Drinking and driving is a serious offense in the state of Michigan. Patrol officers are always on the lookout for people who might be putting themselves and others in danger by their actions on the road. Not even the very people who make the drunk driving laws that apply in Michigan are exempt from following them.

A recent example of this occurred a few weeks ago in East Lansing, Michigan. A Michigan state representative was arrested on his way home from a reception following the governor's State of the State address last month. An officer pulled over the legislator for allegedly exceeding the speed limit. The officer then performed a field sobriety test on the man, after which the legislator refused to take a breath test. He was arrested and taken to the Ingham County jail.

The events that brought the lawmaker to the jail are in question. The legislator said he believed he passed the field sobriety test, but the arresting officer didn't share that opinion. As a result, the state representative's breath test refusal led to his arrest.

At the jail, the legislator did agree to submit to a Breathalyzer. His blood alcohol content was registered at 0.066, which is below the 0.08 standard required for drunk driving. Therefore the man was charged with impaired driving, which is a lesser charge.

People in Michigan who refuse a breath test at some point in the process of being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving need to be aware of their rights. An attorney experienced in drunk driving defense can be an invaluable asset in the fight for the rights of the accused.

Source: WZZM13.com, "Local lawmaker arrested for 'impaired driving'," Matt Campbell, Jan. 20, 2012