Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Holiday weekends are when law enforcement pull out all the stops, so to speak, in their efforts to crack down on drunk or impaired driving. This past holiday weekend was no different, with a few cities and states participating over the Labor Day weekend in “no refusal” checkpoints. These checkpoints were set up in Houston, TX, and throughout Tennessee according to news reports.
Houston’s KHOU.com indicated that the no refusal program began at 10 p.m. on Friday, and ran until Labor Day morning. A family who lost four of their loved ones to a drunk driver earlier this summer joined in the drunk driving campaign. The Patels were returning from West Houston where they had been to their Hindu temple when their vehicle was broadsided by a driver who was allegedly drunk. Depali Patel, who was in the crash, lost four loved ones including both her parents. She said that life would never be the same.
The no refusal checkpoints have judges, prosecutors, and health care workers all in one location so that blood can be drawn from DUI suspects while police get back to the work of checking for those who may be driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to news articles, the Labor Day 2013 weekend brought about double the DUI arrests of a typical weekend. 205 people were arrested in Houston last Labor Day on suspicion of driving while under the influence.
Michigan DUI attorneys know the serious consequences individuals face when arrested for driving under the influence. On its own, a DUI conviction can bring about criminal penalties that include jail time, suspended driver’s license, steep fines, community service, and more. However, when someone is accused of DUI causing great bodily harm or death, it becomes far more serious.
Being found guilty on DUI charges may not only cost you in terms of money and your freedom, it can also harm your reputation and put your career or future employment opportunities in jeopardy. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, contact a capable and aggressive Michigan DUI lawyer immediately for solid legal guidance and representation.