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Patrick T. Barone
The DUI Book
A Michigan Citizen's Handbook on Fighting a Drunk Driving Case
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Michigan Drunk Driving Penalties
If you are one of the many drivers charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in Michigan, it is important to know the penalties you are facing. Indeed, Michigan drunk driving penalties impose some of the toughest legal punishments in the nation. In addition to facing a license suspension, fine, community service, and a possible jail sentence, a DUI conviction can often have severe collateral consequences as well.
Unlike criminal penalties, which are imposed by a court, collateral penalties affect your personal life—most importantly, your employment status. In fact, if you hold a professional license in your area (such as a license to practice law, medicine, or sell real estate, for example), your license may be revoked due to a drunk driving conviction.
Even if your job does not require a professional license, your employment could be affected once your employer finds out that you were found guilty of driving under the influence. In other words, you could be temporarily suspended or even terminated because of your offense. Plus, with more and more employers now conducting background checks on potential employees, you can also expect to have problems finding a new job due to your flawed criminal record.
Your auto insurance rates will also probably be affected by your conviction, as most companies are reluctant to insure a person who has been found guilty of drinking and driving. At the very least, you can expect your rates to skyrocket—often to two to three times more than what you are currently paying, and it’s not uncommon for convicted drunk drivers to be refused coverage altogether. The same is also true when it comes to life insurance, as you will be seen as a liability due to your high-risk behavior.
Finally, in addition to the impact a drunk driving conviction can have on your employment and insurance, it can also affect any outstanding court issues you are facing—such as custody disputes, for example.
Fortunately, the good news is that, with help from an experienced DUI attorney, you may be able to avoid many of these devastating penalties. As one of the most successful DUI defense attorneys in the state, Patrick Barone has helped countless Michigan drivers, and he can do the same for you as well.
From reducing your charges to a lesser offense to getting them dropped altogether, count on Mr. Barone and his team of DUI experts to help you obtain the best possible outcome in court.
To learn how you may be able to avoid a Michigan drunk driving conviction, contact The Barone Defense Firm today. Mr. Barone will review the facts of your case and create a strong argument for your defense. Call now to learn more.