Habitual Offender DUI
What is Habitual Offender Status and How Can You Get Your License Back?
Michigan alcohol and drug-related charges include:
- OWVI (operating while visible impaired): your ability to operate a motor vehicle was visibly impaired.
- UBAC (under age 21 and operating with any bodily alcohol content)
- OUID (operating under the influence of drugs): this applies to any schedule 1 drug or cocaine in even trace amounts
- OWI (operating while intoxicated): your ability to drive was substantially affected or you had a blood alcohol content of .08 or above
In Michigan, you are considered a repeat offender or habitual offender if you have:
- Two or more alcohol-related convictions within seven years.
- Three or more convictions for driving while your license is suspended or revoked in seven years.
- Three or more alcohol-related convictions within 10 years.
Vigorously Fighting a Third DUI Conviction
The consequences of a third conviction are extremely serious, even life changing. A 3rd DUI conviction is a felony in Michigan. If at all possible, you do not want a third conviction on your record or you will be considered a habitual offender.
When you need a lawyer who is going to fight for you, defense attorney Heather Dorn is a formidable trial lawyer who will fight to protect you in court. If your drunk driving case is being heard in Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, or the metro Detroit area, contact the Dorn Law Firm at 248.438.8716 or 866.684.5816.
DUI Consequences of a Third Conviction
A third drunk driving conviction is a felony offense. It will result in a DUI fine of $500 to $5,000, 1 to 5 years in prison, or 30 days to one year in jail plus probation, up to 180 days of community service, driver's license revocation for a minimum of 5 years, 4 to 6 points on your driving record and $500 to $1,000 a year in Driver Responsibility fees for up to 2 years. Sanctions under the Repeat Offender law include metal license plate confiscation, vehicle immobilization or forfeiture, registration denial, the use of ignition interlock devices, and mandatory substance abuse treatment.
Getting Your License Back
It is quite difficult to get your license back after revocation under the habitual offender law. You may need a lawyer's help to prove your DUI case.
After license revocation, you must apply for a relicensing hearing before the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD). At that hearing you must be able to prove that your alcohol or drug abuse problem is under control, that you present a low risk for repeat offenses and that you can drive safely. A lawyer can help you gather the evidence to prove your claim.
We Take Your Case Seriously
Find out where you stand and how we can improve your situation. Contact the Dorn Law Firm at 248.438.8716 or 866.684.5816.
