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Michigan DUI Laws Penalties And Fines
Michigan DUI Statistics:
In the state of Michigan there were 246 Alcohol-Impaired driving fatalities in 2009.
28 of the dead were drivers under the age of 21.
There were also over 38,000 drunk driving arrests in 2009 and 523 of these drivers were under the age of 18.
Michigan Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws
Note: Michigan DUI penalties will vary depending on a First, Second or Third Michigan DUI Conviction.
Like other states, it is illegal to drive in the State of Michigan with a .08 or above Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). Michigan has strict laws on “Impaired” driving that also extends to illegal drugs and prescribed medications.
In addition to these laws minor drivers under the age of 21 may not drive with a .02 or above Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Minors are allowed to transport alcohol, but only when they are with an adult that is 21 years of age or above.
Minors caught driving or parked with alcohol in their vehicles may be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
The State of Michigan also differentiates between a DUI and Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI). This law doesn’t necessarily use a Blood Alcohol Content measurement to determine if the driver is impaired. An OWVI offense may include Alcohol, a Controlled Substance or a drug and alcohol mixture.
Due to drugs and alcohol being in the driver’s blood system their ability to operate a motor vehicle may be “Visibly Impaired”.
Consequences of DUI Offense in Michigan
A penalty for a DUI in the State of Michigan includes jail time up to 93 Days for a First Michigan Drunk Driving Arrest.
The fine for a DUI can run into the Thousands of Dollars even for a first DUI offense.
Add to the fine DUI Attorney Fees, 4 Points on the driving record and possible vehicle immobilization and the expenses start to multiply.
Drivers that are arrested more than once for a DUI will have their driver license suspended for at least 1 Year and their License Plate will be confiscated.
Depending on the circumstances of the DUI arrest a driver may even face vehicle forfeiture.
