In Michigan, there are some criminal charges that don’t appear to be very serious until you learn about possible outcomes. Two of these crimes are reckless driving, and drunk driving. Neither are good, but a reckless driving conviction can be worse in some situations.
Reckless Driving in Michigan
MCL 257.626 is Michigan’s law for reckless driving. There are three levels of reckless driving. One is a 93 day misdemeanor, and the other two are felonies. The felony charges address causing injury to another person and causing death to another person. This article addresses a reckless driving charge that does not involve injury or death.
A First Offense Reckless Driving in Michigan may include the following penalties:
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Up to $500 in fines (costs are extra)
- Six Points added to your driving record
- 90 day Drivers License Suspension
- Possible Drivers Responsibility Fees (This may have changed recently)
- Possible Vehicle Forfeiture or Immobilization
- Commercial Drivers License Suspension
Operating While Intoxicated in Michigan
MCL 257.625 is Michigan’s law for drunk driving also known as Operating While Intoxicated. A first offense charge where a person’s blood alcohol level is at least a .08, but less than .17 has the following penalties:
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Fines between $100 and $500 (costs are extra)
- Six Points added to your driving record
- 30 day Drivers License Suspension
- 150 day Restricted Drivers License (Can drive to work, school, court, and doctors office)
- Possible Drivers Responsibility Fees (This may have changed recently)
- Possible Vehicle Immobilization
- Possible Interlock
- Up to 360 hours of community service
Which is worse in Michigan? Reckless Driving or OWI
The answer is different for everyone. Both convictions are permanent. Some people rather have a conviction for something that doesn’t directly mention alcohol or substances. Both have a drivers licence suspension, but the reckless conviction carries a longer “hard suspension”.
When dealing with one of these cases in Michigan, it is important to know the differences so you can make an informed decision on how you want to move forward. Many attorneys are under the impression that a reckless driving conviction is worse because of the drivers license suspension, but other say a “wet reckless” is better because it doesn’t directly mention drunk driving.
If you are charged with drunk driving or reckless driving in Michigan call me for a free consultation. I practice in Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti, Milan, Dexter, Chelsea, Manchester, Howell, Fowlerville, Brighton, Plymouth, Northville and the surrounding communities in Michigan.
