Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Friday, March 27, 34-year-old Mitchell Majewski of Mishawaka, IN was arrested on DUI and child endangerment charges in Decatur Township after sheriff’s deputies with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department witnessed a vehicle weaving in a traffic lane at about 7:30 p.m. The sheriff’s deputies noticed the vehicle drifting in the area of M-51 and 45th Street, according to a news report at Mlive.com.
According to police, Majewski had an open container of beer inside the vehicle, and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Upon checking his license, police found that it had been suspended in both Indiana and Michigan. It was also revealed there was a misdemeanor warrant out for Majewski’s arrest issued by the 5th District Court in Niles. Majewski was apparently driving while under the influence with his children, a 5-year-old boy and 9-year-old girl, in the vehicle. The children were turned over to family members.
The article made no mention of whether it was Majewski’s first DUI arrest, however charges of child endangerment and driving on a suspended license are also serious matters. In Michigan, a child endangerment DUI conviction may result in fines of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, vehicle immobilization, and more for a first offense. Criminal penalties for a first DUI include fines, possible jail time, license suspension, community service, and additional sanctions. Penalties become more severe for repeat offenders, charged with DUI a second, third, or even fourth time. However, when children’s lives are put in danger, the criminal penalties are extremely harsh.
Regardless of whether you have been arrested for DUI, driving under the influence with minor children in your vehicle, or DUI causing injury or death, it is imperative you work with a skilled and aggressive Michigan DUI defense attorney who will vigorously defend your freedom and protect your legal rights, focusing on the best possible result in your case.