Articles Posted in Michigan DUI/OUI Laws

On Tuesday June 3, a 65-year-old San Tan Valley woman was arrested after she allegedly drove while intoxicated and ran over a 41-year-old man working in a construction zone, according to news reports at World Now. Kathleen Fleetwood, who lives in a gated community, was arrested on charges of DUI, criminal littering, criminal damage, two counts of aggravated assault, and more according to the article.

Fleetwood was driving a Buick Enclave on Tuesday afternoon on West Hunt Highway at North Gary Road where construction is ongoing when witnesses claim she hit a construction worker after sideswiping a water truck. Witnesses said that the worker was thrown into the air on impact, then landed underneath construction equipment. Fleetwood attempted to enter her gated community, but was stopped from doing so by the construction supervisor and a landscaper, who followed her Enclave from the scene of the accident.

Fleetwood allegedly got out of her vehicle and attempted to hide a bottle vodka in a bush, according to eyewitnesses. She was driving at approximately 50 mph when she drove through the construction zone and struck the worker; the speed limit in the construction zone is 35 mph. The construction worker was not killed, but was taken to a Phoenix hospital via air after suffering serious injuries. A spokesman indicated that Fleetwood faces additional criminal charges.

In the state of Michigan, DUI causing serious bodily injury is a very serious offense, leaving the accused facing harsh criminal penalties if convicted. Penalties include fines of up to $5,000, along with possible prison time of up to five years and driver’s license suspension or revocation. If someone is killed in an accident or circumstances caused by a drunk driver, the driver may face criminal penalties that include up to 20 years in prison if the victim is a highway or emergency worker.

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On June 3, 55-year-old Anna Maria Fitchett of Mastic, NY was arrested after crashing her vehicle in Brookhaven, according to news reports at Newsday.com.

Fitchett was driving a 2008 Nissan Maxima and had a male passenger riding in the vehicle with her when she plowed into a pickup truck parked on the side of Montauk Highway. Fitchett was driving in an eastbound direction when the accident took place, according to police. Both Fitchett and the passenger sustained minor injuries and were taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in South Patchogue. After being treated for their injuries, both were released.

Fitchett was charged with DUI and driving while ability impaired by drugs, according to news reports. There was no indication of whether it was her first DUI or drug offense.

Many people assume that a charge of driving under the influence relates to being impaired by alcohol to an extent where the driver cannot safely operate a vehicle. The fact is, driving under the influence can also pertain to drugs that impair an individual’s ability to drive. Certain illegal and narcotic drugs can impair a person’s ability to think rationally or slow their reflexes. Cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, and even prescription medications such as oxycodone or hydrocodone can affect someone’s ability to operate a vehicle in a safe manner.

For a first-time DUI offense involving alcohol in Michigan, the penalties are serious and include potential jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, and more. A first offense OWPD (operating with the presence of drugs) will result in the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol. This applies to those determined to have a Schedule 1 drug in their system while operating a vehicle.

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