Most Common Arrests on July 4th in Plymouth

Not all July 4th arrests are serious criminal charges, but some can carry long-lasting consequences. Here's a look at the most frequent charges we see around Independence Day in Plymouth:

• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI): One of the most common Fourth of July arrests. Police ramp up OWI enforcement with checkpoints and patrols.
• Disorderly Conduct: This includes public drunkenness, fighting, loud behavior, and general disruptions.
• Assault and Battery: Arguments and physical altercations often escalate after alcohol consumption at packed parties or events.
• Drug Possession: Fireworks and celebrations sometimes draw younger crowds, leading to possession charges—especially for marijuana (if laws around usage aren't followed) or controlled substances.
• Trespassing: Trespassing can happen when partygoers wander into private property or linger after being told to leave.

Whatever the charge, the legal process in Michigan remains the same. So let’s talk about what to do.

First Steps After an Arrest in Plymouth, Michigan

1. Stay Calm and Cooperative

If police place you under arrest, don’t resist—even if you think it’s a mistake. Resisting arrest or being combative can result in additional charges. Michigan police officers have considerable discretion in charging people for resisting and obstructing, and you'd be surprised how often things go downhill simply because someone didn’t stay calm.

2. Know Your Rights

• You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to speak to law enforcement without a lawyer present. And you shouldn’t.
• You have the right to an attorney. Don’t try explaining or justifying your actions—legal damage often happens when people talk too much.

3. Don’t Consent to Searches

Unless police have a warrant or valid exception, like probable cause or something in plain view, you can (and should) politely decline a request to search you, your car, or your property.

4. Call a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

Time is everything. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your outcome is likely to be. At Boria Law, we’ve handled countless holiday-related arrests and know the ins and outs of local law enforcement and the 35th District Court system.

Call criminal lawyer Aaron J. Boria at (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation.

The Booking and Arraignment Process in Plymouth

Booking

After an arrest in Plymouth, you’ll be transported to the local police station or a regional booking facility. You’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and held in custody until your arraignment—usually the next business day, though holiday weekends might delay this to Monday morning.

Arraignment at the 35th District Court

Your arraignment takes place at the 35th District Court, located at 660 Plymouth Road, Plymouth, MI 48170. This is where you’ll hear the official charges against you and enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). You can also request a bond reduction, which is critical on a holiday weekend when people don’t want to spend unnecessary time in jail.

Important at This Stage:

• Ask for legal representation if you don’t already have an attorney.
• Do not discuss your charges with anyone except your lawyer—not even your cellmate or the police.
• Don’t post anything on social media. Screenshots live forever and may hurt your case.

Bond and Release Over a Holiday Weekend

The courts tend to move slower on holidays. That means if you’re arrested over the July 4th weekend, you may not see a judge until the next business day. However, in some cases, police can provide a bond schedule for immediate release if your crime is minor.

Types of Bond in Michigan

• Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: You're released based on your promise to appear in court. Common for first-time or low-level offenses.
• Cash or Surety Bond: You’ll need to pay a set amount, either directly or through a bail agency.

Your attorney can often make a motion for bond review if the amount is too high or if conditions are unreasonable (like GPS tether or alcohol testing, which may be imposed swiftly by judges looking to deter future infractions).

OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) – A Top July 4th Offense

If you were arrested for OWI in Plymouth during Fourth of July celebrations, you're far from alone. We see a serious uptick in DUI arrests and patrols around this time, especially near parties, bars, and public fireworks displays.

OWI in Michigan typically means your BAC (blood alcohol content) was 0.08% or more—or that you were deemed intoxicated by an officer, even without a breath test.

First Offense OWI Penalties in Michigan:

• Up to 93 days in jail
• Fines between $100 and $500
• 360 hours (45 days) of community service
• 6 points on your license
• License suspension for 30 days followed by 150 days of restriction
• Possible ignition interlock device (under certain conditions)

If your BAC was 0.17% or higher, you're facing Super Drunk charges with even harsher penalties.

Don’t panic. OWI defense is complex but defensible. From field sobriety test protocols to blood and breath testing machines, we know what the police must do—and how often they get it wrong.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help with July 4th Arrests

Especially during holiday weekends, cases are often rushed or poorly documented. Mistakes happen—and we find them. Here’s what a seasoned Michigan defense lawyer can offer:

• Review all arrest report documentation for legal errors or flawed procedures.
• Challenge chemical test results, chain of custody, and officer credibility.
• Negotiate for reduced charges or enrollment in diversion programs—ideal for first-time offenders.
• Protect your license, reputation, and criminal record.

A holiday mistake shouldn’t define your future. And the sooner you call, the more options you have. Attorney Aaron J. Boria is here to help. Call (734) 453-7806 and speak directly with us today.

Possible Defenses and Outcomes

Every criminal case in Michigan is built around elements—and the prosecutor must prove each one beyond a reasonable doubt. If they can’t, you must be found not guilty.

Some Common Defenses We Use

• Lack of Probable Cause: If you were stopped or searched without proper legal justification, evidence may be excluded.
• Improper Testing Procedures: Breathalyzers and field tests must follow strict protocol—errors can invalidate results.
• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: In the case of assault charges, we often argue these successfully.
• Accidental Intoxication: Yes, it sounds odd—but in specific cases, it's a valid defense.

We’ve seen July 4th charges dropped, reduced, or dismissed entirely—we know the patterns, the players at court, and the way to mount a winning defense.

What Should You Do Now?

If you or a loved one has been arrested over the Fourth of July, don’t wait. Holidays may delay proceedings and evidence may be lost quickly. Hiring a lawyer early means faster action, better protection, and potentially a much more favorable result.

Whether you’re facing OWI, assault, drug charges, or something else, you have rights, and you have options.

Call Aaron J. Boria, an experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer, at (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation. We’re based in Plymouth and serve clients all over southeast Michigan.

Conclusion

Independence Day should be about fireworks and fun—not facing the fallout of a criminal charge. But if you were arrested in Plymouth this July 4th, all is not lost. Michigan law allows for strong defenses, and you have every right to fight your charges aggressively and thoroughly.

Understand the steps, know your rights, and get the help you deserve. For questions about your case or to start your defense, call (734) 453-7806 today.

Let’s get your life back on track. We’re here to help.