Being Charged Under Michigan’s Super Drunk Laws
In Michigan, there are two primary categories for drunk driving offenses – standard OWI and “Super Drunk”. Many individuals are not aware of this, and it can come as a surprise for those charged under Michigan’s especially harsh drunk driving laws. A conviction for a super drunk OWI offense can have very serious ramifications and long term negative effects on the life and livelihood of the offender.
Learn more about Michigan super drunk laws in the video and content published by our experienced DUI defense attorneys below.
Legal Alcohol Limit In Michigan
The standard Blood Alcohol level or BAC limit for drunk driving is 0.08, which is considered legally drunk. However, if a motorist is pulled over with a BAC of 0.17 or higher, they are now considered “super drunk”, falling into a totally different category of punishments. Recently enacted in Michigan, the “Super Drunk” law increases the penalties faced by those convicted of driving with a BAC of 0.17 or higher. Essentially, super drunk driving is twice the legal limit imposed on normal drunk driving offenses.
The consequences for a super drunk conviction are very serious, with harsh restrictions on driving privileges and potential jail time. It may also jeopardize the offender’s present and future employment. A conviction will also leave a permanent criminal scar on one’s record, which causes all sorts of problems later on in life with employment, purchasing a firearm, etc.
Super Drunk Michigan Penalties
Compared to a regular OWI, the penalties for a Super Drunk conviction are:
- Double the maximum jail sentence associated with a similar normal OWI offense
- An increase in the time of suspended driving privileges by 150%
- More than double the length of time you’re subject to restricted driving
- Requirement for the installation of a breathalyzer in the offenders vehicle
- Possibility of doubled fines compared to comparable standard OWI offenses
- Possibility of court ordered alcohol treatment for a minimum of one year
This Michigan Super Drunk law applies to anyone who is driving drunk with a BAC of .17 or over. However for offenders who have a prior OWI conviction within 7 years, they can be charged as a second time offender. If this happens, they will face penalties significantly harsher than with a first Super Drunk conviction.
Super drunk convictions have serious consequences for a person’s life even after the criminal proceedings are completed. These include:
- Grossly raised insurance premiums or even the possibility of insurance companies canceling their policy
- Public access to the criminal records, which can make it difficult for offenders to get a job
- Costs to install a breathalyzer in the offenders car as well as the costs for a monthly maintenance fee to ensure the proper functioning of the device
Michigan Super Drunk Defense Attorney
Super Drunk charges should not be taken lightly in Michigan. Being accused of a Super Drunk offense is a frightening experience; you have no idea what you are facing, or whether you will lose your freedom. Anyone charged with driving Super Drunk or any kind of drunk or drugged driving is strongly advised to seek assistance from a highly skilled DUI/OWI defense attorney.
At George Law, our expert defense attorneys have decades of collective experience successfully defending clients from super drunk DUI/OWI charges. If you are facing these or similar charges, please contact our office today to let us help you get your life back and keep your freedom.