Serious Results Matter When Dealing With DUI Charges

A DWI is a very serious charge that can have a life long impact and the criminal justice system can be intimidating.  Accepting your drunk driving charge will most likely result in heavy fines, higher than average insurance rates, driving school, and also community service.  Our top rated DUI attorneys have handled hundreds of drunk driving cases and we will fight your charges and get your back life to normal as quickly as possible.   A person charged with drunk driving in Michigan can face jail time, license suspension, driver responsibility fees, vehicle immobilization and numerous licensee points. All of these things can jeopardize your future and impact your job. At the Clark Law Office, our Lansing criminal defense attorneys have over 30 years of experience in defending clients against drunk driving offenses and have been successfully protecting clients from the harsh penalties associated with DUI’s in Michigan.

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos or surrounding area, you will experience fear, confusion, and frustration about your legal situation.  It might seem unbearable right now, but there is nothing more appreciated than receiving some dedicated and skilled help.  A drunk driving charge can ultimately have serious consequences.  You need an attorney that you can fully trust, fight on your side, and protect your legal rights.

Challenge The Evidence From Your Drunk Driving Arrest

When facing Lansing DUI charges it is important to know what the evidence the prosecutor is going to be using against you.  It’s equally important to know how to effectively challenge that evidence while at the same time presenting as many mitigating factors that would help improve your situation with the court and the prosecutors.  As a former prosecutor, David Clark knows how to skillfully challenge the evidence and give you the best chance for success.  This process of your case is critical to the outcome of your case and you will need an experienced law firm who knows how to stand up and protect your rights.  It’s a well know fact that police officers make mistakes during a drunk driving investigation.  You must challenge this evidence and be proactive in your legal defense.  The Clark Law Office will fight for you at every step of the case and will investigate the legality of any type of evidence including the police’s conduct in stopping your vehicle, if you refused the preliminary breath test, the procedures used to obtain evidence, the field sobriety test, the constitutionality of any statements you made along with reviewing the tests used to determine your blood alcohol content.

Why Do You Need an East Lansing Drunk Driving Attorney?

The East Lansing Police Department ranks among the highest in drunk driving arrests per capita in the State of Michigan, and is just behind the State’s two largest cities in total arrests. It appears issuing drunk driving charges is an extreme priority for East Lansing. These disproportional arrests greatly effect Michigan State University students and the visiting population as they make up a large majority of the town during the school year.

According to a comprehensive study by MLIVE, just one East Lansing police officer made more arrests (111) than the entire Ann Arbor Police Department which is twice it’s size and population.

Our East Lansing DUI attorneys know that students and visitors are regularly targeted, and we’re here to help. At The Clark Law Office, we’ve successfully handled DUI charges in the local area for the past 30 years. Matthew R. Clark graduated from MSU with an undergraduate degree and then graduated from MSU College of Law while having interned at 54-B District Court in East Lansing. Matt also successfully completed the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice while at MSU College of Law. We know the local area and we know the local courtrooms. Learn more about how you can help save your freedom, employment, relationships, and your driving privileges by contacting us at (517) 803-6706.

What Are The Different Drunk Driving Penalties & Fines in Michigan?

The State of Michigan has specific consequences laid out depending on the offense that you are being charged for.  If the arrest is for your very first drunk driving offense, the corresponding penalties are mild compared to an arrest where it is a 2nd or 3rd offense.  The penalties and fines included in the law have a large range and and you expect these to change depending on the circumstances of your case. So what are the penalties and fines? Here is a general overview of the Michigan drunk driving penalties and fines, but if you need clarification or have any questions concerning your DUI charge, call one of our experienced attorneys who know the intricacies of Michigan drunk driving law.  It’s important that you are aware of the penalties and your legal options.

1st Offense Drunk Driving (OWI 1st)

A first offense drunk driving charge is a misdemeanor charge and usually results in a suspended license for up to six months and the fine will be anywhere from $100-$500. It is also possible to be sentenced with up to 93 days in jail. Depending on the discretion of the judge, you may also have to serve up to 360 hours of community service, have an ignition interlock device installed in your car, or have your vehicle completely immobilized for up to 180 days. Your driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days and it will be restricted for a total of 150 days. Six points will be added to your Michigan driver’s license.

2nd Offense Drunk Driving (OWI 2nd)

A second offense drunk driving charge is also a misdemeanor and usually results in a suspended license for a minimum of one full year. This is double the amount of time compared to a first offense and it could even be longer depending on the judge. The associated fee can range anywhere from $200 to $1000. On top of this fee, Michigan charges a driver responsibility fee which is another $1000 added. The jail time can range from anywhere between 5 days to a full year. Six points will be added to your license and your plates will be immediately taken. Depending on the judge’s decision, you could also face 30-90 days of community service, an ignition interlock device being installed in your car, and vehicle immobilization from 90-180 days.

3rd Offense Drunk Driving (OWI 3rd)

A third offense drunk driving is much more serious than the previous 2 charges. The third DUI charge is classed as a felony. There is a minimum of one year that your driver’s license will be suspended. The minimum jail time for a third offense is one year and the maximum jail time is five years. Just like a 2nd offense, 6 points will be added towards your license and your plates will be confiscated. The judge can also order 60-180 days of community service, an ignition locking device, and vehicle immobilization is required for 1-3 years unless forfeited.