Sterling Heights DUI Offender Penalties
Serving All Courts in Macomb and Oakland Counties
If you are accused of being a Sterling Heights DUI offender, then the possible penalties could be very harsh, especially for felony charges. A person convicted of a DUI offense could face a range of consequences including jail time, fines, lawsuits, loss of driving privileges, and community service. Cy M. Abdo, a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 25 years of experience handling DUIs in Sterling Heights and Warren, commits himself to exploring all of the possible means for a dismissal or reduction of your charges.
Factors influencing DUI penalties
The severity of the punishment for a drunk driving offense depends on several factors:
- Whether you have any history of drunk driving offenses
- Whether you caused serious injury or death to another person
- Whether you are of the legal age to drink
- Whether a child was in the vehicle
Note: beginning in 2010, Michigan will implement the so-called “Super Drunk Law” which will increase penalties for very high BAC levels.
Sterling Heights DUI First Offense
The state of Michigan applies a “zero tolerance” approach to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The state of Michigan defines separate categories for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), operating while visibly impaired (OWVI), and operating with the presence of drugs (OWPD).
A Sterling Heights DUI offender without any previous DUI convictions can face a range of penalties:
- $100.00 to $500.00 fine, plus costs
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Imprisonment for not more than 93 days
- Possible Vehicle immobilization for up to 180 days
- Possible vehicle forfeiture
- License suspended 30 days and restricted for 150 days
Penalties increase if you are accused of endangering a child under the age of 16 or if you are accused of causing serious injury or death.
Sterling Heights DUI Second Offense
A person facing a 2nd OWPD or OWVI offense will face more serious penalties:
- $200.00 to $1,000.00 fine, plus costs
- Either Up to 30 to 90 days of community service, or, Imprisonment not less than 5 days or more than 1 year. Not less than 48 hours imprisonment shall be served consecutively.
- Plate confiscation required
- Mandatory vehicle immobilization from 90 days to 180 days
- Possible vehicle forfeiture
- License revoked for 2 offenses within 7 years
If you are facing a second DUI offense in Sterling Heights or Warren, The Law Offices of Cy M. Abdo can help you by seeking dismissed or reduced charges. Even if the evidence is against you and you are convicted, a skilled attorney can increase the likelihood of reduced sentencing.
