OWI Child Endangerment

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a child in the car, also known as OWI child endangerment, could mean double the trouble for you! (Unless you get a great criminal defense attorney on your side)

Your Best Defense to OWI Child Endangerment Starts Here

Operating While Intoxicated has many names: DUI, OUI, operating while impaired, drunk or drugged driving, drinking under the influence, unlawful body alcohol level, just to name a few. An allegation just for OWI, on its own, is a serious matter. However, adding an accusation of driving with a child in the car takes this criminal charge to another level of trouble. Operating while intoxicated in a vehicle with a child is called “OWI Child Endangerment” and has increased penalties and license sanctions.

Think about it. It will be bad enough that the court will view you as an intoxicated driver who endangered yourself and others. Now, you could also be considered someone who endangered a child. You have a twofold issue: allegations of impaired driving and child endangerment. There will be a prosecutor working earnestly to convict you. There may even be the added complications of a Child Protective Services investigation. In this challenging situation, the defense lawyer protecting you in court is the only thing standing between you and severe consequences.

There may be a way to avoid a conviction and mitigate any sentence the judge may impose, but only if you act swiftly and hire a specialized criminal defense attorney to advocate and guide you through this process.

Operating While Intoxicated

Michigan’s OWI law prohibits a person from operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs or operating with a bodily alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more. A person under 21 years old cannot legally operate a car with a BAC of 0.02% or more. Should an individual operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.17%, that will result in a “Super Drunk” criminal offense.

Child Endangerment

Many laws in Michigan protect children. Individuals convicted of those laws can face stiff penalties, including a good chance of time behind bars. Endangering a child is when the person knowingly or intentionally commits an act likely to cause serious physical or mental harm to a child, regardless of whether any harm results. It does not matter whether the child was injured or not. All that must occur is that you risk a child’s welfare. If the government believes you did that, the prosecution will charge you with child endangerment.

Although there are several variations of how an individual can endanger a child, when it comes to OWI, the prosecutor usually adds child endangerment when someone drives intoxicated or impaired with a child in the vehicle. Moreover, there can be one child or children, and the minor (under 16) does not have to be related to you.

Penalties for OWI with Child Endangerment

A conviction for OWI with Child Endangerment can carry stiff penalties. You will need a very experienced, aggressive, and effective defense. Judges routinely impose jail time, lengthy probation, and countless hours of community service, and your defense attorney must do everything possible to protect you.

The indirect consequences of a conviction can also cause you serious problems. There could be a loss of specialized licenses, employment, reputation, and relationships.

First Offense – Misdemeanor

possibility of $1,000.00 in fines
up to one year of jail time
driver’s license suspension
community service
up to two years of probation

Second Offense (within seven years of first offense) – Felony

possibility of $5,000.00 in fines
up to five (5) years in jail
revocation of your driver’s license
community service
up to five years of probation

Driver Under the Age of 21

possibility of $500.00 in fines
up to 93 days in jail
60 days of community service
up to 2 years of probation

Child Protective Services May Get Involved

Michigan law enforcement must notify Child Protective Services (CPS) regarding your criminal offenses that put a child in danger. If CPS does get involved, do not answer any questions. Contact a lawyer immediately. CPS and the police are not there to help you under these circumstances; their only purpose is to build a case. Remember, anything you say “can and will be used against you.”

Criminal Defense Lawyers Who Can Help You

If you are accused of operating while impaired with child endangerment, act now and look to the experienced and knowledgeable attorneys of LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. Our team of skilled criminal defense attorneys can help you from start to finish. We have effective strategies to defend you. We know how to confront the most zealous prosecutors and tenacious CPS investigators. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. will fight tirelessly for you to ensure you receive an outstanding outcome from your legal challenges. Call us for a free consultation and confidential case evaluation. We will find a way to help you!

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.