Michigan Professionals who are licensed by the State and convicted of a DUI / OWI (operating While Intoxicated) may face additional serious consequences aside from the already severe Michigan drunk driving statutory penalties. A drunk driving offense can be embarrassing and costly in addition to the negative impact that they can have on a professional individual's reputation. The loss of a professional license is an unfortunate reality in many of these cases. With the loss of a professional license, many will also lose their livelihood and careers, not to mention everything they have worked for.
In Michigan, it is against the law to drink and drive with blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Severe penalties are now added if you're BAC is over .17. In some jurisdictions, such as the Troy District Court, a BAC of .20 or higher, a plea to a lower charge is not an option. Also, with some Judges at the Bloomfield/Birmingham District Court, will send most first time offenders straight to jail, often 10-30 days at minimum without any regard to their professional licenses or other consequences that may ensue after a DUI conviction. Loss or suspension of a professional license, such as a medical doctor, nurse, pharmacist, lawyer, dentist, accountant or engineer can affect the offender as well as the people who are dependent on him or her. A Michigan OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) is a serious charge and can affect the future of an individual holding a license to practice a speciality. It can also affect their livelihood and possible loss of custody of children in serious cases. In additional to the consequences that flow from a DUI conviction can include a jail sentence, large fines, probation, suspension of driver's license, alcohol classes and rehabilitation programs, community service, attendance at AA meetings, and an ignition-locking device. Further, the licensing board may also impose thier own penalties, including but not limited to rehabilitation education, reprimand procedures and downright suspension or revocation of the professional license. In many cases, we have been able to get the charges brought against our clients dropped. If an individual has a professional license, they will be able to avoid any of the penalties involved with it. We understand that in many cases, our clients are upstanding citizens that made a momentary mistake. In other circumstances, the accuracy of the BAC level results may be in question. Our skilled DUI Attorney protects the rights of professionals facing charges of DUI, including doctor DUI, lawyer DUI, nurse DUI, dentist DUI, orthodontist DUI, and education professionals. With so much at stake, it is vitally important to have representation from a knowledgable and experienced OWI/DUI Attorney who has the confidence and resources to defend professionals licenses when facing serious consequences from an OWI arrest or conviction. If charged with an OWI/DUI and facing facing loss of your professional license, we may be able to minimize the penalties that you may face or eliminate it that risk all together. If you are a professional, you could have your license suspended if found guilty of a DUI/OWI and including loss of your employment or employment opportunities. We will fight for your reputation and ability to maintain work. We understand how difficult this is and can help you to better understand the process if you call our firm today. We have helped many professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, lawyers and other professionals to overcome these serious charges and may be able to assist you and do everything in our power to help you through it. Copyright 2011. Attorneys of Michigan, PLLC, Daniel Hajji, Esq. Principal Attorney. |