
What Are the Laws in Michigan for DUI?
Michigan law (MCL 257.625) prohibits a person from operating a vehicle on public roads while intoxicated or with any amount of a controlled substance in their system.
Operating While Intoxicated Means That the Driver:
- Was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and/or any other intoxicating substances;
- Had an alcohol content of 0.08% or more; or
- Had an alcohol content of 0.17% or more (referred to as a “High BAC”)
Under this statute, it’s also an offense for a person to operate a vehicle while visibly impaired. Additionally, a person under 21 years of age can be accused of a violation if they had any alcohol in their system or a BAC of 0.02% or more but less than 0.08%.
Lapeer DUI attorney Mr. Jocuns fights all allegations of violations under Michigan’s operating while intoxicated law. No matter your situation, he can defend you.
Is a DUI a Felony in Michigan?
As noted earlier, a DUI can be either a misdemeanor or felony in Michigan. The level depends on several factors, including prior DUI convictions and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense.
It Is a Felony in the Following Situations:
- Third or subsequent offense within a lifetime
- DUI causing serious impairment of body function
- DUI causing death
Whether you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor or felony driving under the influence offense, you need an attorney on your side ready to protect your rights and future. At Bernard Anthony Jocuns & Associates, Mr. Jocuns, DUI lawyer in Lapeer, fights aggressively and does not back down from a challenge.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Michigan?
The penalties for a DUI conviction are severe. They can include incarceration, fines, and/or driver’s license suspension. The sanctions can profoundly impact a person’s life. For example, without driving privileges, it can be difficult to get to work, go to school, or take care of other obligations. A drunk driving mark on a person’s record can also present obstacles when the individual interviews for a job or tries to find a place to live.
Examples of Potential DUI Penalties in Michigan Include, but Are Not Limited To:
- First violation
- Not more than 360 hours of community service
- Not more than 93 days in jail
- Between $100 and $500 in fines (or $200 and $700 in high BAC cases)
- Second violation within 7 years
- Between 30 to 90 days of community service
- Between 5 days and 1 year in jail
- Between $200 and $1,000 in fines
- Third or subsequent offense in lifetime
- Between 60 to 180 days of community service
- Between 1 to 5 years in prison
- Between $500 and $5,000 in fines
- Under 21 years of age (first violation of Zero Tolerance Law)
- Not more than 360 hours of community service
- Not more than $250 in fines
- Under 21 years of age (second violation of Zero Tolerance Law)
- Not more than 60 days of community service
- Not more than $500 in fines
- Not more than 93 days in jail
Facing incarceration, fines, and other punishments associated with a DUI can be scary. But you can seek a favorable outcome that could result in avoiding or minimizing penalties. Lapeer DUI attorney, Mr. Jocuns, can pursue justice on your behalf.
Do You Lose Your Driver’s License for a Michigan DUI?
Driver’s license suspension or revocation is one of the other penalties a driver could face if arrested for operating while intoxicated. This sanction can result in two ways. The first is if the driver is convicted of a violation.
How Long Do You Lose Your License for a DUI:
- Up to 30 days suspended (with a 150-day restriction) for a first offense
- Up to 1 year of suspension for a High BAC
- Up to 90 days of suspension for a first operating while visibly impaired offense
- Up to 1 year of revocation for a second or third DUI or operating while visibly impaired offense
- Up to 30 days of restriction for a first underage DUI offense
- Up to 90 days of suspension for a second underage DUI offense
What Happens if You Refuse to Take a Chemical Test?
A person can also lose their driver’s license in a Michigan DUI if they refuse a chemical test. Under Michigan law (MCL 257.625c), anyone lawfully arrested under suspicion of operating while intoxicated is required to submit to a chemical test. The test analyzes a blood, breath, or urine sample to determine alcohol content or the presence of a controlled substance in the person’s system.
Refusing the Chemical Test Can Result in Driver’s License Suspension as Follows:
- Up to 1 year for a first refusal
- Up to 2 years for a second or subsequent refusal
Mr. Jocuns, a Lapeer County OWI attorney, will fight to protect your driving privileges.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
At Bernard Anthony Jocuns & Associates, people come first. We keep that motto in mind whenever we take on a new case. We see beyond the criminal charges and focus on the person and their situation. This strategy reminds us of who and what we’re fighting for. A trial attorney, Lapeer County DUII lawyer Mr. Jocuns will be prepared to present your case in court and go up against the prosecutor in front of a judge or jury.
When our Lapeer OWI lawyer takes on a case, he thoroughly reviews everything that happened, from the traffic stop to charges being filed. Conducting a thorough examination allows him to identify issues that might weaken the prosecutor’s case against his client. For instance, the officer might not have had a lawful reason to pull over or arrest the driver. Or the results of a chemical test could have been invalid because of faulty machinery or incorrect processes followed.
Learn about how Lapeer County DUI attorney Mr. Jocuns can help you by calling (810) 255-4033 or contacting the firm online.

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“I felt very confident with him representing me in court and he ultimately helped me win back not only my reputation, but also my freedom. I owe this man my life. Thank you, Bernard Jocuns.”
- Jordan F. -
“I would highly recommend Bernard is one of the candidates you discuss your legal needs with before hiring and be reassured from my perspective you won’t be disappointed.”
- Kory B. -
“Mr. Jocuns is truly a blessing.. This is the guy that will get the job done... feels good having him by ur side.
- Pheng L.
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