DUI Lawyer in Flint, Michigan

Arrested for Drunk Driving? Call Now!

If you find yourself arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it's vital to remember that you still retain your rights under the law. DUI/DWI charges come with severe penalties that can significantly impact your life and liberty. That's why it becomes imperative to enlist the services of a skilled Flint DUI attorney who can effectively protect your rights.

Attorney Rick Hetherington is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of clients facing DUI charges in the greater Flint area. He will thoroughly examine the specifics of your case and develop a legal strategy to help you steer clear of potential jail time, costly fines, and other grave DUI consequences. Visit our Michigan law office today to discover how his experience and extensive resources can comprehensively address every aspect of your DUI case.

What Should I Do if I Am Arrested for DUI?

If you have been arrested for DUI, remember the following things when interacting with law enforcement officers:

• Under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, you have the right to remain silent if you are detained by police. If police accuse you of driving under the influence, you should exercise this right by not answering any questions until you are able to consult with an experienced Flint DUI lawyer.
• Under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, you have the right to a speedy public trial. The Sixth Amendment also gives you the right to be represented by a lawyer. If you want to build a strong DUI defense, you will need to assert your Sixth Amendment rights.

Michigan DUI Laws

In the state of Michigan, OWI, which stands for operating while intoxicated, is recognized and strictly prohibited. Whenever you assume control of a vehicle, you become subject to various OWI and drunk driving laws that govern the permissible alcohol consumption. Law enforcement can employ a breathalyzer or other chemical tests to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) and assess your level of intoxication.

The legal BAC limit at which you can be charged with a DUI varies based on your age:

• If you are 21 years or older, driving with a BAC level of .08% or higher is illegal.
• For drivers under the age of 21, driving with a BAC level higher than .02% is illegal.

Moreover, operating a motor vehicle with any trace of a Schedule 1 drug or cocaine in your system can lead to an OWI charge without requiring proof of impairment. It is crucial to be aware of and adhere to these regulations to avoid serious legal consequences.

Penalties for a first-time OWI/DUI conviction in Flint, MI can vary depending upon how much alcohol was consumed.

If the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is below .17 and it's a first offense, the following penalties apply:

• Fine: Up to $500
• Jail time: Up to 93 days
• Community service: Up to 360 hours
• License suspension: Up to 180 days
• Points on driver's license: 6

However, if the BAC is .17 or higher for a first offense, the penalties are as follows:

• Fine: Up to $700
• Jail time: Up to 180 days
• Community service: Up to 360 hours
• License suspension: Up to one year
• Points on driver's license: 6
• Mandatory completion of an alcohol treatment program
• Requirement of an ignition interlock device after 45 days of license suspension to receive a restricted driver's license. Convicted drunk drivers have limited driving privileges and must use an approved and properly installed ignition interlock device. They are responsible for all installation and maintenance costs for the device.

Additionally, a first-time breath test refusal results in an automatic one-year driver's license suspension. For a second refusal within seven years, the suspension extends to two years.

Furthermore, under the Driver Responsibility Act, convicted drunk drivers face a $1,000 penalty for two consecutive years, totaling $2,000 in additional costs.