DUI Charges in Lenawee County, Michigan - 2A District Court Drunk Driving - Adrian, Blissfield, Clinton, Tecumseh

​**Understanding the Stakes at the Lenawee County District Court**

When you're charged with a drunk driving offense in Lenawee County, especially under the jurisdiction of the Lenawee County District Court, you're not just facing a legal challenge; you're battling for your future. This isn't just about fines or a temporary suspension of your license; it's about your freedom, your career, your family's reputation, and your entire future. As an author of the "Michigan DUI Playbook," I've seen firsthand the complexities of DUI cases in Lenawee County, particularly those handled by the Honorable Judges Todd M. Morgan and Laura J. Schaedler at the Lenawee County District Court.

**The High Cost of a First-Time DUI in Lenawee County**

A first-time DUI in Lenawee County can lead to serious consequences. You could be facing substantial fines, suspension of your driving license, and even the possibility of jail time. The Lenawee County District Court takes these offenses seriously, and so should you. That's why obtaining legal representation is not just advisable; it's crucial.

**How Empathy and Compassion Shape Legal Defense**

Facing a DUI charge is daunting. However, having an attorney equipped with not only legal acumen but also empathy and compassion can significantly alter the outcome of your case. Here's how an empathetic approach can make a difference:

**Understanding the Client's Perspective:**

A skilled attorney delves deep into understanding the client's story, the circumstances of the DUI charge, and the client's feelings about the incident. This understanding is pivotal in crafting a defense strategy that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

**Reducing the Stigma of a DUI Charge:**

The stigma attached to a DUI charge can be overwhelming. An empathetic attorney helps in diminishing this stigma, fostering a more open and participative defense approach.

**Tailoring Solutions for the Client:**

Each case at the Lenawee County District Court is unique. An empathetic attorney explores alternatives to jail time, like rehabilitation programs or community service, focusing on solutions that align with your specific situation.

**Building Trust:**

Trust is the cornerstone of any attorney-client relationship. An attorney's empathy and compassion pave the way for trust, encouraging open communication and collaboration towards the best possible outcome.

**Providing Emotional Support:**

The journey through a DUI charge is emotionally taxing. An empathetic attorney stands by you, offering reassurance and guidance through the complex legal landscape of the Lenawee County District Court.

**Conclusion: The Power of Empathy in Your DUI Defense**

In conclusion, when you're up against a DUI charge in Lenawee County, especially in the Lenawee County District Court, the right attorney can make all the difference. It's not just about legal strategies; it's about understanding, respect, and emotional support. An attorney's empathy and compassion can transform your legal journey, guiding you towards the most favorable outcome.

**Frequently Asked Questions**

**"What's the process if I'm caught with my first DUI in Lenawee County?"**

The process is always the tricky part because this is new to the majority of my clients. Being handcuffed, stuffed into a police car, and brought to the police station is not fun. You're going to be angry, disappointed, frustrated, worried, and a whole host of emotions. You will also likely be sobering up and possibly not feeling your best from drinking. You will eventually be released by the police; you may see a judge or magistrate prior to being released, but for most first offenses, you will be released by the police either with paperwork on next steps or no paperwork at all (which can be very confusing). This is the moment where you may start doing some research; my strong advice is anyone in this situation is to take a positive approach to the moment; realize that the event is in the past and you have the opportunity in the present and future to tell your story. You have two choices: you can sit back and let the process control you, or you can create your own path and participate actively in that process.

**"What are the penalties for a super drunk driving charge in Lenawee County?"**

If charged with Super Drunk or High BAC, your driver's license impact will be the most unique difference between this offense and the lower OWI or Impaired. It's the difference of 45 days of no driving and an interlock in your car for 320 days, and avoiding those sanctions. The jail time is also more for a Super Drunk, and there is a mandatory one-year treatment requirement, which will keep you stuck on probation potentially longer than OWI or Impaired.

**"In Lenawee County, is there a difference between being charged with OWI and DUI?"**

No, it's the same offense. Technically, there is no DUI offense in Michigan because the charge is Operating While Intoxicated. The DUI phrase just comes from accepted popular culture, just like DWI does not exist in Michigan.

**"I got arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in Lenawee County – what should I expect?"**

You should expect there to be lab testing with Michigan State Police, and for the results to take a bit of time. During this time, you have the option to sit back and hope for the best, which in my opinion is wasted time, or you can be proactive, like my clients are proactive at every step of the process.

**"Facing drunk driving charges with a child in the car in Lenawee County – what are the consequences?"**

So this is the child endangerment charge and has more severe impact on your driver's license and potentially more jail time. The bigger concern is the perception of the judge and prosecutor; not only did you drive drunk, but you had a child in that car with you; this is a big red flag for a judge and prosecutor who are tasked with keeping the community safe, including your own children.

While this offense doesn't make you a bad person, parent, or guardian, we certainly need to acknowledge the moment and take a step back and see the case from the perspective of others. We need to be humble, but at the same time motivated to tell our true story. You are not a dangerous drunk driver who could have killed or injured a child; you are a human being who made a very poor choice, and you are lucky that nothing terrible happened. I've helped many clients in this same position, and it's important to be honest with yourself, but not to simply give up. The goal is to tell your complete and full story.

With this type of charge, there is also the possibility that Child Protective Services (CPS) will become involved. This can be scary because you feel like they are trying to take your child away from you. This is not the intent of their involvement, but they are involved to make sure your child is safe going forward. My clients take this involvement seriously and use our proactive approach to update CPS and to show them their progress with the end goal being closing out their investigation.

​**What Does Lenawee County's 'Zero Tolerance' Law Mean for Underage Drunk Driving?**

The 'Zero Tolerance' law in Lenawee County specifically targets individuals under 21 years old. Essentially, this law prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from consuming any amount of alcohol and then operating a vehicle. Unlike adult DUI laws where the legal limit is typically 0.08, this law imposes a strict zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers. If charged with Zero Tolerance DUI, it's vital to acknowledge the under-21 law and present a strong case to the prosecutor and judge, demonstrating your maturity and your commitment to self-improvement.

This charge often conveys the image of youth and recklessness to those responsible for safeguarding the community. Therefore, the objective is to present a mature approach that highlights your willingness to learn from your mistake and chart a positive path forward. This path should include pursuing education, employment, community involvement, alcohol education, and self-reflection. Given your age, there's significant room for growth and personal development, and it's your responsibility to set that process in motion.

**Is a Second DUI Offense Considered a Felony in Lenawee County?**

No, a second DUI offense in Michigan, including Lenawee County, is still categorized as a misdemeanor. However, it comes with mandatory jail time and potential license revocation, the severity of which depends on the timing of your prior conviction. A third DUI offense, on the other hand, constitutes a felony in Michigan, and this designation applies over a lifetime. Some clients in Michigan have faced DUI charges 20-30 years apart, but the law tallies these offenses cumulatively without imposing a time requirement. Nevertheless, the impact on your driver's license still takes into account the timing of previous convictions.

**Can I Lose My Driving License for a DUI Offense in Lenawee County?**

Yes, depending on the type of DUI charge and your driving record, your driver's license can be impacted. This impact may manifest as license restriction, suspension, or revocation. It is imperative to consult with a DUI attorney to fully comprehend the potential consequences for your specific situation if charged with a DUI in Michigan.

**How Does the Lenawee County District Court Handle 'Super Drunk' DUI Charges?**

The Lenawee County District Court takes 'Super Drunk' DUI charges very seriously. When addressing such cases in Michigan, it's crucial to understand that this designation signifies a blood alcohol content (BAC) level significantly above the legal limit. As a point of emphasis, when I was a prosecutor handling High BAC trials in Michigan, my opening statement to the jury would underscore the fact that the defendant's BAC was DOUBLE THE LEGAL LIMIT. This statement makes a powerful impact, highlighting not only that the defendant was over the legal limit but also that they exceeded it by a substantial margin.

However, it's essential to note that being charged with a 'Super Drunk' offense doesn't make you a bad person or render you undeserving of an opportunity to learn and grow. Nevertheless, you begin from a position of negative perception due to the significantly elevated BAC level. In such cases, judges often consider jail time, tethers, enhanced supervision, and other stringent measures. Prosecutors may be less inclined to offer deals or bargains due to their office policies and stance on 'Super Drunk' cases.

**I'm Facing My Third DUI in Lenawee County – Is It a Felony, and What Can I Expect?**

Yes, a third DUI offense in Michigan, including Lenawee County, is classified as a felony. If convicted, it carries a mandatory 30 days of jail time. The impact on your driver's license can also be more severe, contingent upon the timing of your prior convictions. Facing a felony charge is a significant turning point for clients, as it follows misdemeanors on their record from previous cases. A felony conviction has substantial consequences in various aspects of life, including employment, education, family matters, and travel.

However, despite the seriousness of a third DUI offense, there are avenues and opportunities available for clients. When a client contacts me facing a felony drunk driving charge in Michigan, my objectives include limiting or avoiding jail time, preserving their future driving privileges, and working towards the possibility of avoiding a felony conviction.