DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) or impaired by alcohol or drugs and causing serious bodily injury is a five-year felony in Michigan. A person can be convicted of this offense if they drive a motor vehicle after:
- consuming controlled and illicit substances, and
- their ability to drive the vehicle has been materially or substantially affected or visibly impaired by the alcohol, and/or
- consuming a substance and it was the proximate cause of a serious injury or substantial impairment of a bodily function to another.
Facing DUI and causing serious bodily injury charges? Unhappy with your current DUI attorney? Request a free consultation now.
What is ‘Serious Bodily Injury’?
Examples of a serious bodily injury include loss of, or loss of the use of, a limb, hand, foot, ear, eye, or organ.
Substantial impairment of a bodily function such as walking, being in a coma for more than three days, or suffering a skull fracture or other serious bone fracture are other examples that have been designated by the Michigan Legislature.
This list isn’t exclusive.
Ultimately, a jury can decide what a serious injury is.
The operation of the vehicle under the influence must be a proximate cause, meaning that it was a direct cause without any superseding or intervening causes.
For instance, if a victim had to have surgery and the doctor makes the injury worse, the driving isn’t the proximate cause.
How Can We Fight a Causing Serious Bodily Injury Charge?
Attacking the reliability and accuracy of the chemical test, either a breath, blood alcohol, or drug test, is always important to accomplish, and only an experienced DUI attorney who knows the science behind these tests can do so effectively.
At The Law Offices of Barton Morris, our Michigan DUI lawyers have decades of experience in this complex area of law.
If you’re charged with DUI or OWI, including causing serious bodily injury, we can protect your rights and fight for your best interests.
You can trust us to provide you with the strong representation you need and deserve.
Facing DUI and causing serious bodily injury charges? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now.
Reviews From Our Clients
Bryan Smith
Barton was amazing and I could not have had the positive outcome without his guidance. His team is prompt and great to work with. He even called while out of the country on vacation, which I feel shows he went above and beyond what someone might expect from their attorney. Experienced and cares! I would highly recommend Barton!
Leng T.
Very professional. I came and spoke to Barton Morris about my situation and my case. I asked him if he was willing to help me. He asked about the details and my background and history. He give me a positive confidence he can help me and my odds. His price is reasonable. He’s not one of those hole in the wall lawyers who treat you as a number. You are a human being with a personal life. You treats you as a valued client no matter how big or small the case.
Kelly M.
I had Mike Norman as my lawyer for a case. I just wanted to come on here and thank him for doing his best for me. I am grateful during this stressful time. I’ve used Barton Morris as a lawyer about 11 years ago and he was awesome which is why we came back. I do recommend!
Thomas Smale
Extremely knowledgeable and very helpful when it comes to navigating the complicated nature of cannabis businesses in Michigan. I met with Barton where he answered all my questions about the pre-qualification application, and was prompt in answering subsequent questions through email after the meeting was completed. I certainly plan to continue utilize Barton’;s knowledge in the future.
Marty Upfall
Marty Upfall
Just sitting here on my balcony. A bit chilly but sunny and beautiful. I am ever so grateful to have 100% freedom. Wasn’t sure I would ever meet this day. Hiring you(and your team) was the best decision I have ever made. You are a true master of your trade. As you sit with your beautiful family on Thanksgiving know that this year I am truly thankful of my freedom and the choice to hire Barton Morris. Thanks again. I will never forget what you have done for me.
Phone Number:
(248) 712-1156