Drinking and driving in Michigan will cost you a lot more than you may know, and, not just in fines and court fees. Michigan is committed to stopping you from drinking and driving; even your first offense OWI can result in time behind bars. But, alcohol can often lead to other crimes and offenses, many of which are discovered during a traffic stop or while you’re being arrested for OWI. When you drink, you’re not only risking a dangerous situation behind the wheel, you are also risking more trouble than those few beers are ever worth.
In Michigan, if you are arrested for OWI, you could also face these charges:
- Open container violations.
- Child Endangerment.
- Bodily injury.
- Property damage.
- Driving on a suspended license.
- Underage drinking.
- Registering a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .17 or higher (“Super Drunk”).
All of these, and other associated convictions can result in higher fines, more jail time, ignition interlock requirements, longer community service, extended license suspension and more. Drinking and driving starts with just one drink, but can end up in a mess of trouble for you once you’re caught. Calling a taxi or asking for a ride home is much, much less hassle.
An OWI in Michigan is like a gateway crime; it makes it easier to get charged with more violations because of the alcohol that is involved. Drunk driving is never smart and if you’re caught drinking and driving in Michigan, you’ll never forget it – the OWI laws make sure of that. Always have an alternate way to get home, whether or not you plan to drink. Keep a designated driver or cab company on your phone’s speed dial. With a little planning, you never have to worry about driving drunk or the extra charges and penalties that come with it.
National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 19-25, 2014