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Michigan Drunk Driving Arrests - Nurses, Doctors & Other Medical Professionals

If you're a medical professional in Michigan, you may have special reporting obligations to the State, which we will discuss in great detail. A major part of a DUI arrest in Michigan is also pre-trial testing methods.  Here are some methods used by courts around the State of Michigan for drunk driving charges. 

1) Preliminary breath tests commonly called PBTs, which is the most common and least expensive method, but requires the client to set an alarm, show up at a police station on the court's schedule, and blow into the machine.  Judge's may make this testing random or daily.  Police departments typically charge $5 per blow, and this method does not cover drug testing.  The frequency in testing is usually determined by the client's criminal record 

2) Alcohol tethers are devices attached to a client's body, usually the ankle, and the device is worn 24 hours a day during the case.  The tether will test the concentration in your sweat every 30 minutes, and send a signal to the police if alcohol is present.  Expect a knock at the door if this happens, and being sent to jail while your case is pending.  This device is also used if you're subject to house arrest as it has a GPS function as well.  These devices are installed and maintained at the client's expense, but are convenient to the extent that you don't need to go anywhere to test, but depending upon where you go, and what you're wearing could cause a problem if you wish to keep this device a secret.  Judges find this method of testing to be very effective in preventing alcohol consumption, but this method of testing is typically reserved for repeat offenders or client's who fail multiple alcohol tests during their case, and the testing needs to be enhanced

3) In-home units - these devices are favored by my busy clients who need to be caring for patients, flying around the country to close deals and can't afford to miss work or time with their family.  These devices vary in size and shape, but all use a camera to verify identity and test for alcohol.  The devices can be plugged into any outlet or even run on batteries/use of a charger, just like a cellphone. This device allows you to blow into the machine in less time than it takes to brush your teeth before going to work, and the flexibility to fly all over the world while complying with your testing conditions.  I am a strong advocate for this type of testing.  

4)  Ignition interlock units - this is a testing unit installed in your vehicle, which will accomplish the goal of alcohol testing, but will also give a judge peace of mind that in order to start your car, you need to blow without alcohol in your system.  The unit has a camera to capture your photo, but if someone else blows into it to use your car, with alcohol in their system, the judge will typically have a zero tolerance policy and consider that a failed test.  This method requires you to be with your car at all times, which is not always practical.  

5) ETG or ETS alcohol testing - these tests measure the amount of metabolites in your urine, and the results go back as far as 72 hours, meaning if you had a beer three days ago, you're not in the clear.  These tests are most expensive than PBT's, but cheaper than some of the in-home units.  You still need to go somewhere other than your own home or car to test, but they are less frequent (typically 1-2 times per week).  These tests do allow some flexibility in testing as they will capture a three day picture.  Judges will sometimes order these when someone returns from travel, and has not tested in a few days.  

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