It is extremely important to have a very good Michigan DUI attorney representing you if you are arrested for drunk driving (also known as driving under the influence or operating while intoxicated) or while operating a vehicle when visibly impaired. The magnitude of having a good DUI lawyer on your side equals that of having the best surgeon working on your heart transplant. Of course, a drunk driving conviction is not a matter of life or death in the literal sense, but a drunk driving conviction or guilty plea will change your life.

First, and the most obvious effect on your life by a drunk driving conviction, is the punishment handed down by the court, which is discussed in greater detail in our Michigan DUI Law section. But depending on whether you are guilty of a misdemeanor offense or a felony offense, you are going to pay a fine, potentially lose your license to drive, possibly serve some sort of community service, and maybe go to jail. Plus the punishment escalates if you are convicted of drunk driving or a related charge for the second time within a certain time frame.

Second, there is the stigma associated with someone who was found guilty of drunk driving. It's not just a punishable stigma, but an embarrassing one, too. Having a DUI conviction on your record will affect you in all aspects of your life. For example, in Michigan, law school graduates who wish to take the bar examination for admission to practice law must satisfy a character and fitness review, and without a doubt, a drunk driving conviction will be a factor taken into account when character and fitness to practice law is questioned.

What about employment? If you have a drunk driving felony offense on your record, you will have to disclose that when asked on an employment application or during an interview. This is not only embarrassing, but it can serve as a major roadblock to getting a job, especially those jobs requiring transportation or delivery.

A DUI conviction on your record could hurt you when it comes to family, also. For example, custody issues in Michigan are governed by the best interests of the child. While there are a number of factors looked at by the courts to determine what's in the best interest of the child, you can be sure that opposing counsel is going to let the judge know that you were previously or recently found guilty of drunk driving.

You also want a very good Michigan DUI attorney representing you no matter what DUI law-related charge you are facing for the obvious fact that you could either actually be innocent of the drunk driving charges or even if you were in-fact guilty, a good Michigan DUI attorney could have the drunk driving charges against you dismissed by finding flaws in police procedure and handling of the evidence, or also by finding contamination in the blood or breath tests taken. There are many factors that can affect the results of a blood or breath test. A good Michigan DUI attorney on your side will give you your best chance at showing reasonable doubt. A good Michigan DUI attorney will also be aware of the many potential defenses, strategies and tactics that can be used. Remember, you must be found guilty of drunk driving beyond a reasonable doubt to be convicted.