Being convicted of a DUI in Michigan will have long-lasting consequences. In addition to possible jail time, a DUI conviction will bring about significant fines and a criminal record. It’s important not to take lightly any traffic stop involving alcohol. As experienced defense attorneys, we understand how even a first DUI offense in Detroit can change your life. Given the severity of Michigan law, it’s essential to call an experienced DUI lawyer immediately after an arrest.
Michigan law has a strict .08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for motorists. According to our state’s implied consent law, you legally agree that law enforcement can test your BAC while you are on public roads. Police only need to believe there is probable cause that you are breaking the law for them to pull you over. Refusals to cooperate with a police sobriety stop will have an immediate consequence on the status of your driver’s license. Even a first DUI offense in Michigan can keep you off the road for up to one year. Do not hesitate to call a skilled defense lawyer if you find yourself in this challenging situation.
An experienced Detroit DUI lawyer from Davis Law Group can help you navigate the complicated process that follows a DUI arrest and help you protect your future. To speak with a skilled criminal defense lawyer today, call (313) 818-3238 and schedule a free consultation.
A DUI Arrest Can Be Intimidating
Not only can your DUI stop and arrest be very stressful, but every part of this police encounter can have a significant impact on your case. Michigan law requires police to have probable cause to believe that you are breaking the law before they pull you over. This can be established in many ways. Maybe they saw you roll through a stop sign, or perhaps your car was weaving and unsteady in your lane. After stopping you, police need to have a further probable cause that you are intoxicated before they can arrest you for a DUI. To find this, they will be observing you for things, such as slurred speech, unsteady footing, and the smell of alcohol. Building a strong case against you starts at this point, and law enforcement will often request that drivers perform certain roadside exams to gather evidence about your possible intoxication. This can be a nerve-wracking experience, and you may be asked to complete the following:
- One-leg stand – Balancing for a few moments on one leg can be very difficult or impossible if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Horizontal gaze – You may be asked to follow an object such as a flashlight with your eyes. Police will be observing your stare to see if your eyes have a jerking motion, called nystagmus, which is a reliable indicator that you may be drunk.
- Walk and turn – Intoxicated people may have a hard time following directions for tasks that require several physical requirements. Being unable to complete a simple walk and turn test may show impairment due to intoxication.
While you legally have the right to refuse any physical exam or chemical test requested by officers at a roadside stop, you should cooperate with officers. Michigan’s implied consent law means that you are consenting to these types of law enforcement requests when you take to the road, and you can automatically lose your license for one year if you refuse to cooperate. This suspension can remain even if you are not found guilty of a DUI.
The best advice for a DUI stop is to follow police requests while also asking to speak with your lawyer as soon as possible if you are held on suspicion of a crime.
