The Fourth of July holiday is a great time to come together with friends and family to enjoy barbecues, swimming, and of course, fireworks. However, Independence Day festivities typically involve plenty of alcohol consumption and, now that it is legal in Michigan, recreational marijuana consumption as well. Unfortunately, increased alcohol and marijuana consumption leads to an alarming rise in the number of motor vehicle accidents involving a driver who is under the influence. A recent National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration study found that, over the Fourth of July holiday period, 38% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involved a driver who was intoxicated. Because of this alarming statistic, law enforcement officials stepped up their patrols throughout the state during the holiday period, resulting in an increase in DUI charges.

I Got a DUI…What Happens Now?

Assuming that this is your first DUI and that you did not hurt anyone or cause any property damage, then you may have been released from jail the morning after. Some people may be held in jail until they are arraigned in court, which typically happens the next business day. However, every case is different, and there are many factors that will affect the outcome in your case. Some factors include:

• If you have any prior DUI convictions,
• Your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of your arrest,
• If you caused property damage, such as hitting another car or a telephone pole,
• If minor children were in the vehicle with you, and
• Refusing to take a breathalyzer test at the scene.

After you’ve been released from jail, you’re likely overwhelmed about the thought of what happens next. Because of the range of consequences that you may potentially face from a drunk driving charge, it is important to have a skilled and experienced DUI defense lawyer from The Kronzek Firm working for you.

What Consequences Am I Facing? 

First-time DUI offenders may face a range of consequences, including jail time, fines, probation, community service, license suspension, even court-ordered vehicle immobilization to prevent you from driving. For second- and third-time DUI offenders, the consequences become more severe, and can result in prison time and permanent license revocation.  

Can’t I Just Sleep It Off in My Car?

Did you know that you may still be at risk for getting charged with a DUI after consuming alcohol or marijuana if you try to just “sleep it off” in your car? For example, even if you are sleeping but your keys are in the ignition, you can be charged with a DUI. You can even potentially be charged with a DUI if the keys are close by, such as in your pocket, while you’re sleeping in your car while still intoxicated. That’s why it’s so important, after a night of drinking, to either stay the night or find a ride home, perhaps from a sober friend or from Uber or Lyft. 

Recently Charged with a DUI? Get an Experienced Attorney!

If you or someone you know has been recently charged with a drunk driving offense in Michigan, call The Kronzek Firm at 1 800-576-6035. Our experienced and dedicated DUI defense attorneys can help you throughout this difficult period and achieve the best outcome in your case. The Kronzek Firm has spent decades helping defend against drunk driving charges throughout Michigan. We can help you too!