Michigan Open Container Lawyer

Michigan Open Container Attorney

Having an open container of alcohol in your vehicle may seem like a minor offense, but in the Greater Detroit area, it can lead to serious legal consequences. A conviction could result in fines, points on your license, and other serious penalties. A Michigan open container lawyer can help defend against these charges by questioning the circumstances of the stop, the legality of the search, and whether law enforcement properly applied the law.

A Michigan Law Firm That Understands the State’s DUI Laws

Not every criminal defense firm in Greater Detroit brings decades of experience helping clients successfully fight driving under the influence (DUI) charges. The criminal defense attorneys at Jeffrey Randa and Associates focus on DUI cases and alcohol-related cases. We understand the criminal laws behind your charges and how to chip away at the prosecution’s case so you do not have to worry about facing the most serious penalties under the law.

An innocent mistake should not define your future. Our clients have come to rely on our services because we know how to deliver exceptional results and customer satisfaction. You won’t have to worry about waiting for our team to get back to you if you have questions, and we’ll always be open, honest, and transparent with you.

What Are Michigan’s Open Container Laws?

Michigan strictly prohibits open containers of alcohol in motor vehicles. Under MCL 257.624a, neither drivers nor passengers can possess or consume alcohol while inside a vehicle, even if the vehicle is parked. If you purchase liquor from a store in Mount Clemens, those bottles must remain sealed and stored in the truck or another area that is not accessible to passengers.

Michigan’s alcohol-related laws are intended to reduce the occurrence of fatal crashes. In 2022, intoxication was a factor in roughly 40.4% of fatal crashes in Michigan. Violating the state’s open container law is a potential misdemeanor punishable by fines, court costs, and points on your driving record. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your sobriety, you could potentially be arrested and booked at Macomb County Jail for a DUI.

Can You Be Charged With DUI for Having an Open Container in Michigan?

While an open container alone does not prove that you are impaired, it can offer probable cause to conduct a DUI investigation. They may take follow-up actions that could include conducting a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer test. If those tests indicate that you are intoxicated, you could then be arrested and face DUI charges.

Michigan courts take open container violations seriously because an open bottle of booze creates the appearance that you are engaging in reckless behavior that could lead to a drunk driving accident.

There were 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes in Michigan in 2023, and the courts see enforcement of alcohol-related laws as one means of reducing those statistics. Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, an open container can be used as evidence to justify a DUI arrest.

How an Attorney Can Defend Against Open Container Charges in Michigan

Michigan is a popular tourist destination that sees 30 million visitors a year who come to socialize and frequent area bars. There’s plenty of nightlight in the Greater Detroit area that centers around adult beverages, and one lapse in judgment can lead to serious legal consequences.

Having legal representation can mitigate your risk of facing serious consequences following an open container law violation. Police must prove that you knowingly had an open container. If the bottle was left by a passenger or prior occupant, you may not have been aware it was in the vehicle. An attorney can also argue that the container was improperly classified or question the legality of your traffic stop.

FAQs

Schedule Your Michigan Open Container Consultation Today

An open container violation in Michigan may seem minor, but it can lead to fines, points on your license, and even a misdemeanor charge. If combined with a DUI charge, the penalties become even more severe. Challenging the circumstances of the stop or the legality of the search may help reduce or dismiss the charges.

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we defend drivers facing open container charges in Metro Detroit. After decades of successfully defending satisfied clients from DUI charges, we understand how to challenge weak evidence and protect your record. Contact our office today to schedule your no-cost consultation so we can learn about your case and start preparing your defense.