Michigan Child Endangerment OWI Laws

Michigan Child Endangerment & DUI Attorneys

Child Endangerment is a Michigan crime under the Michigan DUI laws. The idea is that it is one thing to drive under the influence with only you in the vehicle, but it is another to do so with a child riding as a passenger. This puts the child at risk of injury or death (it “endangers” the child). Thus, the Michigan legislature enacted a Child Endangerment section of the Michigan DUI/OWI/OWVI laws.

Those caught operating a vehicle with a child aged 15 or younger riding as a passenger, while intoxicated or visibly impaired from alcohol or drugs, will receive Child Endangerment charges on top of their OWI or OWVI charges.

A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a $200-$1,000 fine and: (1) a potential imprisonment sentence of 5 days to 1 year, (2) 30-90 days of community service, or (3) both. The court may authorize vehicle immobilization.

A second offense in the last 7 years, or a third offense in a lifetime, is a felony punishable by $500- $5,000 and either: (1) 1-5 years of imprisonment, or (2) probation, 30 days to 1 year in the county jail, and 60-180 days of community service. The court will order vehicle immobilization.

It is also considered Child Endangerment when a person under 21 has a BAC of just .02 or more and operates a vehicle with a child aged 15 or younger riding as a passenger.

A first offense is a misdemeanor and is punishable by potential vehicle immobilization and one or more of the following:

A second offense in the last 7 years, or a third offense in a lifetime, is a misdemeanor punishable by vehicle immobilization, a fine of $200-$1,000, and one or both of the following:

If you have been charged with Child Endangerment, you should hire a lawyer who practices both Child Endangerment defense and OWI and OWVI defense. Drunk driving penalties can be severe, and especially so when added to by a Child Endangerment charge. Experienced attorneys know how to present a constitutional defense on your behalf, which could potentially get all Michigan DUI charges against you dismissed.