Illinois native Charles Ryan, 49, became the first defendant in Cass County convicted at jury trial for violating Michigan’s “Super Drunk” law, according to Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz.
In October, 2010, new legislation went into effect, carving out a new drunk driving law with harsher penalties for driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.17 or above. Under the new law, these “super drunk” drivers face up to 180 days in jail. The traditional drunk driving law, which is triggered by a 0.08 blood alcohol level, carries a penalty of up to 93 days in jail.
Testimony at trial revealed that Ryan drove his Chrysler 300 off Maple Island Road in Silver Creek Township and tore through the lawn of a local resident while sporting a blood alcohol level of 0.23.
The car came to rest within feet of the side of the local resident’s house.
The homeowner killed the ignition and removed the keys.