Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Michigan suspended license attorneys know that even for first-time offenders, the penalties individuals face when convicted of drunken driving are harsh. Recently, Michigan running back Fitzgerald Toussaint was sentenced by Saline District Judge Kirk Tabbey following his July arrest in which he was stopped for running a red light and found to be under the influence. According to news reports, Toussaint’s BAC (blood alcohol content) was 0.12 percent, 0.04 over the Michigan limit of 0.08.
Toussaint is now required to attend 10 AA meetings, undergo random alcohol and drug tests for 90 days, and pay $1,488 in fines and court costs. Toussaint was sentenced on Tuesday, October 23rd. After being stopped for running a red light, Toussaint admitted that he had been drinking brandy. While news reports do not mention it, many individuals have their driver’s license suspended or restricted for a specified period of time, depending upon the circumstances.
In Michigan, your driver’s license may be restricted for 90 days for a first OWVI (operating while visually impaired) offense. However, an individual who is convicted of OWI (operating while intoxicated) because of OUIL (operating under the influence) or BAC (blood alcohol content) may have his or her license suspended for 30 days, followed by 150 days of license restriction. For a second offense, an individual’s driver’s license will be revoked for a minimum of one year.
If you refuse a chemical test, your license will automatically be suspended and you have only 14 days to request an implied consent hearing. There are so many complexities involved when your license has been suspended or revoked; it’s extremely difficult to navigate the legal process without the support and guidance of a skilled attorney.
Regaining your privilege to drive is not easy, and life without a driver’s license is tough – in fact, much harder than you realize until it happens. If your license has been suspended or revoked because of DUI/OWI/OWVI, it is imperative that you discuss your circumstances with a capable and experienced Michigan driver’s license reinstatement lawyer right away.