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Ed Jackson knows that if you have located this webpage because you or a friend has been charged with a drunk driving that you are not just looking for an experienced attorney, but want some immediate answers about the possible penalties, both criminal and to your driving privelages. To that end, below are some frequently asked questions and some summary responses Ed hopes you find helpful.
Ed has represented numerous clients in drunk drivings for 20 years in Clinton and Gratiot County. He has experience winning drunk driving trials, or if trial is not the best option, negotiating the best possible plea agreement.
How long will I lose my license if I am convicted or plead to a drunk driving charge? Below is a summary of the license sanctions. These sanctions are imposed by the Secretary of State, and therefore are uniform across the State of Michigan.
OWI-High BAC (.17 or higher): A total of 365 days. The first 60 days, you are not allowed to drive at all. The remaining 305 days, you get a restricted license and can drive a vehicle you have equipped with an ignition interlock device (at your expense). You will also have 6 points placed on your driving record.
OWI-First Offense: A total of 180 days. The first 30 days, you are not allowed to drive at all. The remaining 150 days you get a restricted license. You will also have 6 points placed on your driving record.
Impaired Driving: You will have a restricted license for 90 days. You will also have 4 points placed on your driving record.
In general, during your restricted license period you are allowed to drive for 4 purposes: 1) To and from work; 2) To and from school; 3) To and from medical appointments; and 4) To and from places the Judge is ordering you to be, such as court dates.
As you can see, there is a big difference in the license sanctions based on the final outcome of your drunk driving case, and therefore it makes sense to consult with a local attorney.
How much will a drunk driving conviction cost me? Below is a list of anticipated and estimated fines, costs, and Secretary of State fees you will likely have to pay based on the charge you end up with, if your case is in the 65-A District Court in Clinton County and 65-B District Court in Gratiot County. The fines and costs listed below may vary slightly based on the facts of your case, and fines and costs in other Counties could vary greatly.
CLINTON COUNTY
OWI-High BAC (.17 or higher): Fines and Costs: $2,010.00. SOS Driver Responsibility Fee: $2,000.00. Reinstatement Fee: $125.00. Ignition Interlock Device: Estimated: $1200.00. Total: $5,335.00.
OWI-First Offense: Fines and Costs: $1,510.00. SOS Driver Responsibility Fee: $2,000.00. Reinstatement Fee: $125.00. Total: $3,635.00.
Impaired Driving: Fines and Costs: $1,010.00. SOS Driver Responsibility Fee: $1,000.00. Reinstatement Fee: $125.00. Total: $2,135.00.
GRATIOT COUNTY
OWI-High BAC (.17 or higher): Fines and Costs: $1,680.00-$2,235.00 SOS Driver Responsibility Fee: $2,000.00. Reinstatement Fee: $125.00. Ignition Interlock Device: Estimated: $1200.00. Total: $5,005.00-$5,560.00.
OWI-First Offense: Fines and Costs: $1,380.00-$1,935.00. SOS Driver Responsibility Fee: $2,000.00. Reinstatement Fee: $125.00. Total: $3,505.00-$4,060.00.
Impaired Driving: Fines and Costs: $1,080.00-$1,640.00. SOS Driver Responsibility Fee: $1,000.00. Reinstatement Fee: $125.00. Total: $2,205.00-$2,765.00.
*Gratiot County fines and cost range as set forth above is determined based primarily on the amount of prosecutor and law enforcement involvement.
As you can see, the difference in out-of-pocket costs are significant depending on the type of drunk driving charge you end up with and therefore you should consider consulting a local lawyer to help you.
Since 1997, Edward W. Jackson has focused on defending clients charged with DUI, DWLS, Drug Possessions, and all criminal matters, in Clinton and Gratiot County.
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