Rima Fakih - former Miss USA was arrested over the weekend in Highland Park, Michigan on a suspicion of drunk driving. According to reports, Fakih's blood alcohol content measured a 0.20, more than twice Michigan's legal limit. Under Michigan law if a first-time offender's BAC is greater than 0.17, they may be charged under Michigan's super-drunk law. The super-drunk law imposes significant penalties including mandatory license revocation followed by driver's license restrictions and the installation of a mandatory interlock device on their vehicle. Offenders may also be required to submit to mandatory substance abuse counseling and pay significant fines.
If you have been charged with any Michigan drunk driving charge, consulting with an experienced criminal lawyer in Michigan as soon as possible is important to protect your driving privileges and begin preparing your defense.
Although generally a first time offender will not go to jail, in certain instances and in certain Michigan courts judges are more likely to hand down tough sentences. For example, the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills is notoriously tough on OUIL offenders, having sent Jalen Rose to jail for 20 days after just one infraction.
Here, Fakih's celebratory and her excuse - that she was behind the wheel because her friend "was not in a condition to drive", may or may not sway a judge to give her a lighter sentence. Although judges are generally more compassionate on fist time offenders in Wayne County than Oakland County, what the evidence shows is an important consideration. By challenging the police decision to stop a vehicle or pointing out errors in blood or breath sampling equipment or in roadside tests, a top criminal defense lawyer in Michigan may be able to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Here, Fakih faces under to 93 days in jail, plus fines and courts costs if convicted. She may also be required to perform community service.
The Detroit Free Press reports that the drunk driving hearing for the former Miss USA will take place on December 21st at the 30th District Court in Highland Park.
If you have been arrest on any Michigan drunk driving offense, it is important to contact an aggressive Michigan criminal attorney to help you keep your drivers license and keep you out of jail.
For more information, contact the skilled drunk driving defense lawyers at A. Scott Grabel & Associates for a free, confidential consultation.
