When a driver in Macomb County faces DUI charges, the impact can run deep—affecting finances, family schedules, and job prospects. Michigan applies firm rules on impaired driving, enabling officers to make arrests if they suspect someone is operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above 0.08%. Fraiberg & Pernie aids those looking to minimize the aftermath of these legal matters.
DUI Law in Michigan
If a driver’s BAC registers 0.08% or more, the law presumes impairment. Refusing a breath or blood test might lead to separate penalties, such as license suspension, because of Michigan’s implied consent rules. Greater repercussions can follow if the BAC surpasses 0.17%, reflecting what some call “high BAC” offenses. Prior convictions increase the chance of stricter sentences, possibly including longer suspensions or ignition interlock requirements. Addressing these scenarios promptly can reduce future disruptions.
Possible Penalties
First-time DUI convictions usually involve fines, potential jail time, and community service. However, matters grow more serious if property damage or physical harm resulted from the arrest. The court might require an individual to attend alcohol education sessions or monitor their driving habits via ignition interlock devices. Commercial drivers face extra risk, since losing a CDL license could remove their main income source. Negotiating or challenging aspects of the arrest can often help shape a more favorable outcome.
Building a Strategy
Constructing a defense typically means investigating the reasons for the traffic stop and how officers administered field sobriety or chemical tests. Equipment calibration issues or missed procedural steps can raise doubts about the arrest’s validity. Reviewing footage from dashcams, bodycams, or bystanders may prove that environmental or health factors influenced field test performance. Even small oversights have potential to reshape the final result in a DUI case.
Fraiberg & Pernie’s Role
Fraiberg & Pernie reviews each DUI matter to determine how best to move forward. This includes examining police statements and test results, then weighing whether seeking a reduced sentence, restricted license, or pursuing a dismissal is more viable. Throughout it all, they emphasize open dialogue, explaining the possible options and long-term consequences so clients can plan accordingly.
Though a DUI arrest can create concern and uncertainty, preparing a thoughtful approach makes a difference. Accurate records and legal insight may offer ways to lessen the strain on a person’s life. Fraiberg & Pernie strives to assist Macomb County drivers, helping them navigate Michigan’s DUI process with confidence in a fair path ahead.
