The implications of OWI charges involving drugs can be substantial, potentially impacting every aspect of your life. You might lose your driver’s license, your job, and your freedom. By contacting a Troy DUI drug lawyer for advice, you may be able to work toward a resolution that minimizes the potential ramifications of these charges.
Many issues can arise in OWI cases, whether they involve alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances. By engaging skilled OWI legal counsel, you may be in a better position to protect your rights and fight back against the allegations. A criminal lawyer is a vital part of building an effective defense strategy in your case.
DUI Drug Charges in TroyUnder Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.625(1), individuals may not operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Operating while intoxicated is defined as not only being under the influence of alcohol, but also under the influence of controlled substances, intoxicating substances, or any combination of these. The law also prohibits individuals from driving when they are visibly impaired by any or more than one of the same substances.
Intoxicating substances are any substances other than alcohol or controlled substances that are recognized as drugs by national medical and pharmaceutical formularies. However, intoxicating substances might also be any material that individuals take into their bodies, resulting in impairment. Some examples of intoxicating substances might include the inhalation of vapors or fumes from paint thinner or the use of codeine cough syrup.
Additionally, it is illegal for people to drive motor vehicles if they have any amount of a Schedule I or II controlled substance in their bodies. When facing charges for OWI based on drug use, defendants in Troy may wish to consult a DUI drug lawyer for advice.
Penalties for Drugged Driving in TroyThe penalties for a drugged driving charge mirror those for an alcohol OWI. For a first offense, which is a misdemeanor, penalties for a conviction may include:
Other penalties may include vehicle immobilization and forfeiture. However, for subsequent convictions, the penalties are often even more severe. A second conviction within seven years, whether based on alcohol or drug use, would likely result in increased fines, jail sentences, and license sanctions. With a prior offense within 7 years, the law calls for lifetime revocation of the offender’s driver’s license. periods. While such drivers may apply for a restricted license after one year, there is no guarantee that such a license will be granted.
Furthermore, after individuals have accrued two or more convictions at any point in their lives, they could face felony charges for any further violations. Other circumstances may also enhance penalties for these charges, including the presence of children under the age of 16 in the vehicle during the incident, being “super drunk” meaning having a BAC at or above .17, or if the incident led to a fatality or severe injury.
Collateral Consequences of Troy DUI Drug ChargesAside from the obvious penalties for a criminal conviction, individuals who develop a criminal record might face other life-altering consequences. Job loss, financial instability, and challenges finding housing all could all become points of difficulty for those convicted. If the OWI conviction involves drug use, these consequences may become even more severe.
For instance, individuals could face a 180-day license suspension, even for a first offense. The loss of driving privileges may endanger employment and career opportunities in the future or impact professional licensure.
Talk to a Troy DUI Drug Attorney for the Legal Advice You NeedIssues in your OWI case may be time-sensitive, and it is essential to be prepared for these criminal proceedings. Hiring a Troy DUI drug lawyer right away may be the best way to protect your rights and future. Call an attorney today to schedule a consultation and begin work on your defense strategy.