Michigan law treats some driving violations as criminal offenses rather than ordinary traffic matters. These cases can include drinking-and-driving charges, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving that causes serious injury or death. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has practiced criminal defense in Michigan since 2002. As a motor vehicle offenses lawyer, he represents clients facing criminal charges and related license consequences.
Many traffic matters are civil infractions, but some can result in criminal charges that can lead to jail time, fines, points, license consequences, and a lasting criminal record. How you respond to a citation or criminal charge can affect your driving and criminal record. Before paying a fine or otherwise resolving a serious motor vehicle matter, it can be useful to understand what the charge requires and what consequences may follow. Consulting a lawyer who specializes in criminal motor vehicle offenses before resolving a charge outright helps you understand your exposure and options.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood represents clients facing criminal motor vehicle offenses throughout Michigan. He can review the charge, identify the applicable law, and develop a defense based on the evidence and circumstances of the case.
Michigan recognizes three primary drinking-and-driving charges: Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), and Unlawful Bodily Alcohol Level (UBAL). Certain repeat alcohol-related driving convictions within seven years can result in enhanced penalties under Michigan law. These charges can also affect your driving record and license status. The firm’s DUI/DWI defense page provides a detailed explanation of these charges and their potential penalties.
An impaired driving case can become significantly more serious when another person suffers a qualifying injury. Michigan law creates felony offenses when a person violates specified impaired-driving provisions and, through the operation of the vehicle, causes serious impairment of a body function or the death of another person. The potential penalties for these charges are severe.
An OWVI causing serious impairment can carry up to five years in prison or a fine between $1,000 and $5,000, or both. An OWVI causing death, on the other hand, can carry up to 15 years in prison or a fine between $2,500 and $10,000, or both. These felony charges require careful review of the alleged impairment, the manner of driving, and the evidence connecting the driving to the injury or death.
Michigan law places specific duties on drivers involved in an accident. The law can require a driver involved in an accident to provide their name and address, the vehicle registration number, and the owner’s name and address. The driver may also need to show a driver’s license and provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured.
Leaving the scene of an accident that results in serious impairment of a body function or death can constitute a felony under Michigan law. These charges can carry significant fines and exposure to prison. An attorney can review the allegations and determine which legal issues may affect the defense.
Generally, reckless driving is a misdemeanor in Michigan. Under Michigan law, reckless driving involves operating a vehicle on a highway, road, or other public place, including parking lots, with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. A standard reckless driving conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.
Reckless driving can become a felony when it causes serious impairment of a body function or death. Michigan’s former separate offense of felonious driving was repealed in 2010. The circumstances of the alleged conduct determine which charge applies. A conviction for reckless driving can also affect a person’s license status and driving record. The applicable suspension period and points should be determined under the law in effect at the time of the offense.
Michigan uses a point system to track driving violations. Accumulating 12 or more points within two years can trigger a driver assessment by the Michigan Secretary of State. That review can lead to licensing restrictions or other consequences. The Michigan Department of State’s Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight handles certain driver’s license appeals and restoration matters.
Facing a possible suspension because of a motor vehicle charge puts your job, your family responsibilities, and your daily routine at risk. If you’re dealing with a suspended or revoked license, Attorney Matthew L. Norwood also represents clients in driver’s license restoration matters when a revocation or other licensing issue requires separate action.
Motor vehicle charges can involve two legal systems at once. The criminal case may proceed through court while your driving privileges face separate administrative consequences. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has handled criminal defense in Michigan since 2002 and understands the importance of addressing both sides of a serious motor vehicle matter.
The Law Office of Matthew L. Norwood is a solo criminal defense practice. Your case receives direct attention from Attorney Norwood throughout the representation. His downtown Flint office is located directly across from the Genesee County courts, giving local clients convenient access to an attorney who regularly handles criminal matters. Working directly with the motor vehicle attorney ensures your case receives personal attention at every stage.
Depending on the circumstances, Michigan law requires a driver to stop and provide identifying and vehicle information. The driver may also need to show a driver's license and provide reasonable assistance to an injured person. Leaving the scene of an accident that causes death or bodily harm is a felony under Michigan law.
Accumulating 12 points on your Michigan driving record can result in an automatic suspension or revocation of your license. Because Michigan's licensing rules can depend on the type and timing of violations, your driving record should be reviewed based on the specific circumstances.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has practiced criminal defense in Michigan since 2002, including cases involving motor vehicle offenses. His practice includes representation for clients facing OWI-related charges, leaving-the-scene allegations, reckless driving, felonious driving, and other serious motor vehicle offenses.
Reckless driving is generally a misdemeanor in Michigan. However, reckless driving that causes serious impairment of a body function or death can itself become a felony.
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A serious motor vehicle charge can affect your freedom and your ability to drive. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood can review the charge, explain the legal issues, and help you understand your options before you make an important decision.
The Law Office of Matthew L. Norwood
503 S. Saginaw St., Suite 526 Flint, MI 48502-1824
(810) 235-4630
