Michigan Operating Under the Influence of Drug Laws
Michigan Operating Under the Influence of Drugs Attorney
Just as it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or liquor, it is illegal to do so under the influence of drugs. The Michigan legislature has determined that there are two types of crimes dealing with drugged driving. The first is OWPD, where a person may be automatically charged with drugged driving if officers find any amount of a Schedule 1 drug or Cocaine in their system, even if they are driving just fine. The other is Operating Under the Influence of Drugs, which is commonly abbreviated as OUID in Michigan. To prosecute a person for OUID, the state must prove that the person is operating a vehicle in a manner that is unreasonable or unsafe due to the influence of controlled substances. As you can imagine, drugged driving lawyers will likely try to show that the person was not driving in such an unreasonable manner.
The penalties for OUID are identical to those of an OWI and an OWPD:
First OUID Conviction—Misdemeanor
Possible up to 93 days in jail
Possible up to 360 hours of community
Possible fine of up to $500
Possible vehicle immobilization
Possible ignition interlock
Driver’s license: 30 days suspended, 150 days restricted
Driver’s license: 6 points
Driver Responsibility Fees
Second OUID Conviction in last 7 years—Misdemeanor
Possible 5 days to 1 year in jail
Possible 30 days to 90 days of community service
Mandatory fine of $200 to $1,000
Mandatory vehicle immobilization
Possible ignition interlock
Driver’s license: minimum 1 year revoked
Driver’s license: 6 points
Driver Responsibility Fees
Third OUID Conviction in a lifetime—Felony
Possible 1 year to 5 years in prison
Possible 30 days to 1 year in jail, probation, and community service for 60 days to 180 days
Mandatory fine of up to $5,000
Mandatory vehicle immobilization
Possible ignition interlock
Driver’s license: minimum 5 years revoked
Driver’s License: 6 points
Driver Responsibility Fees
Serious injury or death: If a Michigan OUID crime causes someone to be severely injured or killed, the punishments will likely be even more severe, especially for a second or subsequent offense. The Michigan sentencing guidelines require substantial prison time for convictions on these offenses. If you are facing a serious injury or death case, it is vital that you begin to work immediately with a skilled and experienced lawyer.
Defending Your Operating Under the Influence of Drugs Case
If you have been charged with OUID, now is the time to contact a drunk or drugged driving defense attorney. Your attorney will be by your side in court until the end of the case. Our attorneys have over 80 years of combined experience defending against drug and drugged driving charges. Let us put that experience to work for you!
Email us or call us at 866-7-NoJail. We offer free initial consultations!
