Getting arrested for drunk driving in Michigan is bad enough.
But an arrest for injuring another person while driving intoxicated is much worse.
A case in point: An Independence Township man has been charged with operating while intoxicated, or OWI, causing serious injury in a crash that left a motorcyclist hospitalized.
The 50-year-old motorist was driving his GMC Sierra around 10:25 p.m. on July 26 when he struck a 19-year-old man riding a motorcycle, according to the Detroit News. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital, and the GMC driver was arrested and placed under a $5,000 bond.
OWI/Causing Serious Injury in Michigan
Under Michigan criminal law, the charge of causing death or serious injury if operating while intoxicated is a felony. Conviction can mean up to five years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, or both.
Other possible consequences may include:
- Driver’s license revocation and denial for a minimum of one year (minimum of five years if there was a prior revocation within seven years).
- License plate confiscation.
- Vehicle immobilization for up to 180 days, unless the vehicle is forfeited.
- Vehicle forfeiture.
- Six points added to the offender’s driving record.
- Driver responsibility fee of $1,000 for two consecutive year
This does not include the stress, anguish and emotional pain that can accompany a drunk driving conviction.
Don’t take chances with your freedom and reputation. If you are charged with an alcohol-related offense, talk to a Michigan DUI lawyer about your legal options.
Sources:
- Michigan Department of State – Substance Abuse and Drivinghttp://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8665-24488–,00.html
- Detroit Newshttp://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130730/METRO02/307300094/1409/METRO/Independence-Twp-man-charged-DUI-crash-injured-motorcyclist