Howell DUI Causing Death Defense

Howell DUI Causing Death Defense

Helping Clients Fight Felony DUI Charges

If you were arrested for causing someone’s death or serious injury when driving under the influence, you should reach out to an experienced DUI defense lawyer immediately for legal assistance. A conviction for this type of criminal offense can lead to years of jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and other long-term consequences. A skilled Howell, MI, DUI causing death defense attorney will use their legal knowledge to find the right defense strategy for your case so you can get the best possible outcome.

When you hire Manley & Manley to defend you in court, you can rely on our team to work tirelessly to prove you’re not guilty as charged. We understand the fear of severe penalties and will do everything possible to help you avoid or minimize them. If you’re ready to discuss your legal options with a Howell, MI, DUI lawyer, call our law firm today to schedule a consultation.

How Are DUI Offenses Handled in Michigan?

Drunk driving is a serious offense in Howell, Michigan, as you could be arrested for a DUI – also called Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) – if your blood alcohol content is 0.08% or higher. In some cases, you can face this charge even if your blood alcohol content is below 0.08%, as long as the police officer has evidence that you’re visibly impaired due to alcohol or any type of controlled substance.

Many DUI arrests result in misdemeanor charges unless there are aggravating factors. For example, a first offense OWI can be punished with up to 93 days of jail time, up to $500 in fines, and community service. It will also typically lead to a 30-day driver’s license suspension, 150 days of restricted driving privileges, and mandatory vehicle immobilization.

A second conviction in Michigan can lead to increased jail time and fines, as well as mandatory vehicle immobilization, driver’s license suspension, and restricted driving privileges. However, a third DUI arrest can lead to felony charges, as can any accident that was caused by drunk driving and resulted in death or serious injury to a person. This is called an OWI Causing Death or an OWI Causing Serious Injury. If you are facing any of these charges, you must hire a Howell, Michigan DUI lawyer for legal guidance to avoid a felony conviction when possible.

What Criminal Consequences Can You Expect if Convicted of DUI Causing Death?

If you were arrested for allegedly causing the death of a person due to a drunk driving accident, this felony charge could lead to severe penalties. They can vary depending on the details of the car accident, but they generally include:

  • Up to 15 years in prison
  • Fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000
  • Mandatory vehicle immobilization for 180 days
  • Driver’s license revocation
  • Court fees and restitution to the victim’s family in some cases

In addition to these criminal penalties, you’ll face certain consequences of having a felony conviction on your criminal record. This means you’ll lose your right to vote, run for public office, and own a firearm, among other rights. A felony conviction can also affect your ability to qualify for housing and certain jobs, even after you finish your prison sentence.

This is why it’s worth it to fight felony drunk driving charges with the help of a Howell, Michigan OWI causing death defense attorney. When you get legal representation from a Howell, MI, lawyer with extensive experience defending clients in court, you’ll have the quality legal support you need to get the best possible outcome. If you want a chance to avoid the severe penalties of a drunk driving conviction in Michigan, call our criminal defense law office in Howell, MI.

What Factors Could Affect Your Howell, Michigan DUI Case?

Every criminal defense case is unique, so the defense attorney you hire should carefully consider the details of your case before explaining the likely penalties and defense strategies to you.

For example, if you caused serious injury to a person in a drunk driving crash, the punishment will be less severe than if you caused their death. It could include up to $5,000 in fines and up to five years in a state prison, along with driver’s license suspension and installation of an ignition interlock device if your driving privileges are reinstated in the future.

On the other hand, certain aggravating factors can make your punishment more severe if you’re convicted of causing someone’s death. For instance, if the chemical test results show a high BAC, such as 0.17% or more, your prison sentence could last up to 20 years.

You could get the same severe penalties if the person whose death you caused in a drunk driving crash was a firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical responder. You can expect similar consequences if you have a prior conviction for drunk driving on your record, have had a minor in your motor vehicle while intoxicated, or did not have a valid driver’s license or insurance coverage when arrested. If you have questions about the severity of your charges or are ready to fight them in court with help from a DUI defense attorney, call our Howell, MI law office today.

How Can Howell DUI Causing Death Defense Attorneys Help You?

At Manley & Manley, we understand how devastating it is to be labeled a drunk driver who caused someone’s death or serious injury with a motor vehicle. Not only could a conviction damage your reputation, but it will also lead to prison time, driver’s license revocation, hefty fines, and more. If you want the chance to avoid these consequences, you should hire a skilled defense attorney who has defended numerous clients against DUI charges in Michigan.

When you contact us to discuss your legal options, we’ll inform you of what to expect from your case, including the possible penalties and defense strategies we’re considering. If you’re ready to learn more, call our Howell, Michigan law firm at 810-374-0240.