DUI Case Time Limits

It is critical that individuals who have been arrested for DUI, OWI, or drunk driving contact an experienced attorney immediately following arrest. Once charged, the criminal justice process you face will be not only complicated, but fast moving. At Grabel & Associates, our Michigan DUI defense attorneys will begin work on your case at once, performing a thorough investigation in our efforts to protect your legal rights and freedom. While our top priority is to beat your DUI charge, alternatively we will work to secure the least harsh sentencing option in a manner that is quick and efficient.

In Michigan, case time limits are placed on cases involving DUI, which can work to your benefit so that you do not face a long, drawn-out process. You are entitled to a swift and fair trial; however it is very easy to fall behind without the support and guidance of a competent Michigan DUI attorney, which could ultimately give the prosecution an advantage. Our firm is dedicated to ensuring your constitutional rights are protected; at the same time, we provide the guidance you need to get through each stage of your case and achieve your legal goals. In order to avoid harsh penalties including substantial fines, jail time, and suspension of your driver's license, you must have a capable and aggressive lawyer.

Michigan Drunk Driving Charge - Your Right to a Swift and Sure Trial

The majority of Michigan drunk driving cases take approximately four to six months to resolve. While some cases may take a year of longer to fully resolve, this is not typical. Various factors can impact how long it takes, including the expediency of investigation and how long it takes the court to schedule various hearings and the trial.

While you have the right to complete your case proceedings within 6 months (180 days), unless you are placed in jail and awaiting a hearing, this rule is not always acknowledged. Michigan also has a rule that gives individuals the right to be arraigned within 14 days of arrest. Additionally, the "77 day" rule requires that a pretrial be held within 35 days, and that your DUI case reach full resolution within 77 days. Judges often do not follow this "statutory" rule, because under the law a failure to follow the "77 day" rule is not cause for dismissal.

Administrative Order 2003-7 provide rules stating that 90% of cases classified as misdemeanors should be completed within 63 days, and 98% within 91 days. The preliminary examination should begin within 14 days in cases involving felony DUI.

In 2006, a court statute went into effect requiring the resolution of all drunk driving cases within 91 days. Amended at a later date, this rule now allows 126 days for a decision to be reached either through a decision of the court, or guilty plea. Because of the brief time period, it is critical to hire a Michigan DUI defense attorney immediately so that work can begin to build a strong and effective defense strategy. Your lawyer must perform an intensive investigation and collect vital information to ensure a good outcome; time is of the essence.

Contact Grabel & Associates Today for More Information on DUI Case Time Limits, and to Beat Your DUI Charge

We are dedicated to performing a swift and intense investigation; once complete, we will work with you to determine the best course of action for your particular situation. Our priority is to determine if your constitutional rights may have been violated, and to dig deeper in order to reveal whether errors may have been made that led to the charge against you. As a highly experienced and reputable Michigan criminal defense law firm, we know that in some cases, individuals' rights to a fair trial are infringed upon, and that DUI case time limits are sometimes unconstitutional. You can be confident that we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure positive results, and that the process is as quick and efficient as possible.

A fast-moving case can leave prosecutors with an unfair advantage when you do not have a talented DUI lawyer in your corner. Contact our team of talented attorneys today for a free evaluation of your case. We are available 24/7 at 1-800-342-7896.