Ionia, MI DUI and OWI Law Firms & Lawyers

You can be arrested for OUID, driving under the influence of drugs. Drunk driving cases are supposed to be handled within 77 (approximate) days after the arrest. Some Judges allow the prosecutor to amend charges after this time line expires. Others do not and if a motion for dismissal is filed, the charges could be dismissed. It just depends on the Judge. She needs a lawyer that works in the area in which she was charged.

On a first time DUI you are usually looking at the following penalties: 4 to 6 months license suspension, but you may be eligible for a restricted license (to and from school and/or work). If your blood alcohol level is above .20 then there is a 10 month restriction, as well as other enhancements for excessive alcohol. Fines from $390 to $1,000 plus penalty assessments and court costs which beings to the total to about $2,000.00. Your car may be impounded for up to 6 months. Up to 3 year optional ignition interlock device installed on your car. 96 hours to 6 months jail sentence, at least 48 hours of which must be continuance. If you have had a prior DUI within the preceding 10 years, it could be charged as felony with between 1 year and 3 year jail sentence. Depending on the County where the arrest occurred, generally a 1st time DUI offender, with a good attorney, will do little, if any, jail time. However, the defendant will need to jump through some hoops and will be on informal probation from 3 to 5 years. The courts usually order that the defendant pay a fine and penalty assessments which amounts to approximately $1,800.00 plus various other court costs and fees, and either community service or community labor. In addition the defendant must enroll and complete a DUI program. Some courts also require that the defendant participate in a HAM (Hospital and Morgue) Program, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Program and have their license suspended. Some courts also require an interlocking device be placed on the Defendant's car, although they can, and sometimes do, defer this to DMV.

The prosecutor's office may be waiting for the test results or blood work before issuing formal charges. Once charges are issued you may be picked up on the warrant. You may want to have representation in place so that if and when charges are issued, your attorney can make arrangements to turn yourself in.