Will you be placed on probation for a drunk driving offense in Michigan?

The answer to this question is overwhelming yes, but there are exceptions.  The default sentence for drunk driving in Michigan is some combination of jail and probation.  This is actually a sound approach by a judge, because it's the judge's job as an elected official to protect the community, which means supervising someone who recently endangered the community by drunk driving, but what are these exceptions?

What if right after being arrested for drunk driving, you started a comprehensive proactive approach on your own terms? You started alcohol testing, subjected yourself to a fair and balanced alcohol assessment, engaged in counseling, attended AA meetings, gave back positive time back to your community and a series of other positive steps.  

A judge, prosecutor and probation will be extremely impressed with your proactive mindset and your willingness to turn a negative into a positive learning experience.  By supervising yourself, holding yourself accountable, and putting real tangible efforts into place, you have a much better chance of limiting or avoiding probation.  Should this be the expectation? No, but when arrested for a DUI, your first thought should be, what can I do to improve my case, and the perception of myself with the judge, prosecutor and the community?

I help clients on a regular basis, limit, shorten, and sometimes avoid probation altogether.  If you're in a court with a reputation for upfront jail, or you're on a 2nd or 3rd offense, jail is a strong possibility, and this approach becomes even more important.