Paul J Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law

Legal driving in Michigan after DUI arrest

Mistakes happen, but when those mistakes lead to an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) in Michigan, it’s important to understand the legal specifics of that situation as soon as possible. Getting the information you need early can help you make smart decisions that prioritize your personal well-being as well as the safety of other motorists on Michigan’s busy roadways. If you’re arrested for DUI Michigan, the first thing that typically happens is the officer confiscates your driver’s license and then issues a temporary paper permit. This temporary permit (often called a DI-177 or “Breath Blood or Urine Report”) permits you to continue to drive until your arraignment, as long as you keep proof of destination with you at all times. If you refuse the breath or blood test at the station, you’ll receive a DI-93 or “Report of Refusal,” which allows driving for 14 days unless your DUI lawyer requests a hearing within that period.

Whether you consented to the breath or blood test at the scene or not, your DUI attorney can help you fight to retain your license and avoid an immediate suspension. If you’re a repeat offender, however, you could face a more serious situation with the possibility of jail time and other significant penalties if convicted of OWI or OWVI. These complexities underscore the importance of understanding DUI Michigan law.

It’s also worth noting that a DUI conviction in Michigan can stay on your record for an extended period of time, depending on how many prior offenses you have. For this reason, it’s imperative that you seek experienced legal guidance early in the case to navigate the consequences of DUI Michigan effectively.

A skilled and aggressive Michigan DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system to preserve your rights and achieve the best possible case outcome for your particular situation. With Michigan law placing time limits on DUI Michigan cases, the sooner you retain a competent DUI attorney, the more opportunities to protect your rights and freedom are available.

Getting the right help when you need it is the key to successfully navigating Michigan’s DUI laws. Understanding your legal options and the ramifications of a DUI Michigan charge is crucial in defending your case effectively.

It is against the law in Michigan to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. The most common drug that people are charged with DUI Michigan for is marijuana, but the list of prohibited substances can include a number of other drugs and even prescription medications. Depending on the type and amount of substance found in your system, as well as your past DUI history, you could face severe consequences if convicted of this offense. A skilled Michigan DUI lawyer can help you build the strongest possible defense to fight for your rights and freedom. Engaging an expert familiar with DUI Michigan laws can be decisive in managing and potentially overcoming the charges. 

What is a Temporary License in Michigan?

The state of Michigan uses temporary licenses to allow drivers, including those facing DUI Michigan charges, to continue to drive until they receive their new physical cards. They can be purchased in person from the Secretary of State office and include a driver’s photo and pertinent information. A driver’s license is considered a privilege, and as such it can be suspended or revoked if the driver commits certain violations, such as a DUI in Michigan.

The first step in getting a driver’s license in Michigan is to enroll in an approved driver education program. This can be done through public school districts or private driving schools. After successfully completing Segment 1, you will have to take a written test and road skills test. You can register for the road test through a company that is authorized by the Michigan Department of State. To find a company in your area, visit the Michigan Department of State online services page and look for Driver Testing Business Locations.

If you’ve recently been arrested for DUI Michigan, it is important to know what your options are in terms of the future of your driving privileges. Depending on the outcome of your DUI case, you could be required to get a special restricted or conditional license or have your license completely revoked. Understanding the specific DUI Michigan laws and restrictions can significantly impact your ability to maintain your driving privileges.

Aside from requiring a social security number, the other main requirement for a Michigan driver’s license is residency. To qualify, you must be “legally present,” meaning that you have a valid visa or employment authorization card and proof of residence (home address). You must also be at least 18 years old.

To get a full driver’s license in Michigan, you must pass the knowledge and driving skills tests, provide valid identification, and submit proof of financial responsibility. This includes car insurance. A lapse in car insurance can result in a lapse of your license, so it’s important to keep your policy active at all times, particularly if dealing with complications from a DUI Michigan incident.

Once you’ve passed both the knowledge and driving skills tests, you can schedule an appointment at a Secretary of State branch office to complete your license application and take your picture. You can then pick up your license within a few weeks of visiting the SOS.

To avoid the stress and hassle of dealing with these issues, especially if navigating through the implications of a DUI Michigan, use an online form builder to create your Michigan temporary driver’s license document. You can easily edit the document, complete fillable fields, add images and comments, highlight or blackout data for discretion, capture a signature, and much more. 

DUI arrest driving laws in Michigan

In Michigan, DUI arrest driving laws are very strict, making it crucial to understand the nuances if you face a DUI Michigan charge. As such, it is very important to hire an experienced Michigan DUI lawyer to protect your rights and interests. Our DUI defense attorneys provide adept legal representation in these types of cases and conduct thorough investigations to determine the best course of action for each case.

Generally, to be charged with DUI in Michigan, an officer must have reasonable grounds to believe that you were operating a motor vehicle upon a public highway while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance or while visibly impaired. The law in Michigan also prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle while having an unlawful blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher (UBAC) or while under the influence of marijuana. Facing a DUI Michigan charge under these circumstances requires immediate legal intervention to protect your rights.

When you are stopped and questioned by an officer on suspicion of drunk driving, they may administer several field sobriety tests. These can be used as probable cause to request a chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine (depending on the circumstances). The chemical tests are usually administered at the police station and typically involve a Breathalyzer or DataMaster portable device, which measures your BAC or UBAC. In the context of DUI Michigan laws, the results of these tests are critical to the prosecution’s case against you.

If you are convicted of a first-offense DUI, the penalty includes up to 93 days in jail and a 90-day restricted driver’s license. If you have two or more prior convictions, this is considered a felony offense and carries one to five years in prison (unless the Judge grants probation), $500 to $5,000 in fines, and a mandatory minimum of five years driver’s license revocation. In addition, there are other severe penalties for drunk driving cases, including community service, treatment programs, and a permanent record that can affect your employment prospects. These consequences underscore the seriousness of adhering to DUI Michigan standards.

Michigan’s implied consent laws state that all drivers automatically agree to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test if the police have reasonable cause to suspect they are intoxicated. Refusing a chemical test will result in your license being suspended by the Secretary of State. Depending on the circumstances, your arresting officer may destroy your driver’s license or issue you a DI-177 (a paper permit) that allows you to continue to drive under certain restrictions until your case is resolved, highlighting another critical aspect of DUI Michigan law.

A conviction for DUI can have serious long-term consequences and will be reported to the DMV on your criminal record. Understanding the implications of DUI Michigan laws and finding competent legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI in Michigan, securing experienced legal help is imperative. 

Paul J Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law

Paul J Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law | Criminal Attorney and DUI Lawyer

2525 S Telegraph Rd suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, United States

(248) 451-2200