Counseling or Treatment After 1st Offense DUI in Michigan?

Posted on September 9, 2013

Soon enough, though, most people start thinking realistically, and begin to go from fantasizing about miracle outcomes to the realities of making things better. Whatever else, they, wonder, if this thing isn’t going to go away, what can I do to minimize the consequences I face? At some point, usually early on,...

Michigan Driver’s License Restoration or Clearance Eligibility

Posted on July 8, 2013

It is important to first point out that being “eligible” to file a license appeal does not mean that you are necessarily “able” to win your license back. Being ready, in a word, means being sober. Only when you’re in a position to prove you sobriety are you really ready to undertake...

DUI and the HGN (“Follow With Your Eyes, Not Your Head”) Test

Posted on April 29, 2013

Imagine being asked to follow a pen with your eyes during a traffic stop. This simple request might seem harmless, but it’s actually one of law enforcement’s most powerful tools for detecting impaired drivers. The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, which boasts an impressive accuracy rate, has become a cornerstone...

Michigan Driver’s License Restoration – Full or Restricted License

Posted on February 11, 2013

After a year with a Restricted License, and after a 12 full months of using an ignition interlock, a person can file for another Hearing in front of the DAAD and request a Full License, and that the interlock be removed. Part of the filing requirement is that a person submit what’s...

DUI in Oakland County

Posted on November 30, 2012

Without a doubt, a person with a DUI in Oakland County will face a greater number of potential consequences than someone with a DUI in Macomb: Yet there is one thing, or “flaw” that all the Courts, regardless of location, have in common that can be used to your...

Michigan Driver’s License Restoration Letters of Support

Posted on November 9, 2012

Imagine Letter-writer Larry writing about his longtime friend, Sober Sam. Larry tries to explain how Sam became and has remained Sober. In a somewhat common mistake, Larry will try and “reassure” the State that in the past, he never saw Sam really get out of control with his drinking, or that he...

Understanding DUI, DWI, OWI Arraignments in Detroit Michigan – Part 1

Posted on January 23, 2012

An “Arraignment” is the first step in a Criminal case, and is an actual Legal proceeding where a person is formally charged with a Crime, and a Bond amount is set. At an Arraignment, the first thing that happens is that a person is told exactly what crime they’re being charged...

The Driver’s License Appeal Process in Michigan – Getting Back on the Road – Part 7

Posted on December 12, 2011

It takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks to get the decision, and it arrives in a formal written Order form in the mail. When a person wins, the decision is accompanied by instructions about getting the ignition interlock unit installed in their car, and telling them that they must go to...

Michigan DUI – How Long Will it Stay on my Record?

Posted on August 12, 2011

Under Michigan Law, as revised a few years ago, any combination of 3 alcohol-related Traffic Offenses within a person’s lifetime can result in a Felony charge. This changed the old law, which held that a person need to have 3 alcohol-related Traffic Offenses within 10 years in order for that 3rd Offense...

How to Handle a Probation Violation for a Positive Test

Posted on January 29, 2011

The easy answer would be for me to simply say, “me.” And while I think that’s true in many cases, there are certain “connections” that need to be made before I will take a case, beyond simply being offered money, and before anyone looking for the right Lawyer should offer any money.

Misdemeanor Driving Offenses – On Your Record Forever

Posted on January 27, 2010

If a person contacts me about an “Expungement” (technically called a Set-Aside of Conviction), and I ask if they have any other Criminal Convictions, besides the one they want “expunged,” I’m often answered with a “nope. That’s the only thing I have.” After a few more questions, however, I learn that the...

Navigating Michigan Felony Arraignments and Trials

Posted on January 25, 2010

Key Takeaways The main difference between a felony and misdemeanor in Michigan is the maximum period of incarceration that can be imposed. A felony conviction can result in being sentenced to serve time in the state prison, under the...