Question: Last weekend I was driving home from the bar, and I felt that I wasn’t ok to drive, so I pulled over to the side of the road to sleep it off. I woke up to a police office tapping on my window, and next thing I knew he was writing me a ticket for drunk driving. Can he do that? I wasn’t even driving!
Answer: Yes, even if you were not driving at the time that police made contact with you, you may still be charged with Operating while Intoxicated. No matter what the circumstances are, I would strongly encourage anyone charged with Operating while Intoxicated to hire their own attorney because the charge carries such a severe penalty. If you are convicted of Operating while Intoxicated, it will cost you thousands of dollars in court costs, you will have to pay the Secretary of State $2,000 in driver responsibility fees, it will put 6 points on your driver’s license, and your license will be suspended. No one can afford to be without a driver’s license, or pay all the fees involved. If you have been charged with Operating while Intoxicated you need an attorney to fight to have it reduced or dismissed. CALL ME TODAY, or email me at [email protected] and we can talk about your options. Don’t wait. I am here, and I can help.
Paige Favio is with the law firm of Matecun, Thomas & Olson, PLC in Howell. She answers readers’ questions on legal matters affecting individuals, their families and their businesses. Email questions to [email protected], or if your question is urgent, call (517) 548-7400. The information in this column is not intended as legal advice.