Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
In the early morning ours on Sunday, June 29, three people sustained serious injuries following a crash that was suspected to have been caused by a drunk driver, according to San Bruno authorities.
News reports at Mercury News indicate that the collision happened just after midnight when two vehicles collided on Crystal Springs Road after one of the vehicles crossed over the center line. Officers stated that a Chevrolet Camaro crossed over the line, causing it to collide with a Ford Explorer. None of the individuals involved in the collision were identified, other than the driver of the Camaro, 19-year-old Hugo Gutierrez of South San Francisco. He sustained serious injuries, along with his passenger and the driver of the Explorer. Gutierrez was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving before being transported to the hospital.
Being arrested for suspicion of DUI is a serious matter, however it becomes even more serious when innocent people are injured. Michigan DUI attorneys know that those who have had a few drinks often feel that they are perfectly capable of driving. This is what alcohol does – it impairs your ability to rationalize, and makes many people feel invincible. Operating a vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol at all is not a smart decision, as alcohol affects all people differently.
In Michigan, the criminal penalties for a first-time DUI offender include possible jail time, driver’s license suspension, fines, and community service. However, when the charges escalate to DUI causing serious bodily injury or even death, the consequences are much more severe. In fact, it is a felony offense that will result in a maximum of five years in prison, mandatory vehicle immobilization, fines of up to $5,000, and more.
If someone dies as a result of a drunken driver, the driver will face criminal penalties that include up to 15 years in prison and fines of as much as $10,000 if found guilty.
Regardless of whether you were arrested for basic OWI and no one was injured, or you were arrested/charged with a more serious DUI offense, it is vital to your freedom and future to contact a skilled and aggressive Michigan DUI defense lawyer. Do not speak to police without first consulting with an attorney.