First-Time Drunk Driving in Washtenaw County: How to Approach DUI Cases at the 14A and 14B District Courts

Understanding the Stakes at the 14A and 14B District Courts in Washtenaw County
When you're charged with a drunk driving offense in Washtenaw County, especially under the jurisdiction of the 14A and 14B District Courts, 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 the Washtenaw County area, particularly those handled by the Honorable Judges Erane C. Washington, J. Cedric Simpson, Anna M. Frushour, and Karl A. Barr at the 14A and 14B District Courts.

The High Cost of a First-Time DUI in Washtenaw County
A first-time DUI in Washtenaw 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 14A and 14B District Courts take 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 14A and 14B District Courts 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 14A and 14B District Courts.

Conclusion: The Power of Empathy in Your DUI Defense
In conclusion, when you're up against a DUI charge in Washtenaw County, especially in the 14A and 14B District Courts, 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 Washtenaw 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 path and participate actively in that process.

"What are the penalties for a super drunk driving charge in Washtenaw 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 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 Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw County's 'Zero Tolerance' law mean for underage drunk driving?"
So this charge is specific to clients who are under 21 years old. Essentially, the law says you can't drink alcohol if you are under 21 years old, let alone drive drunk. This specific law doesn't require a specific amount of alcohol

"Is a second DUI offense considered a felony in Washtenaw County?"
No, a second offense is still a misdemeanor in Michigan, but it carries mandatory jail time and potential license revocation depending on when your last conviction occurred. A third DUI would be a felony in Michigan, and this is counted over a lifetime. I have had clients in Michigan get DUIs 20-30 years apart, but the law only counts the number of offenses in a lifetime with no time requirement. However, the impact on your license still considers the timing.

"Can I lose my driving license for a DUI offense in Washtenaw County?"
Yes, depending on the type of DUI charge and your driving record, your driver's license can be impacted. This could result in restrictions, suspension, or revocation. It is crucial to consult with a DUI attorney about the potential impact on your driver's license if charged with a DUI in Michigan.

"How do the 14A and 14B District Courts in Washtenaw County handle 'Super Drunk' DUI charges?"
The courts handle them quite seriously. I always tell my clients charged with Super Drunk in Michigan that when I was a prosecutor and conducted High BAC trials, my first words to a jury would be DOUBLE THE LEGAL LIMIT; that is an impactful statement. Not only were you over the legal limit, but you went DOUBLE the legal limit. Now, this doesn't make you a bad person or someone who doesn't deserve an opportunity to learn and grow, but you are starting from a position of negative perception. I've had numerous conversations with prosecutors and judges who bring up this DOUBLE issue, and it can be challenging to overcome.

Most of the time, this level of alcohol will push a judge to consider jail, tethers, enhanced supervision, and other measures. The same applies to a prosecutor who may not offer any plea deals or bargains because their office has a policy or a firm stance on Super Drunk cases.

"I'm facing my third DUI in Washtenaw County – is it a felony, and what can I expect?"
Yes, a third offense is a felony and typically requires 30 days in jail. It may also have a more severe impact on your driver's license depending on the timing of your previous cases. Facing a felony is a significant change for clients who have prior misdemeanors on their record, as it can have more profound consequences in terms of employment, education, family, travel, and various other aspects of life.

While this is a more serious offense, there are pathways and opportunities that I help create for my clients. Whenever a client reaches out who is facing a felony drunk driving charge in Michigan, my goals are to limit or avoid jail time, do my best to preserve their ability to drive at some point, and work toward an opportunity to avoid a felony conviction.