While most people know that it is illegal to drive while under the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol, fewer people are aware that even using a prescription medication could lead to operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges if it impairs the driver. If you are potentially facing criminal charges for driving while under the influence of a controlled substance, contact a Bloomfield Hills DUI drug lawyer. Having an experienced OWI lawyer on your side could help you fight the charges and discredit evidence against you, potentially leading to a better outcome.
Misdemeanor DUI Drug Offenses and Penalties in Bloomfield HillsDriving while impaired by or under the influence of drugs including illegal substances and prescription or over-the-counter medications, is a misdemeanor offense in Bloomfield Hills. However, if drug tests reveal the presence of illicit drugs in your system, you could potentially be charged with an additional drug-related offense beyond the DUI.
The penalties for the first misdemeanor DUI drug offense include up to 93 days confinement in jail, a fine of $500 or less, and mandated community service. The court could also temporarily suspend driving privileges and add points to the driving record.
A second misdemeanor DUI drug offense is punishable by a jail term of up to 180 days and a fine of $200 to $1,000. Community service hours, license suspension, and points on the driver’s record could also be imposed. An attorney who handles DUI drug cases in Bloomfield Hills could explain the penalties that may result from each particular situation.
Felony DUI Drug Offenses and Penalties in Bloomfield HillsDUI drug offenses are elevated from misdemeanors to felonies in Bloomfield Hills under certain circumstances. A third or subsequent DUI drug offense is charged as a felony when there are two prior DUI drug convictions. DUI drug offenses are also charged as felonies when they result in death or significant injury to another person.
The penalties for subsequent DUI drug offenses when there are two or more prior convictions include a prison term of one to five years, a fine of $500 to $5,000, community service, vehicle immobilization or forfeiture, points added to the driving record, and suspension or revocation of the driver’s license. The penalties for DUI drug offenses resulting in significant injury or death are punishable by a maximum prison term of 15 or 20 years and up to a $10,000 fine. Other sanctions could include revocation of driving privileges, points added to the driving record, license plate confiscation, and immobilization or forfeiture of the driver’s vehicle.
A Bloomfield Hills lawyer who provides legal defense for individuals charged with a DUI drug offense could explain how these penalties might affect a defendant’s future and what might be done to mitigate these consequences.
Contact a Bloomfield Hills DUI Drug AttorneyIf you are facing DUI drug charges, it could be to your benefit to work with a Bloomfield Hills DUI drug lawyer. With a DUI drug lawyer on your side, you could have someone advocating for your best interests and protecting your legal rights. An attorney could help you fight to attain an optimal outcome in your case. Contact an attorney in Bloomfield Hills about your DUI drug case right away to start building your defense.