A Michigan woman faces sentencing early next month after she pleaded no contest to charges related to drunk driving. The 34-year-old from Plainwell, Michigan, entered her plea last week. The accident occurred on October 19 in Plainwell and left four people injured, including two children.

The accident took place when the woman exited southbound U.S. 131 en route to westbound M-39 and failed to stop, according to a report issued by the Michigan State Police. Her car crossed the westbound lanes and entered into the eastbound lanes, where it struck a car carrying a family of four. The two children in the car were treated and released at a local hospital, but the parents were more seriously hurt.

The driver's blood alcohol level was reported to be .158, well above the legal standard for intoxication of .08. As a result, she was charged with three drunk driving-related counts, including operating while intoxicated causing serious injury. Prosecutors dropped two of the charges as part of a plea agreement, leaving the single OWI count to which the woman pleaded no contest.

As a result of her plea for operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, a felony, the woman faces a penalty of up to five years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 3.

DUI is a very serious crime in Michigan. Anyone who is facing drunk driving-related charges in Michigan may wish to contact an experienced attorney who can ensure their rights are protected and that a vigorous defense is presented on their behalf.

Source: Union Enterprise, "Drunken driver who injured family of four pleads no contest," Ryan Lewis, Jan. 9, 2012