Paul J Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law

DUI felony vs misdemeanor in Michigan

Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? In Michigan, a DUI charge is considered a crime and can have serious consequences for the accused person. Convictions of DUI can result in jail time, significant fines, community service, court-ordered alcohol treatment, driver’s license revocation, and forfeiture. In addition, convictions can damage a person’s reputation making it difficult to find and maintain employment in many fields. Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? In some cases, a felony DUI conviction can even impact a person’s ability to serve on a jury, obtain certain professional licenses (like doctors and lawyers), join the military, participate in civic activities like voting, and own or carry firearms.

There are many factors that can raise a DUI from misdemeanor to felony, including repeat offenders, cases involving causing injury or death, and having previous felony convictions on the record. Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? For example, if you have two previous DUI convictions on your record, the third offense will automatically become a felony. A DUI can also become a felony if you are caught driving with children in the vehicle or have a blood alcohol level that is more than twice the legal limit.

Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? Felony charges are more serious than misdemeanors and can result in a prison sentence of up to five years. They are classified into different classes based on their severity, with Class A felonies being the most serious. A conviction of a felony DUI can be devastating for your life and will likely impact your career, family, and relationships. A felony conviction may also impact your immigration status.

Due to the severe punishments that can accompany a felony conviction, it is important to hire an experienced drunk driving attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of your case and look for ways to minimize or eliminate the felony charge. This could include examining the breathalyzer, blood, or urine test to see if there were any errors in the administration or testing procedures.

A lawyer can often negotiate a deal with the prosecutor to reduce your charges from a felony to a misdemeanor if it is your first or second offense. They can also work to try and get your felony charges expunged from your record if you have already been convicted.

Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? It is very important to have an experienced attorney to protect your rights and defend you against a DUI felony charge in Michigan. The skilled team of attorneys at Michigan Defense Law can help you fight your felony charges and minimize the impact that they will have on your life. Contact us today for a free case review. We represent clients throughout the state of Michigan.


Felony drunk driving in Michigan

Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? Felony drunk driving is one of the most serious criminal offenses in Michigan, carrying significant jail time, substantial fines, and driver's license revocation or forfeiture. If you are charged with a felony DUI offense, it is essential to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

Generally speaking, most first and second DUI offenses in Michigan are misdemeanors. Felony charges are reserved for cases that involve repeat offenders, cases where a person has been injured or killed while driving under the influence and cases where there is other evidence that a driver is a risk to others.

Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? A felony DUI charge in Michigan can carry anywhere from 1 to 15 years in state prison. Moreover, a conviction will result in hefty fines, driver's license revocation or forfeiture, and community service. In cases where a person's death is involved, the driver can face vehicular manslaughter or other homicide charges as well.

Under Michigan law, a felony DUI charge can be charged when a person has two prior alcohol-related driving offenses in a 10 year period of time or when a person's blood alcohol concentration is at 0.17 or higher, which is called "super drunk." Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? Additionally, people who drive for an occupation that requires them to have a commercial driver's license may also be charged with a felony.

The severity of a felony drunk driving conviction can affect a person's job, family, and reputation. A felony conviction will also make it difficult to find or keep employment in some occupations.

Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? In most felony drunk driving cases, the prosecution will want to get you to agree to jail time or enter into their sobriety court program in exchange for dropping the felony. However, a skilled defense lawyer can help you avoid this fate by challenging the evidence used to build your case. For example, a good OWI defense lawyer will examine whether or not the breath, blood or urine test that was taken to determine your BAC was accurate and reliable.

It is important to remember that the implied consent laws in Michigan mean that you must submit to a chemical test when arrested for a DUI. Refusing to comply with this demand will result in a fine and a license suspension. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and an experienced OWI/DUI lawyer can explore those options with you in your case. Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? If you have been charged with a felony DUI in Michigan, we urge you to contact our office right away for a free consultation. We will review the facts of your case, including any previous DUI convictions on your record, and then discuss potential ways to fight the felony charge. Our team is available around the clock to assist you with any questions or concerns that you might have regarding your DUI case.

Defending felony DUI charges

Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? A felony DUI conviction can have serious and far-reaching consequences. A person facing a felony charge needs to retain a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in handling these complex matters. Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? A felony DUI conviction can result in prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that will have significant implications on future employment opportunities, housing options, and lending. A felony conviction will also prevent the offender from driving and may require them to use an ignition interlock device or continuous monitoring device on their vehicles. A criminal lawyer that is knowledgeable about defending felony DUI charges can help the client to fight the case and seek a reduction of any potential prison time or jail sentences.

Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? A felony DUI is charged when the driver causes property damage, injury, or death while intoxicated. A DUI can also be upgraded to a felony if it happens during a traffic accident that involves serious injuries or fatalities, or if the driver has previous DUI convictions. Having a minor in the vehicle at the time of a DUI is another way that the crime can be classified as a felony.

Defending Felony DUI Charges

There are many possible ways to defend against felony DUI charges, including challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution and questioning the accuracy of field sobriety tests, blood, and breathalyzer tests, and other scientific evidence. For example, it is important to challenge the maintenance and calibration of the breathalyzer machine and to examine whether a person’s medical condition or prescription medications affected their ability to perform on field sobriety tests and on a breathalyzer test. It is also possible to argue that a DUI was not committed, and this may be based on the police officer’s observation, investigation, and conduct during the stop and arrest of the person.

Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? It is also possible to challenge a BAC evidence by showing that the person’s BAC was not over the legal limit at the time of the driving incident. It is also possible to call expert witnesses to support this argument. This is because it takes a significant amount of time for alcohol to enter the bloodstream and be detected by chemical tests. Expert witnesses can explain this to the jury and can also show that certain medical conditions and prescription medication can produce symptoms that mimic intoxication.

A felony DUI conviction can carry severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and fines. There are other collateral consequences that can also be imposed by the courts, including being barred from certain occupations, harsh social stigma, and losing the right to vote or sit on a jury. Having a passionate and dedicated felony DUI defense can help the defendant to avoid these penalties. Is a DUI a felony in Michigan? It is important to discuss the specific details of your case with a skilled legal professional as soon as possible. The lawyer can review the facts of your situation and advise you on the next steps. Having the best defense will give you the highest chance of a successful outcome. 

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