Grand Rapids Misdemeanor DUI Charges

Have you recently been charged with a DUI misdemeanor offense? If so, speaking with a Grand Rapids DUI defense lawyer from the Barone Defense Firm is an important first step. Although a misdemeanor offense is not as serious as a felony, it can still dramatically affect your life. By having legal representation on your side, you can fight the misdemeanor charges against you.

In Michigan, a first or second DUI offense is classified as a misdemeanor, while a third offense may be charged as a felony. However, even if this is your first or second offense, you may be charged with a felony if there were extenuating circumstances, such as transporting a minor while intoxicated or causing serious injuries or death. Also, some judges give extensive jail time even for a first offense DUI.

If convicted of a DUI misdemeanor, you may be sentenced to community service, fines, loss of driving privileges, and, depending on the exact misdemeanor charge, even up to 1 year of jail time. You may also be required to attend an alcohol treatment program, counseling, and a 12 step program. A DUI conviction lasts a lifetime too because a DUI conviction can never be removed or expunged from your record.

In addition to the court-imposed punishment, you could face consequences in your personal life. After your auto insurance company learns of your DUI conviction, you may be required to pay higher insurance premiums—or, in some cases, your insurance provider may drop your coverage altogether. Your ability to find future employment may also be hampered if your potential employer requires a clean driving and/or criminal record. There are also potential collateral consequences if you are professionally employed, such as if you are a health care worker or have a career in law or politics.

Many people are under the impression that if they are arrested for drinking and driving, they will automatically be convicted. This is not always the case. The police sometimes make mistakes that can be fatal to their case. Also, chemical testing can be improperly administered, or the testing equipment may not be properly set up or maintained. One need only consider the State Police breath testing fraud that occurred on the State's west side to know how common such mistakes or even operator fraud, can be.

Even when you think your case looks bleak, an experienced DUI lawyer will aggressively fight your DUI misdemeanor charges to secure the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Our Grand Rapids office is headed up by Barone Defense Firm partner Michael Boyle, a lifelong resident of the area who has achieved unbelievable results for our clients in the past.

If you are interested in discussing your pending Michigan DUI misdemeanor case with a skilled defense lawyer, enter your information on our online form. A lawyer with The Barone DUI Defense Firm will contact you shortly about a free case evaluation. Also, considering asking for your FREE copy of Patrick Barone's book; The Michigan DUI Book (A Citizen's Handbook on Fighting a Michigan DUI Case).