Lansing DUI Attorney
At Grabel & Associates, we are fierce defenders of individuals accused of driving under the influence. Whether you have been arrested or charged, it is critical to consult with a skilled and aggressive DUI attorney in Lansing who will fight to protect you from a conviction and harsh criminal penalties. A DUI conviction could not only leave you facing jail time, substantial fines, and driver's license suspension, it will also affect your career, future employment opportunities, and your reputation or standing in the community. Whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense, we urge you to contact our defense lawyers in Lansing immediately.
Drunk Driving Lawyers Providing Aggressive Legal Representation for Clients Accused of Misdemeanor or Felony DUI Crimes in Lansing and Surrounding Areas
Those who are arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol do not always go to trial. In fact, by contacting an attorney immediately, before you have been formally charged, it may be possible to avoid charges. Even if you have already been charged with a drunk driving offense, it does not indicate you will be found guilty. The strength and ability of the defense lawyer you choose may impact the outcome, as a highly experienced and dedicated DUI attorney will know what legal options may be most advantageous in your situation, and work to secure the best possible results. In some cases it may be most beneficial to strike a plea deal with prosecutors; in others, it's best to fight the charges to the end. How your case proceeds depends on the details of your particular situation.
DUI Charges in Lansing
In Lansing and throughout Michigan, the penalties an individual will face if convicted of driving under the influence depend on several factors including whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense. First- and second-offense DUI arrests are typically charged as misdemeanors, while a third or subsequent arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated will result in felony charges. With each offense, the criminal penalties become more severe. In any case, you will be left with a criminal record, which could negatively impact many areas of your life, including your career. It is vital that you contact our skilled team of Lansing drunk driving defense lawyers now, so that work can begin on building a strong, effective defense.
It is also important to note that a high BAC offense (commonly referred to as "Super Drunk" driving in Michigan) results in extremely serious consequences. While Michigan's legal BAC or blood alcohol content level is 0.08%, a super drunk offense involves operating a vehicle with a BAC of twice that limit, or 0.17% or above.
Criminal Penalties for OWI in Lansing
OWI (operating while intoxicated) is the term most commonly used for DUI in Michigan; however, there are other charges which could leave you facing serious consequences including OWVI (operating while visibly impaired), OUIL (operating while under the influence of intoxicating liquor), and more. Ultimately, you may be charged with a DUI offense if police have cause to believe you are intoxicated, regardless of whether a breath test is performed. For example, if an individual has slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and an odor of alcohol, police may arrest the individual for OWVI. The penalties for this DUI offense are the same as for a regular OWI.
A first DUI conviction will leave you facing penalties which include fines of up to $500, driver's license suspension, up to 93 days in jail, 360 hour of community service, and possibly required to install an ignition interlock device during probation.
A second DUI conviction will result in penalties, which include fines of up to $1,000, driver's license suspension, up to one year in jail, up to 90 days community service, mandatory vehicle immobilization, and more.
A third DUI conviction (felony) will result in penalties, which include fines of up to $5,000, up to five years in prison, up to 180 days of community service, mandatory vehicle immobilization, and more.
In addition, repeat offenders will face driver's license revocation; DUI convictions also frequently result in increased auto insurance premiums.
Contact Lansing DUI Defense Attorney Scott Grabel Today
Driving under the influence has become a very serious crime today; criminal penalties have increased over the years as lawmakers and groups such as MADD fight vigorously to take drunk drivers off the country’s roadways. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, it is imperative you take action to protect yourself not only from harsh criminal penalties, but potential ruin of your reputation and career. At Grabel & Associates, we have a long and proven track record for success in defending clients charged with DUI offenses. Contact us now online or call 1-800-342-7896 so that work can begin on your case today.