agree to a plea agreement.

Some defenses that can be effective in these complex cases include:

  • Fighting the legality of your DUI stop – Police officers are limited in terms of when they can pull someone over. If an officer illegally stopped or detained you, this can result in lowered or dismissed charges.
  • Disputing the breath test results – While you are legally required to submit to a breath test in Michigan, you might be able to dispute the accuracy of the test depending on how it was administered and how the results were interpreted.
  • Mistaken identity – If you were not the person driving the vehicle, you could argue for dismissal of your DUI charges.
  • Involuntary intoxication – If someone spiked your drink or food without you knowing, you may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

Call our law office immediately to start preparing a criminal defense that matches your unique case.

Will a DUI Lawyer Protect My Driver’s License?

One of the main concerns people have when facing DUI charges is whether they will lose their driving privileges. Driver’s license suspension can negatively affect many aspects of your life, reducing your ability to get to work, school, and medical appointments. Thankfully, there are legal options to fight for your driving rights.

One of the best ways to protect your rights is by hiring a criminal defense attorney like those at our law firm. We will determine the best way to proceed based on your unique circumstances, including demonstrating that you have a strong need to retain your driver’s license. We have helped countless clients with driver’s license restoration, and we will fight tirelessly for you.

Why Do I Need a MI DUI Attorney for My Criminal Defense?

When you have a DUI attorney on your side, you have much better chances of a positive outcome. Your attorney can actually help reduce court costs by minimizing the amount of time it takes you to reach a solution. A lawyer who understands Michigan DUI law can help avoid license suspension and other penalties associated with a conviction.

Having a criminal defense attorney on your team can also improve your experience during the investigation. You can rest assured that our legal team will leave no stone uncovered as we investigate the details behind your traffic stop. We’ll protect your legal rights and seek justice against officers who violated your Miranda rights or pulled you over without probable cause.

With our proven record of success, you can rely on the Clint W. Perryman PC team for the favorable outcomes you need in your DUI case. Our lawyer serves clients in Flint, MI, and the surrounding areas, and we are ready to help you. Call today!

Should You Hire Our Flint DUI Attorney?

Your best resource is a DUI lawyer who understands Michigan DUI law and is ready to fight for you. We promise to use every ounce of our skill, determination, experience, and honesty when fighting your Michigan OWI charges. You can count on our criminal defense attorney when you are facing DUI charges in Flint, MI.

Call our law firm right away to discuss your situation with our legal team. We will listen compassionately and explain your options in terms you can understand. You can reach us at 810-498-2370 to schedule a confidential case evaluation with our DUI lawyer.