Posts Tagged ‘DUI/Drunk’

Within the state of Michigan a DUI is considered a criminal offense and can carry with it harsh repercussions if one is convicted. Due to the high amount of drivers that are caught on a regular basis and found to be over the influence Michigan has made it a top priority to come down hard on those found to be guilty to minimize the amount of people who continue to drive while intoxicated.

In Michigan a DUI is usually referred to as an OMVI (operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated).  On some occasions you may also hear it referred to as a Michigan OWI which roughly means the same thing.

There are three different drunk driving offenses that can result in an OMVI while in Michigan:   driving with a blood alcohol level that is over the legal limit, operating while impaired, and operating under the influence of intoxication.  Of the three, operating while impaired or an OWI is the most minor offense although it still carries with it weighty consequences.

The weightiest conviction is operating under the influence of intoxication or an OUIL or the result of an excessive BAC.  If found guilty the sentence carries a maximum of $500 in court fines plus court costs, up to 45 days of community service, and up to 93 days of jail.  On the other hand, an OWI carries a maximum fine of $300, up to 45 days of community service, and up to 93 days in jail.

After the conviction of an OIUL any other drinking offense related to driving carries an increase of fines up to $1000 and up to a year in jail.  A third conviction makes drink driving a felony and can result in one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5000.

Tacked on to each of these charges is the fact that upon a guilt charge a driver’s license is automatically suspended for at least six months.  If this is the drivers second or third charge the judge has the right to revoke his or her license permanently.