Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
As all Michigan driver’s license reinstatement attorneys know, this is the time of year when law enforcement really ‘cracks down’ on drunk drivers. Most high schools and colleges are on spring break at some point during March or April; the NCAA tournaments are taking place, and St. Patrick’s Day just passed. All of these occasions and events lead to more people getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks – something law enforcement officials are keeping a close eye out for right now.
Through April 8, more than 13,000 hours of added patrols are being conducted by law enforcement agencies across 26 counties in Michigan. These counties include Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Ingham, Livingston and more. If you are arrested for drunk driving and your BAC (blood alcohol content) is over the legal limit of 0.08, you could find your driver’s license is suspended for 6 months, not to mention jail time, fines of up to $500 and other penalties. Until you lose your privilege to drive, you don’t realize how essential it is to living a normal life.
Last year during this same time period, nearly 2,500 individuals were arrested for drunk driving. Nearly 800 of those 2,500 were found to have BAC’s of .17 or higher, considered ‘super drunk’ in the state of Michigan, which typically means an individual will face additional criminal penalties. Even if it is a first offense, those found with a BAC of .17 or greater can face enhanced penalties.
During this time period, law enforcement officials will be looking for any reason to pull you over, meaning even the most minor traffic infraction such as not wearing a seatbelt may result in being stopped. If you are found to be what police consider ‘impaired,’ regardless of your blood alcohol content level, you may find yourself behind bars while you wait to see a judge.
Don’t risk your driver’s license, or your reputation and freedom. Stay safe during this time, and let someone else who is sober do the driving as you enjoy the basketball tournament and spring break. However if you do find yourself without a license, contact an experienced and competent Michigan driver’s license restoration lawyer right away.