Driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances is illegal in all states, with Michigan included. In fact, in 2018, alcohol-related car crashes accounted for 3,359 people injured. That’s around 6% of all car crash injury cases for that year statewide. This number rises to 4,567 people, or 8% of cases when both drugs and alcohol are accounted for. This is the reason why Michigan, like most states, is stringent when it comes to DUI charges.
If you have been charged with DUI, all is not over for you. There are some common mistakes that lawyers, clients, and the police make when these charges are involved. Knowing these mistakes is crucial in helping you get off that DUI charge
DUI Charges in Michigan
To prevent mistakes from occurring, understanding what the possible DUI offenses are is important. Each of these offenses will involve case-building against you.
- Operating while visibly impaired:
- Operating while visibly impaired, or OWVI charges, involves the apparent effects of substances. These charges are made when the vehicle operator’s ability to operate the vehicle is visibly impaired.
- Operating while intoxicated: There are three violations under OWI. These are the following:
- BAC levels higher than 0.08 is liable for a DUI offense.
- BAC levels higher than 0.17 is liable for a more serious high BAC offense
- The presence of alcohol in the operator leads to safety risks and is an offense under OWI.
- Operating with any presence:
- The mere presence of controlled substances like cocaine in the driver’s system can net an OPWD charge.
- Zero tolerance: A BAC level of 0.02 for those under 21 years of age can lead to charges being filed.
Common Mistakes in DUI Cases
Knowing what you did wrong and what information they look for is crucial to the charge dismissed. There are many common mistakes that people make regarding these charges. Familiarizing yourself with these, especially if you have a DUI charge, is essential.
- Hiring an attorney in a panic
Yes, a criminal offense is enough to make anyone panic-hire a layer. However, it’s vital to keep your wits about you if you want to win the case.
Don’t just hire any lawyer. Carefully consider the lawyer’s experience before you hire. More importantly, don’t just hire based on price. Some people hire a cheap but inefficient lawyer. Others hire an expensive one but may not necessarily be worth the price.
- Inexperience and negligence
There are many things that you and your lawyer must take note of when you’re building your defense. Some lawyers do not have the necessary experience to know what these things are. Some are just negligent and do not take into account the things that may help you.
- Assuming that the police followed protocols
Yes, you may have been caught while driving under the influence. But did the police follow all standard protocols when you were caught? The police must always follow a set of rules when catching and charging. If they did not do so, then there is a reason for them to let you go. Some clients and lawyers assume that the police always follow protocols. That is not always the case.
- Failing to educate the client
The lawyer that you hire must be able to explain to you DUI laws and their implications on your case. Doing this allows you access to more information that can help your case. Failure to do so can cost you. In addition to this, repeat DUI offenders should be subjected to substance addiction treatment if needed. A lawyer needs to be able to educate the client properly about this.
- Dishonesty on the client’s part
Some clients voluntarily withhold information from their lawyers. Remember that lawyers need to be fully informed so they can efficiently build a defense for you.
- Improper methods and investigation
Similar to the protocols mentioned earlier, those who are making a case against you must use legitimate methods in the investigation. Police make mistakes too. For example, blood alcohol and breathalyzer tests must be properly administered. If any of the investigation methods were improperly done, then this will help your case.
Don’t Make the Same Mistakes that Other People Do
We at The Clark Law Office have years of experience dealing with DUI cases. We will prevent you from making the same mistakes that other people make. We have been serving Michigan for years, and we are one of the most trusted Law Offices that you can find.
Consult for free when you call our Lansing drunk driving attorneys at +1 (517) 347-6900. You may also send an email to info@theclarklawoffice.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
