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Motor Vehicle Offenses

Michigan law covers a range of motor vehicle offenses, including several that involve drinking and driving, as well as leaving the scene of an accident, and others that involve dangerous or reckless driving.  Matthew L .Norwood has years of experience successfully defending clients against motor vehicle offenses and can use his experience to help you. 

An individual who is caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol faces three potential charges. These are Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), and Unlawful Bodily Alcohol Level (UBAL). In these cases, it is the duty of the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant drove a motor vehicle on a public road or highway, and was under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Matthew L. Norwood has experience representing clients fighting these charges, and can help you reduce or dismiss charges.

If an individual has been injured as a result of driving under the influence, the charge would then become OWVI Causing Serious Impairment of Body Function or OWVI Causing Death. The prosecution then must also prove that the defendant voluntarily decided to drive, knew that he or she was intoxicated, and that his or her operation of the vehicle was responsible for the injury or death of another. If convicted of injuring another person while driving while intoxicated, the defendant would face 5 years in prison or a fine between 1,000 and 5,000 dollars, or both. If convicted of causing death while driving while intoxicated, the defendant would face imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine between $2,500.00 and $10,000.00, or both.

Any individual convicted of driving under the influence within 7 years of another similar conviction will face tougher sentencing. Matthew L. Norwood has experience defending individuals charged with OWI, OWVI, UBAL, and injury charges and can help you get a reduced sentence or a lighter charge.

In Michigan, it is against the law to leave the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene of an accident that has caused death or bodily harm is a felony offense that involves serious prison time and huge fines. By law, you are required to leave the driver’s name and address, the vehicle owner’s name and address, and the vehicle registration. By law, you are also required to provide reasonable assistance in securing medical aid or reaching emergency responders for any injured person.

Felonious driving and reckless driving are serious charges under Michigan law. Felonious driving is defined as a person driving a vehicle in a negligent manner that willfully disregards the safety of others. Reckless driving is defined in a similar way, but it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in prison and a fine of up to $500.
Reckless driving is defined by the Michigan statute as driving on highways, roads, or other places open to the general public (including parking lots) with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. The consequences for these charges can include required license suspension, fines, insurance rate increases, and major points on your license, possibly culminating in a suspended or revoked license. Matthew L. Norwood has experience defending clients from motor vehicle offenses and can build your case to best resolve your traffic charges.

8b) Matthew L. Norwood is an experienced motor vehicle offense attorney and can help you resolve traffic tickets, moving violations, and other charges in the best manner possible. Moving violations like speeding, reckless or felonious driving, or leaving the scene of an accident are taken very seriously by the state of Michigan, which views such actions as dangers to others on public roads. As a result, a conviction from these charges often means huge fines, hikes in insurance rates, and major points added to your license. If you accrue up to 12 points your license will legally be suspended or revoked. Matthew L. Norwood has the knowledge and experience in Michigan courts to defend your rights and protect your driving privileges. He will develop your case to secure the best possible outcome.

Other motor vehicle offenses include drinking and driving charges. These break down into Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), and Unlawful Bodily Alcohol Level (UBAL), which can often result in the automatic suspension or revocation of your license. Attorney Norwood has extensive experience representing clients facing these charges and has successfully helped clients have the charges reduced or dismissed.