Law enforcement and parole officers taking man into custody at residential property

Understanding Michigan Court Proceedings For Probation Violations

Posted on September 2, 2016

In part 2 of this article, we continued our inquiry into probation violation cases in Michigan criminal and DUI cases. In particular, we tried to see how the whole violation thing is perceived by the Judge who sentenced you for a drunk driving offense or something like...

Understanding Probation Violation Consequences in Michigan – Part 2

Posted on August 29, 2016

In part 1 of this article aboutMichigan probation violations, specifically in theDetroit-areadistrict and circuit courts of Wayne,OaklandandMacombCounties, we began examining what happens when a person who is onprobationfor a criminal or DUI case eithertests positiveormissesa test altogether. I pointed out that to the Judge, a...

What Happens at a Pre-Trial in a Michigan DUI or Criminal Case

Posted on August 5, 2016

In my previous, 2-part DUI article, we looked at what happens at the arraignment in a drunk driving case. In this article, we’ll examine the next step in the Michigan DUI (and criminal case) process, called a pre-trial. It is important to note that a DUI case is a criminal case,...

What NOT to do After a Michigan DUI Arrest

Posted on June 24, 2016

Soon after a DUI arrest, upon a person’s release, a lot of things happen. As a Michigan DUI lawyer, I am familiar with the emotional and the “what’s next?” stress that follows someone’s release from jail. It’s not like you leave the police station or jail and can go to the parking lot,...

The Simple Truth About Handling Michigan Traffic Tickets, Criminal and DUI Cases

Posted on June 10, 2016

How is it that by hiring a lawyer, you can almost always “get out of” a traffic ticket? In this article, I’m going to skip all the discussion about policy and theory (the reader is likely not interested in that, anyway) and cut right to the chase about keeping...

Close-up of legal textbook and courtroom gavel symbolizing criminal defense law

Why Hiring the Right DUI Lawyer Matters for Your Case

Posted on April 29, 2016

As I noted, I’ve had other, similar comments. A lawyer who used to share office space in my building once told Ann that he thought I spent too much time with my DUI clients, because my first meeting with someone in a drinking and driving case typically lasts about 2 hours. My...

Michigan DUI – A Small but Important Observation

Posted on March 14, 2016

I have written quite a bit about how my average DUI client is not any kind of criminal. I like to think of my clientele as more cerebral and professional than the population at large. Probably because of the way I write, my typical client shows up with a lot of concerns...

Michigan Probation Violation for Positive Breath or Urine Test Result

Posted on January 18, 2016

First, you need some perspective: Put yourself in the Judge’s seat for a moment. Forget about yourself as the defendant; instead, understand that in every DUI case, it is a standard condition of probation that the person NOT consume any alcohol, and so you, as the Judge, follow suit and order the...

Leaving the Scene of a PDA (Property Damage Accident) in Michigan

Posted on January 8, 2016

A conviction for either a straight up DUI (technically called OWI, or “operating while intoxicated) or leaving the scene of a property damage accident will add 6 points to your driving record, and both theoretically carry a potential jail sentence: 93 days for a DUI, and 90 days for a...

Michigan DUI – The Police said I was Swerving

Posted on October 9, 2015

First off, while I generally believe the saying that “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing,” if you really want to be able to choose the right lawyer and understand what is happening in your DUI case, it is important to become familiar with a few things. A physician friend of mine...

Michigan DUI and Medical/Professional Licenses through LARA

Posted on July 20, 2015

In terms of professional licensing concerns, the issue of 1st or 2nd offense is probably the most critical. Everyone makes mistakes. Usually, life affords us at least one good break. This is an important, but simple reality for someone worried about losing his or her livelihood because of a DUI. And to be...

First Offense DUI in Oakland County

Posted on March 9, 2015

Last Updated: February 3, 2026 Key Takeaways - A first offense DUI in Oakland County almost always results in probation, not just fines.
- Oakland County courts are known for more “progressive” sentencing, meaning more classes, counseling, and testing.
- Judges focus heavily...