Michigan Criminal Law & DUI / DWI / OUIL Lawyers
Seasoned Michigan criminal trial lawyers navigate you through the DUI process
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI ), or operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor (OUIL), you need the experienced trial lawyers at Ribitwer & Sabbota, LLP to represent you.
DUI is one of the most serious offenses tried in municipal court. Even if you have a clean driving record you will be facing mandatory fines, surcharges, license suspension, and possible community service, interlock devices, and mandatory jail time.
The goal for our Michigan criminal law attorneys is to fight to keep a DUI charge off your driving record, keep you out of prison, and minimize fines. When you come to us for help, we counsel you on your legal options, prepare a defense for your charge, and help you navigate the DUI process.
Michigan DUI laws are designed to protect those on the road. Any driver can be convicted of driving under the influence in Michigan, if—
- You have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08% or greater
- You are impaired in any way by a substance
- There is any presence in your body of an illegal drug like marijuana, barbiturates, or cocaine
A drunk-driving conviction in Michigan affects people in a number of ways, including:
- Mandatory jail or prison sentence
- Suspension or loss of driver's license
- Fines and forfeitures
- Criminal record
- Alcohol assessment and treatment
- Community service and probation
- Increased insurance rates
- Job loss
- Points posted to your driving record
- Vehicle immobilization or forfeiture
- Ability to obtain financial aid if you are a student
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, vehicular homicide in Michigan or any other alcohol-related crime, we can help. We handle not only the criminal aspects of a drunk-driving case, but also the practical concerns related to Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD) Hearings, Driver License Appeal Division (DLAD) Hearings, Driver License Restoration, Habitual Alcohol Offenders, and Substance Abuse Evaluations.
If you are found guilty, Michigan drunk driving fines and penalties vary if you are one of the following:
Michigan DUI / DWI / OUIL defense attorneys
If you have been arrested for DUI or DWI, contact Ribitwer & Sabbota, LLP immediately to arrange a free consultation. It is important not to make any statements without an attorney present.
First time offender of Michigan DUI laws
As a first time offender, you face several Michigan DUI penalties:
- Jail—up to 93 days
- License suspension—up to 6 months
- License suspension—eligible for restricted license after 30 days
- 6 license points
- Fine—from $100 to $500
- Fine—$1,000 driver responsibility fee for 2 years
- Community service—up to 360 hours
- Ignition interlock
- Vehicle immobilization
Second time offender of Michigan DUI laws
A second time offender faces the following penalties:
- Jail—5 days to 1 year
- License suspension—1 year minimum
- 6 license points
- License plate confiscation
- Vehicle immobilization—90 to 180 days unless vehicle is forfeited
- Fine—$200 to $1,000
- Fine—$1,000 driver responsibility fee for 2 years
- Ignition interlock device
- Community service—30 to 90 days
Third time offender of Michigan DUI laws
A third offense incurs the following penalties:
- Felony offense
- Jail—30 days to 1 year probation
- Imprisonment—1 to 5 years
- License suspension—1 year minimum
- 6 license points
- License plate confiscation
- Vehicle immobilization—90 to 180 days unless vehicle is forfeited
- Ignition interlock device
- Fine—$200 to $1,000
- Fine—$1,000 driver responsibility fee for 2 years
- Community service—60 to 180 days
