Hastings DUI Lawyer

Hastings DUI Lawyer

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offense the prosecution in Hastings takes very seriously, even though it is considered one of the least morally culpable crimes. People that drive after having a few drinks do not usually think they pose a danger to themselves or anyone else. Many people are even surprised to learn that they are over the legal limit, or that they were not but are now still facing charges. If you or a loved one has been charged with operating while intoxicated, it is essential that you speak with a Hastings DUI lawyer as soon as possible.

Types of DUI Charges in Michigan

Many people understand that driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08% is illegal. However, this is just one type of DUI charge a person may face in Michigan. The most common DUI offenses include:

• Driving while impaired: Much to the surprise of many, you can be charged with driving while impaired even if your BAC is lower than 0.08%. This only means that you were not driving in a reasonable manner. The prosecution must prove that your impaired driving would have been noticeable by someone else.
• Driving while intoxicated: Known as an OWI in Hastings, this is the most common DUI charge in the state. A person may be charged with an OWI when they are operating a vehicle with a BAC over 0.08%.
• Super Drunk: Officially known as ‘operating with a high blood alcohol content,’ you may face these charges if your BAC is 0.17% or more.
• Drugged driving: When a person operates a motor vehicle with any presence of illegal drugs in their system, they will face the same charges as someone charged with an OWI.

In addition to these charges, a person may also face serious consequences when they already have prior OWI offenses.

Defenses to DUI Charges in Michigan

Many of the defenses in DUI cases rely on challenging the prosecution’s evidence. For example, if you took a breathalyzer test under the state’s implied consent laws, and it can be shown that the device was not properly calibrated, that can provide a defense. If proven, the test results will be thrown out of court and not used against you.

Additionally, if law enforcement did not have reasonable cause to stop you in the first place, a lawyer will get that evidence thrown out, which can provide a valid defense. Defendants who were not read their rights can also have certain evidence and statements suppressed, which can give them a good chance of beating their charges.

Our Michigan DUI Lawyer Can Help with Your Charges

DUIs are some of the most common types of charges in Michigan, but the situation is not hopeless. There are defenses available, and our experienced Hastings DUI lawyers at Van Den Heuvel Law Office know what they are. Our attorneys have been practicing since 1992, and we know how to help you beat your charges. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.