As you might imagine, if authorities pull you over in Michigan and subsequently charge you with drinking and driving, the penalties you may face typically increase in severity if you received a similar conviction within a given period. At Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C., we recognize the negative impact repeat driving under the influence or operating while intoxicated convictions can have on your life, and we have helped many clients facing such charges defend their rights and seek the most favorable outcome possible.
Per Michigan.gov, you become a “repeat offender” in the state’s eyes if you meet one of three circumstances. First, you become a repeat offender if you receive two or more alcohol-related convictions within the same seven-year period. Second, you become a repeat offender if you receive three or more alcohol-related convictions within the same 10-year period. Third, you can achieve repeat-offender status if you receive three or more convictions for driving on a revoked or suspended license within the same seven-year period if your convictions led to a mandatory revocation or suspension of your license.
As a repeat offender, you can expect to face harsh penalties, but you can also anticipate that these penalties will vary somewhat based on the details surrounding your offense. All Michigan repeat offenders, however, will receive registration denials and have their license plates destroyed and replaced with paper ones. If you qualify as a repeat offender, you will not be able to get another metal plate until the court finalizes your case.
You may, too, as a repeat offender, have to take part in a substance abuse treatment program, and you may also have to install an ignition interlock on your car, among related possible penalties. More about drunk driving defense is available on our web page.
