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Michigan DUI / DWI Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: How long does a first time DUI stay on your record?
Frank B. Ford
Frank B. Ford
answered on May 12, 2018

Once a drinking and driving conviction goes on your driving record, it stays there permanently. They never get so old that they drop off. They used to, but not anymore.

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: If you drive a friend's car drunk can they get in trouble?
Jasmine D. Rippy
Jasmine D. Rippy
answered on Apr 18, 2018

Yes, your friend could face criminal charges if you’re arrested for a drunk driving offense and your friend knew that you were drunk but still let you drive. In such case, your friend could be charged with allowing an intoxicated person to operate a vehicle. The severity of the charge and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Michigan on
Q: What happens at arraignment

DUI,suspended license and misdemeanor marijuana

Jasmine D. Rippy
Jasmine D. Rippy
answered on Apr 17, 2018

An arraignment is the first court date in a criminal case. The defendant will be informed of the charges being brought and have an opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty to each charge. The court will also determine whether the defendant is eligible to be released on bond and the amount of such... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Employment Law for Michigan on
Q: My husband's boss encourages him to drink and drive all the time. It has been years, is there any way to fix it?

The boss is temporarily working in US office from the headquarter in Korea. He doesn't take it seriously about DUI.

Jasmine D. Rippy
Jasmine D. Rippy
answered on Apr 17, 2018

If your husband gets pulled over and charged with a drunk driving offense, his boss will not have any criminal responsibility and the fact that his boss encouraged the drinking and driving will not be a defense. Ultimately, it is your husband’s choice to drink and drive. If he wants to drink... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Michigan on
Q: What happens at arraignment
Jasmine D. Rippy
Jasmine D. Rippy
answered on Apr 17, 2018

An arraignment is the first court date in a criminal case. The defendant will be informed of the charges being brought and have an opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. The court will also determine whether the defendant is eligible to be released on bond and the amount of such bond. If the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: Do you have a right to refuse a field sobriety test?
Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Mar 9, 2018

The short answer is that it is NOT unlawful to refuse field sobriety test in Michigan. But the real question is: "should you refuse a field sobriety test"? The answer to this question is complex and depends on multiple factors. If you've already refused to take a FST and you are... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: I had 2 dui 6 months apart 11 years ago what do i need to do to get my license back in michigan

I did jail time and paid fines

Frank B. Ford
Frank B. Ford
answered on Feb 16, 2018

To get your license back you will have to go through a demanding process. You must have long term abstinence from alcohol, and a commitment to lifetime abstinence. That means no drinking or illicit drugs, whatsoever. You must have letters of support from your friends and family that must include... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: My son is doing a 8 month stint in st clair county Jail for a DUI conviction the Judge agreed to allow him work release

to keep his job. Is there a way to get a temporary license to allow him to be able to go to and from his employment?

Frank B. Ford
Frank B. Ford
answered on Feb 6, 2018

It depends on his driving record. If his license is revoked, which would be the case if he has had two convictions for drinking and driving in a seven year period, then his only options are: (1) to be in a sobriety court program, which it sounds like is out of the question, since he's been... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: I've been on drug court for 18 months had one slip-up was wondering can I get off early?

I've been sober from alcohol for 18 months and had one slip up with drugs six months ago she technically extended it another 6 months

Frank B. Ford
Frank B. Ford
answered on Feb 2, 2018

Although it is possible that you might be released early, it is highly unlikely. Given the fact that you had a violation, they will probably want to keep you on the program to make sure you continue to progress. Sincerely, Frank B. Ford

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: When will I get a court date for my DWI?

Almost 2 months ago I got a DWI and was in jail overnight. My license was taken and I was given a paper permit I guess. It has my BAC level, the city i was in etc. but when I went to get a state ID I was told I would have to give up my license which I obviously no longer had. But instead I got a... View More

Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Jan 4, 2018

What jurisdiction/court are you in? Some courts are slow to process tickets and charges. This appears to be the case here, but I suggest you contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to review your situation. A lawyer will get an update for you without adversely impacting the potential... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: I've heard the expression dry reckless - what does that mean?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Dec 29, 2017

In a nutshell, you can be charged with reckless driving without drinking.

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: What kind of jail time is my husband looking at for a third time DUI?

It was several years between the second and the third.

Frank B. Ford
Frank B. Ford
answered on Dec 1, 2017

If the case is charged as a felony, which it probably is if it's his third offense, and if that is what he is convicted of, then the minimum jail time is 30 days, and the maximum is 5 years in prison. There are Sentencing Guidelines that the court looks at in determining what is an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: What does it take to get your license back in Michigan from a dui received over 10 years ago? Lawyer recommendation?

One that will work with me to get the job done and not charge $300 an hour, and Bill me for $7,000 for phone calls and research....but no license. Thank you.

Frank B. Ford
Frank B. Ford
answered on Nov 17, 2017

To get your license back you will have to go through a demanding process. You must have long term abstinence from alcohol, and a commitment to lifetime abstinence. That means no drinking or illicit drugs, whatsoever. You must have letters of support from your friends and family that must include... View More

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: 4th DUI & driving on a suspended. Last DUI was 13yrs ago. What could I be looking at for jail time?

This happened in Gladwin county Michigan.

Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Oct 25, 2017

The answer depends on many factors, including the BAC, prior driving record within the last 5 years, the propensities of the judge and prosecutor, and how good your lawyer is. I urge you to seek an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows the courts in Gladwin County.

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: I got a DUI charge for hitting a fire hydrant after taking cough syrup I didn't realize had codeine in it. I thought DUI

was for drunk drivers. Can I fight this?

Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Oct 18, 2017

Codeine is a "controlled substance" under Michigan's statute. You need a good lawyer - this is a complex case. I urge you to contact a Michigan lawyer and provide ALL information and details about this incident. If you do not have a prior DUI or related charge, you will likely be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: Someone I know got a DUI in Sarnia, Ontario, CAN but is a US citizen in Michigan. Any law advice for them?

The cop who booked him said if he has no intentions on ever coming back to Canada, he could just not show up to court for his hearing. With Ontario and Michigan having a reciprocity law, would the warrant there show up here? They impounded his car and took his license but was able to have someone... View More

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on Oct 16, 2017

Have him hire a Canadian attorney right away. Don’t play games, as it can come back to haunt you. Your Michigan license and driving privileges will be affected.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: How long do DUI trials usually last in the Detroit metro area?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Oct 1, 2017

Trials can run anywhere from 30 minutes to over the course of several days, depending on the evidence and testimony presented.

In a DUI matter, it could take just 30 minutes for police and Datamaster operator to come in a testify that you were driving with a BAC over 0.08, and that the...
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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: Can I claim I didn't know the law if I'm a resident of another state and am pulled over with a blood-alcohol level

that's above the legal limit in Michigan but which would've been legal in my own state?

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on Sep 7, 2017

Absolutely not

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: Yes I'm going for sentcing for driving on dwls 2 and I cought another ticket and will the courts know about it at senten
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 21, 2017

The court will know about it. It could mean that any plea deal you have goes out the window, allowing the judge to sentence you to whatever he or she wishes within the law. Obviously, you'll have this new charge to contend with as well.

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Michigan on
Q: If I am not advised of my Miranda warning by the officer, can my case be dismissed?
William C. Head
William C. Head pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 17, 2017

Unless a State Legislature mandates that a Miranda warning be given, OWI-DUI-DWI cases do not require it. Two reasons: (1) until cuffed for drunk driving, the person is NOT under arrest. Therefore, all of that is the "investigation" stage. A person should DO NO FIELD TESTS, and REMAIN... View More

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