What is Drunk Driving Saginaw County? 70th District Court DUI - Zilwaukee - Frankenmuth - Buena Vista - Thomas Twp - Carrollton Twp

​Covering the cities of Saginaw and Zilwaukee, along with areas such as Frankenmuth, Birch Run, Buena Vista, Thomas Township, and Carrollton Township, the 70th District Court in Michigan sees a diverse array of cases, including those charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Each area brings its own unique challenges and character to the court, but the process of handling DUI cases remains consistent and demands acute attention.

When representing a client facing DUI charges in the 70th District Court, one encounters two primary scenarios: clients who are pre-arraignment and those who are post-arraignment. The initial steps in the defense strategy hinge on this distinction.

For those clients who are yet to be arraigned, a proactive approach is advantageous. By putting bond conditions in place, even before they're court-mandated, we signal our commitment to upholding the law and our anticipation of court expectations. Conversely, if a client is already arraigned, the focus pivots to adherence to those set conditions, usually with added proactive measures.

Under Michigan’s legal framework, when bond is determined in DUI cases, the judge or magistrate must weigh the risk of the defendant fleeing and potential danger to the public. Typically, individuals charged with DUI in the 70th District Court aren't seen as flight risks. However, there's an inherent risk of them consuming alcohol or drugs while out on bond, which is a significant concern.

With the aim of reducing this risk, the court often stipulates bond conditions mandating abstention from alcohol or drugs, coupled with monitoring to ensure compliance. Most DUI defendants in the 70th District Court are granted a personal bond or a reasonable 10% provision on a larger amount, acknowledging the negligible flight risk.

When determining the bond, judges in the 70th District Court generally consider:

The defendant’s past criminal history, including juvenile offenses.
Previous court appearance records or instances of evading prosecution.
History of substance abuse or addiction.
Mental health, character, and potential danger posed by the defendant.
Gravity of the charged offense, any threats made, potential conviction, and probable sentencing.
Employment status, financial background, and the ability to post bail.
Willingness of responsible community members to vouch for or monitor the defendant.
Ties to the community, considering family bonds, relationships, and the length of residence.
Other factors relevant to nonappearance risk or threat to the public.
In my experience with the 70th District Court, one of the most consistently mandated bond conditions for DUI cases is alcohol testing. If it hasn't already been mandated by the court, many clients opt for proactive alcohol testing, a gesture that underscores their commitment to sobriety and creates a favorable impression. With guidance, clients select a testing method that least disrupts their daily lives while satisfying court requirements.

For clients, especially professionals, keen on bypassing the standard court-ordered testing, alternative testing arrangements can be made. The range includes preliminary breath tests (PBTs), transdermal alcohol tethers, in-home breathalyzers, ignition interlock devices, and EtG or EtS alcohol testing.

In sum, handling DUI charges in the 70th District Court calls for a proactive stance, thorough knowledge of court expectations, and unwavering dedication to ensuring client compliance with bond conditions. Whether in Saginaw, Zilwaukee, Frankenmuth, or any of the other covered areas, the commitment to fairness and justice remains a hallmark of the court.