Increased Police Patrols Looking for Drunk Drivers this St. Patrick’s Day

Mark Mandell, Esq.

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and is undoubtedly one of the biggest drinking days of the year. Be assured that police and state troopers will be on high alert March 17 throughout the day and night, making sure that everyone gets to their St. Patty’s Festivities safely.

Not only is drunk driving extremely dangerous, but there are hefty consequences associated with drunk driving. A person is considered “over the limit” if they are operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08 or greater. There are enhanced penalties for “Super Drunk Driving” if an individual’s BAC is 0.17 or higher.

The severity of the penalties depends on what number offense it is and the level of intoxication. The penalties include the following:

• If BAC is below .17 and it is a first offense the penalties includes up to a $500 fine and Up to 93 days in jail;
• If BAC is above .17 and it is a first offense the penalties includes up to a $700 fine and 180 days in jail;
• If it is a second offense within 7 years the penalties include one or more of the following: a $200 to $1000 fine and/or 5 days to 1 year in jail;
• If it is a third offense within a lifetime the offense is considered a felony and the penalties include one or more of the following: a $500 to $5000 fine, 1 to 5 years imprisonment and/or probation with 30 days to 1 year in jail;
• Additionally, convicted drunk drivers are subject to a $1,000 penalty for two consecutive years under the Driver Responsibility Act, for a total of $2,000 in additional costs.

You should contact an experienced Michigan drunk driving attorney if you find yourself facing charges. There are a number of strategies that could be used to lessen the consequences, help you keep your license or get it reinstated more quickly, depending on your individual circumstances. Fausone Bohn’s Michigan criminal defense and drunk driving attorneys have experience navigating a variety of cases.

There are a number of safer alternatives to drunk driving, including designating a sober driver, calling a friend, taking a cab or getting an Uber. Be sure to put safety first this St. Patty’s Day.

If you are charged with drunk driving, or have questions about drunk driving laws in Michigan, contact experienced criminal defense attorney Mark Mandell at 248-468-4536 or online at www.fb-firm.com.

Fausone Bohn, LLP has assisted clients pulled over for drunk driving and other driving infractions throughout southeast Michigan, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Northville, Novi, Livonia, Canton, Farmington, and Royal Oak.