Drunk Driving Violation?
Wilcox Law knows being charged with a DUI can be extremely stressful and embarrassing. At some point in their life, everyone makes a seemingly unthinkable mistake and as a DUI attorney, I want to assist you through this difficult period with discretion and respect so you can move on.
Wilcox Law DUI Attorney:
- Specializes in drunk driving cases
- Handled over 2,500 DUI cases
- Focuses on Livingston, Ingham, and Genesee counties
- Understands the key facts evaluated by the Judges and Prosecutors- the police stop, breath or blood test results, and if proper procedures were followed
Mr. Wilcox was admitted to the State Bar in 2002 and is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, Livingston County Bar Association and Criminal Law Division of the Michigan State Bar. He is the former President of the Livingston County Bar Association.
Below you will find basic information about drunk driving and DUI offenses. Please don’t hesitate to contact Wilcox Law free of charge to ask any questions or to set up a free initial consultation.
Obtaining counsel such as a DUI attorney can drastically increase your chances of getting your violation reduced to an Impaired Driving charge which normally requires no jail time, but may include being placed on probation. An alcohol assessment will need to be completed and Mr. Wilcox will fully explain the details and recommend where and how to obtain one. You will also incur fines and costs, and possible Secretary of State license sanctions depending on the charge which Mr. Wilcox will fully explain as well. From this point, you can expect a series of standard processes and steps to take place.
Standard Process and Steps followed by a DUI Attorney
Arraignment
This is the first time you will appear in court or by video if in jail. The purpose of this hearing is to formally read the charges against you and a bond is set. There are certain charges where an arraignment may be waived if you have the assistance of counsel. It is wise to have a DUI attorney present at the arraignment to seek a personal recognizance bond, which enables the defendant to leave without posting any money while the case is pending.
Pretrial
This is the first time our office will formally meet with the prosecutor assigned to your case. Depending on the strength of the prosecutor’s evidence, a plea may be discussed. We will go over any and all plea discussions with the prosecutor and relay them to you. If there are any plea deals that both you and our office agree are acceptable, then you would enter a guilty plea at that time based upon the plea agreement. If no deal is reached, then the case will be set for a final settlement conference and ultimately, a trial.
Final Settlement Conference
This is where we meet again with a prosecutor in an attempt to resolve the case prior to trial under an acceptable arrangement. If an acceptable plea arrangement is not established, then we proceed to select a jury. Jury selection is handled the same day and a trial date is set before leaving the courthouse.
Trial
At this point, the prosecutor is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the offense that you are currently charged with or some lesser related crime. All of the elements of the particular crime need to be established by the prosecutor beyond a reasonable doubt. If the case proceeds to trial then we will meet to go over our legal options and the best way to handle the defense of the case. This may include motions, subpoenas, testimony from you and other legal issues that may arise.
In addition, there are several programs that may be beneficial to resolving your case that may be applicable and available to you. Some of the programs or statutes are designed to keep you from having a public record for the crimes you are currently charged with, while others are designed to provide assistance in dealing with addictions.
Learn more about the various programs that may be beneficial to resolving your case »
DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is meant to be general, informative and educational. It should not be taken as specific legal advice to any particular problem or issue. Please consult an attorney personally to discuss your particular circumstances.