Flint Investigator Resigns after Drunk Driving Arrest

Earlier this month, a key member of the Attorney General’s team charged with investigating the allegations of lead-tainted water in Flint, Michigan resigned after he was arrested and charged for driving under the influence of alcohol. According to one local news source covering the arrest and his subsequent resignation, the investigator was arrested in Canton Township, just outside Detroit. He resigned shortly afterward.

Evidently, prior to becoming an investigator with the Attorney General’s office, the investigator was a 23-year veteran of the Michigan State Police. There is no indication of the strength of the case against the investigator, but he did choose to resign before the allegations were able to be proven in court.

Repercussions of Drunk Driving Convictions in Michigan Michigan police, courts, and lawmakers all take driving under the influence very seriously. While the laws against drinking and driving in Michigan are tough and can result in probation, significant fines, and even jail time, a DUI or OWI conviction can have numerous collateral consequences that may not be immediately apparent.

One consequence of a Michigan DUI or OWI conviction is a mandatory license suspension of at least six months for a first offense. In fact, if the first offense involves a blood-alcohol content of .17 or greater, the mandatory license suspension period is one year. Losing a license can have a devastating effect on someone’s ability to maintain employment and may lead to an employer terminating an employee for repeated lateness or absences. Losing a driver’s license can also interfere with taking children to school, sports practice, or a relative’s home for the holidays.

Other collateral consequences of a OWI conviction include outright dismissal from a place of employment. While some employers will allow those with drunk driving convictions to remain on the payroll, others take a zero tolerance approach, especially if the position involves operating a vehicle or machinery. Anyone convicted of drunk driving may also be unable to qualify for certain types of driver’s licenses in the future and may face mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs. In some cases, a court can order a mandatory ignition interlock device to be placed on a driver’s vehicle.

At the end of the day, a conviction for drunk driving is much more than a few months’ probation and a fine. Therefore, everything should be done to fight the prosecution’s case from the very beginning. There are often challenges that can be made to a drunk driving case, such as arguing that the stop was illegal or the testing was invalid. A dedicated Michigan criminal defense attorney should be consulted to discuss the specifics of the case early in the process to ensure a stronger chance of mounting a solid defense.

Have You Been Arrested for Drunk Driving? If you have recently been arrested for DUI in Michigan, you should contact Attorney Steven Schwartz as soon as possible. Attorney Schwartz has decades of experience defending Michiganders against all types of crimes, from OWIs to drug crimes to assault. He understands what is at stake in these cases, and he devotes himself completely to his clients and their wellbeing. With his diligent representation, you can be assured that you are in good hands. Call (248) 266-8720 to set up a consultation with Attorney Schwartz today.

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