Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
As experienced Michigan DUI attorneys, we know that individuals who are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol often wonder whether they should fight the charges. Most people who are charged with a drunken driving offense are concerned primarily about two things – possible jail time, and their job. Is it worth hiring a defense lawyer, and should you fight? No two cases are alike, however a seasoned attorney can help you determine the best way to proceed.
In terms of employment, those who are most affected by a DUI arrest or conviction are individuals who are professionally licenses, such as doctors, lawyers, nurses, insurance agents, CPA’s, and the like. In such cases, it is likely that the DUI arrest/conviction will be reported to the state licensing board, who will then determine the necessary response in accordance with the law. However, even those who are not employed in positions that require a professional license will want to have a skilled DUI lawyer review employee handbooks, contracts, or other documents which may indicate whether an arrest or conviction will impact your employment.
What some people do not give much thought to is that a DUI conviction will result in driver’s license suspension. Even for a first-time offense, your license will be suspended for 30 days, followed by 150 days of restricted driving. How will this impact your life, especially considering that for a solid month you will not be able to drive at all?
While most individuals facing DUI charges for the first time will not face jail time, the maximum sentence is 93 days – and you could face a few days, depending on the judge in the case. If you are arrested for driving under the influence a second or third time, the stakes become even higher – and the penalties more severe. In this case, there is no question as to whether you should seek out legal support and guidance.
You may think it is best to pay the fines and just “suck it up,” however this is not the best approach in most cases. Perhaps you feel that you cannot afford to hire a Michigan DUI defense lawyer, but the question is, considering all that may be at stake, can you really afford not to hire a lawyer? Your reputation, driver’s license, job, and perhaps even your freedom are in jeopardy. You decide.