Understanding Levels of Drunk Driving Offenses in Michigan

Drunk Driving Attorney Grand Rapids, MI

Have you or a loved one recently been charged with drunk driving in the state of Michigan? Under Michigan law there are three levels of drunk driving offenses that affect your eligibility for driver’s license restoration after a DUI. Since each level has its own legal ramifications, it’s important that you consult with an experienced DUI attorney. A drunk driving attorney can help you plan your next steps after a DUI conviction.

If you have any questions after reading the article, feel free to contact us.

Level 1

Level 1 is reserved for first-time offenders. These are for people who are facing their first DUI conviction. Consequences of a Level 1 drunk driving offense include a license sanction. This means that your license could be suspended for six months. You may also face up to 90 days in jail.

Level 2

The more drunk driving offenses on your record, the more serious the legal consequences. Level 2 offenders are people who have accrued two drunk driving offenses within a seven-year period. If you are facing a Level 2 drunk driving offense, you could lose your driver’s license indefinitely. 

This means that unless you go through a driver’s license restoration appeal process and offer significant proof that you are remaining sober, you will not be able to restore your driver’s license. Keep in mind that you won’t be eligible to file an appeal with the help of an experienced DUI lawyer until at least a year has passed.

Level 3

If you have accrued three or more drunk driving charges within a ten-year period, you will have to face the permanent loss of your driver’s license. A Level 3 drunk driving offense is a felony, which means you could also spend up to five years in jail. While you can always appeal the permanent loss of your driver’s license, you will have to wait five years.

How can I get my driver’s license restored?

Not having your driver’s license can be a major inconvenience. Most people depend on being able to drive their cars in order to get to work, run errands, or drop their kids off at school. 

For this reason, it’s important that you hire a DUI attorney who will fight aggressively for your legal rights. A reputable DUI lawyer will be able to help you through the process of becoming eligible for driver’s license restoration.

In order to become eligible for driver’s license restoration, you must do the following:

  • Stay sober for 12 months
  • Have three individuals willing to vouch for your sobriety
  • Prove that you received rehabilitation counseling for alcohol abuse
  • Prove membership in a recovery program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous

Who can help me with a drunk driving offense?

As soon as you have been charged with drunk driving, it is important to contact an attorney experienced in handling drunk driving cases. Since the laws for drunk driving offenses vary from state to state, it’s important that your attorney is familiar and stays up-to-date with the laws in your area.

READ MORE: 5 Myths About DUIs in Michigan >>

Want to Learn More? 

If you are interested in hiring a Grand Rapids DUI attorney, please feel free to call Beurkens Law at (616) 459-5344. Attorney Jerry M. Beurkens is dedicated to helping clients understand their legal rights after a DUI conviction. 

This blog post has been updated.

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