DUI Arrest Leelanau County - Northport - Suttons Bay - Empire Michigan Attorney

​Understanding DUI Bond Conditions in Leelanau County: A Comprehensive Guide

​As an attorney who helps clients in Leelanau County, Michigan, I meet clients under two different circumstances post a drunk driving arrest: pre-arraignment or post-arraignment. Notably, the clients' circumstances will differ based on the stage of their proceedings and the possible delay in receiving chemical test results (usually blood). Regardless of the scenario, understanding the DUI bond conditions in Michigan is critical to navigating this complex situation.

The Arraignment Process
In Michigan, a person charged with a DUI will appear before a judge or magistrate for arraignment, unless an attorney has waived their appearance. The process varies across different courts. If a new client has not been arraigned, I often put bond conditions in place proactively, anticipating the judge's possible requirements. This preparedness creates a favorable impression during court appearances. If a client has already been arraigned, we focus on adhering to those conditions and adding extra proactive elements where beneficial.

Setting the Bond
When a judge sets bond in a drunk driving case in Michigan, they must consider the risk of flight and potential harm to the public. Typically, most DUI clients do not pose a flight risk, but the risk of re-offending, particularly by consuming alcohol or drugs while out on bond, is a significant concern.

Standard bond conditions often require the defendant to refrain from using drugs or alcohol. Monitoring systems ensure abstinence and can justify a personal or nominal bond when flight risk is low. Most DUI clients are usually granted a personal bond or a 10% provision on a larger amount.

Factors Considered for Bond Assessment
The court considers several factors in determining the appropriate bond, including:

Defendant’s prior criminal record, including juvenile offenses.

Defendant’s court proceedings attendance record or flight to avoid prosecution.

Defendant’s history of substance abuse or addiction.

Defendant’s mental condition and reputation for dangerousness.

The seriousness of the offense charged, the presence or absence of threats, and the likelihood of conviction and potential sentence.

Defendant’s employment status and financial history in relation to their ability to post money bail.

The availability of responsible community members who can vouch for or monitor the defendant.

Defendant’s ties to the community, including family relationships, length of residence.

Any other factors relevant to the risk of nonappearance or danger to the public.

Alcohol Testing
Alcohol testing is the most common bond condition for drunk driving cases. Even if it's not ordered, many clients proactively engage in alcohol testing to impress the court and demonstrate sobriety. Testing helps maintain normal life outside the courthouse, and I assist clients in determining the most suitable testing methods for their lifestyle. For professional clients, we often set up alternative testing methods that accommodate their schedules and still meet or exceed the court's expectations.

There are several methods available for alcohol testing:

Preliminary Breath Tests (PBTs): These are common and affordable. Defendants must report to a testing facility for a breath test on a PBT machine at prescribed times.

Transdermal Alcohol Tethers: These devices detect alcohol use around the clock. They may be preferable to breath tests for both the defendant and the judge, as they eliminate the need to report to a testing facility and provide continuous monitoring.

In-home Breathalyzers: Equipped with a camera to verify the user's identity, these devices store and transmit data to the provider's offices, offering flexibility and practicality for many defendants.

Ignition Interlock Devices: Installed in vehicles, these devices require the driver to perform a breath test before starting the vehicle.

Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) or Ethyl sulfate (EtS) Alcohol Testing: These tests measure alcohol metabolites in urine and may detect alcohol consumed up to 72 hours before the test. It can be beneficial for those with irregular work schedules or travel requirements.

Understanding these DUI bond conditions and navigating them proactively can make a substantial difference in your case in Leelanau County, including Empire, Northport, and Suttons Bay. Working with an experienced attorney, like Jonathan Paul, ensures you traverse through this process with dignity, knowledge, and hope for a positive outcome.