In Michigan, getting a DUI can have a lasting impact on your rights as a driver as well as other aspects of your life. While some people may believe that driving under the influence is similar to speeding or any other traffic offense, the truth is that it’s much more serious and can have more significant penalties depending on the circumstances.
The severity of the consequences you could face for driving under the influence will depend on the specific factors in your case, such as:
- The level of alcohol in your blood (Blood Alcohol Content: BAC)
- If you have previous DUI or DWI charges
- Your age
- Whether anyone was hurt or not
Michigan has a few different violations and penalties for drivers who are intoxicated behind the wheel. These include:
- Operating while visibly impaired (OWVI), which is suggesting that you are impaired due to drugs or alcohol in your system
- Operating with a Schedule 1 drug or cocaine present (OWPD), which can lead to charges if drugs are found in your system
- Operating while intoxicated (OWI), which suggests that you were impaired due to a high BAC level of .08% or higher
How does the number of offenses on your record affect your charges and potential penalties?
Each time you are charged with a traffic offense and found guilty, you will have points added to your license. You will be warned if you get four or more points. At eight, you’ll get another warning. If you hit 12 points within a limited time, then you may lose your license. You could also be asked to retake your driving exams or to go through other assessments.
Every kind of traffic conviction has its own point assignment. For example, you’ll get six points for reckless driving, but you’ll only get three points if you’re going 11 to 15 mph over the speed limit. If you’re going 16 or more mph over the limit, then you’ll get four points upon conviction. These points can add up fast, so it’s always a good idea to fight the ticket and to minimize the number of points that are added to your license.