MADD Rate Michigan Lowest in Country for DUI Prevention

Michigan Drunk Driving Rates Low According to MADD

Mothers Against Drunk Driving have spoken and they have rated Michigan as one of the worst states for preventing drunk driving. Michigan received a rating of "one star" while the rest of the nation scored 3 stars. I found this as a shock considering the new harsh "Michigan Super Drunk Law." Apparantly MADD wants even harsher penalties and other technology implementations.

In order to get a higher rating, a state must provide breathalyzers connected to the dashboards of vehicles. This would stop a driver from being able to start his own car if it reads anything higher than a .04 blood alchol content. Some other ways to raise the State's star rating is to install roadway checkpoints, which was ruled unconstitutional in Michigan, participate in no refusal laws for those suspected of driving under the influence, and utilizing administrative license revocation. So what exactly is a "no refusual" activity? Good question. It includes Judges that are on call to issue a warrant for anyone refusing a breathalyzer in order to draw their blood. It would also allow police to set up sobriety check points throughout the state.

I'm going to be honest here, I do not endorse drinking and driving at all obviously. It is responsible for far too many injuries and deaths in Michigan and the United States as a whole. The question is how far do you push the envelope? Take a look at the current penalties and decide for yourself. These stats come straight from our website. If you drink and drive in Michigan you could end up paying close to $8,000 in fees.

OWI 1st - Misdemeanor

• 1 or more of the following: up 93 days in jail; $100-$500 fine or; up to 360 hours of Community Service.
• License Suspended for 30 days and License Restricted for 150 days
• Six points on Driver license
• Possible Court ordered ignition interlock
• Possible Vehicle Immobilization for up to 180 Days.

OWI 2nd - Misdemeanor

• $200-$1,000 fine and one or more of the following: 5 days to 1 year in jail; 30-90 days community service
• Minimum 1 year license revocation or denial
• Plate confiscation
• Vehicle immobilization required for 90-180 days

OWI 3rd – Felony

• $500-$5,000 fine and either of the following: 1-5 years prison; probation with 30 days to 1 year in jail and 60-180 days community service
• 1 to 5 years revocation of license
• Plate confiscation
• Vehicle immobilization required form 1 to 3 years unless forfeited
• Registration Denial required
• Possible forfeiture

On top of this, Michigan enacted the "Super Drunk Law" which pretty much doubles all the penalties of a normal drunk driving case and requires special treatment if you are a first time offender and have a BAC of .17 or higher. You be the judge.

The Lansing Criminal Attorneys at The Clark Law Office have 30 years trial experience in the State of Michigan. Call us today at (517) 347-6900 for a free consultation today.