Michigan Lawmaker Charged With 'Super Drunk' Driving
Grand Traverse County Commissioner Lauren Flynn faces up to 180 days in jail after registering a blood-alcohol content over twice the legal limit.
A Michigan Democratic lawmaker has been charged under the state’s “super drunk” driving law after being found with a blood-alcohol concentration of at least 0.17%, more than double the legal limit of 0.08%.
Lauren Flynn, 46, a two-term Grand Traverse County Commissioner representing District 2, was pulled over on July 24. She was arraigned Tuesday on the misdemeanor offense, which carries a potential sentence of up to 180 days in county jail if convicted.
Flynn appeared for her arraignment via Zoom, with her attorney entering a plea of not guilty on her behalf. She was released on an undisclosed bond and ordered to abstain from alcohol and drugs, avoid bars and casinos, and undergo twice-daily breath tests.
The penalties for a “super drunk” conviction are more severe than for a standard operating while intoxicated charge, which typically carries a jail sentence of up to 93 days for first-time offenders.
Flynn, a mother of two, was first elected to the county commission in 2022 and was re-elected in November 2024, winning by nearly 13 points. Her political focus has included advocating for affordable childcare and housing.
Her arraignment was delayed due to a neighboring county presiding over the case. Flynn has not publicly commented on the charges, and it is unclear when her next court appearance will be.