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Navigating DUI Cases in Northern Michigan: A Guide by True North Legal Group

If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Northern Michigan, including Traverse City, you might be wondering what to expect from the legal process. You may also want to know how True North Legal Group can offer expert legal assistance to help you navigate the process successfully and minimize the impact on your life.

In this post, we’ll discuss the general DUI case process in Northern Michigan, common defense strategies for a DUI case, and potential impacts on your personal life, ensuring you receive the best possible legal advice.

To successfully handle your DUI case in Northern Michigan, you need an experience team like the one at True North Legal Group.  If you are facing DUI charges in Grand Traverse County, call us now at (231) 800-8654.

 

Understanding the DUI Criminal Process

Although every DUI case is different, this is generally what you can expect in the criminal process in Northern Michigan:

  1. Arrest: The process typically begins with your arrest by law enforcement officers for suspicion of DUI. The arrest may happen if you are driving erratically, involved in an accident, or otherwise stopped by the police. During the arrest, you may be asked to take a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). You may also be held in jail for a period of time pending your release or appearance before a judge.
  2. Initial Appearance: After your arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a judge. During this hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges against you and your rights. You will also have the opportunity to enter a plea – “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” A “guilty” plea simply means that you are accepting criminal responsibility for the act. A “not guilty” plea means that you are not accepting criminal responsibility and, instead, are requiring the government to prove your guilt. Finally, a “no contest” plea does not accept criminal responsibility, but it allows the government to establish your guilt without proving it. Note that, at this stage in the process, a “not guilty” plea is not final. You can change your plea in the future. A “not guilty” plea simply preserves your rights.
  3. Pretrial Conference: In some cases, a pretrial conference may be held to discuss the case with the prosecutor and attempt to reach a plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case will proceed to trial.
  4. Trial: If your case goes to trial, the prosecutor will present evidence and witness testimony to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You and the team at True North Legal Group will have the opportunity to present a defense and challenge the prosecutor's case. We have included common defense strategies below.
  5. Sentencing: If you are found guilty or plead guilty, the judge will determine your sentence. This may include fines, probation, and possibly jail time, depending on the circumstances of your case and any prior convictions. Although not necessarily a part of your criminal sentence, the State of Michigan is also likely to take action to suspend or restrict your driver’s license privileges.
  6. Appeal: If you are unhappy with the outcome of your case, you may have the right to appeal the decision to a higher court.

It's important to note that every DUI case is unique, and the process can vary depending on the specific circumstances. It's always best to consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney in Northern Michigan who can guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf.

 

Effective DUI Defense Strategies

In handling your DUI case in Northern Michigan, attorneys (including those at True North Legal Group) can pursue certain strategies. Those include:

  • Challenging the Stop: One of the first things our team will determine is whether the traffic stop that led to your DUI arrest was legal. If the officer did not have a valid reason to stop you, any evidence obtained during the stop may be suppressed, making it difficult for the prosecution to prove their case.
  • Questioning the Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests are often used by officers to assess a driver's level of intoxication. They include challenges such as following an officer’s finger as it moves from side to side, walking and turning along a straight line, and other demonstrations of impairment. However, these tests are not perfect. Their accuracy can be influenced by factors such as weather conditions, physical health, and nervousness. An attorney can challenge the validity of these tests in court.
  • Challenging the Breathalyzer Results: Breathalyzer tests are commonly used to measure a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, these tests can be inaccurate if not administered correctly. At True North Legal Group, we investigate whether the breathalyzer was properly calibrated and maintained and whether the officer administering the test was trained to do so correctly.
  • Presenting Alternative Explanations: In some cases, there may be alternative explanations for the behavior that led to your DUI arrest. For example, certain medical conditions or medications can mimic the effects of alcohol intoxication. We can develop and present evidence to support these alternative explanations and cast doubt on the prosecution's case.
  • Negotiating a Plea Bargain: Finally, in some cases, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. This could involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. The best candidates for a plea bargain are those who are dealing with their first or second DUI offense and who have otherwise positive records of employment, community involvement, and citizenship.

 

Lessons Learned

If you're facing a DUI allegation in Traverse City or other parts of Northern Michigan, it's imperative to seek quality legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced DUI attorney at True North Legal Group can evaluate the circumstances of your case and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. With the right legal help, you can navigate the legal process with confidence and work towards a successful resolution of your DUI case. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward minimizing the impact of DUI charges on your life.

To successfully handle your DUI case in Northern Michigan, you need an experience team like the one at True North Legal Group.  If you are facing DUI charges in Grand Traverse County, call us now at (231) 800-8654.