In addition to my approximately five years of experience prosecuting drunk driving cases, I attend specialized seminars on drunk driving defense presented by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and the Institute for Continuing Legal Education, in Ann Arbor.
DUI/DWI
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving, you need a vigorous and personalized defense! No matter how innocent you are, no matter how guilty you may think you are, it takes an experienced drunk driving defense attorney to evaluate your situation, guide you through the process, and make things as easy and comfortable for you as possible. The Constitution still guarantees you the Right to Due Process of Law, and that means you are presumed innocent!
Traffic Violations
Traffic Tickets If you receive a traffic citation, you should have the services of an experienced traffic attorney to help you obtain the best result possible. I can often keep points from going on your driving record. If you have old tickets that have caused your license to be suspended, I can help sort out the situation, clear up the tickets, and get your driver's license back.
Misdemeanors
Drunk Driving (OWI, DWI, DUI, DUIL, OUI, OUIL, UBAL, UBAC, Per se) In Michigan, the main drunk driving charge is called OWI, which means, "Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated." It used to be called OUIL, and before that, it was called DUIL. In other states, and here in Michigan, too, the charge is often referred to as DUI or DWI. If you took a breath test, your ticket may also say "per se" or UBAC, which means "Unlawful Bodily Alcohol Content," but it is often referred to as UBAL, because when the charge was first created, it used to be called "Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level." UBAC is now one of the two ways a prosecutor can try to convict you of OWI. These name changes are an indication of what has happened to the drunk driving laws in the State of Michigan. Every few years, the legislature revises the drunk driving laws, trying to take away defenses. A few years ago, they lowered the breath test presumption for drunk driving down to.08 for an OWI conviction, and took away the lower limit for OWVI (Impaired Driving). A few years before that, they made it much more likely that a person with prior drinking and driving convictions will be charged with a felony. In 2007, they made it so being charged with a felony became even more likely. If you have been charged with OWI or any drinking and driving offense, either as a misdemeanor or as a felony, you need the services of an attorney who practices primarily in the areas of drunk driving defense, OWI, and related topics, so you know you are getting up to date, specialized representation, from an attorney who will dig deep for your defenses and fight hard for your rights. There is still a Constitution!
Drug Crimes
Police had no legal basis for stopping vehicle. Zero Tolerance, DWLS, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia all dismissed.
Probation Violation
Probation Violations If you have been placed on probation, and now are being accused of violating your probation, you should have an experienced attorney representing you, to try to smooth out the situation, or, if appropriate, to vigorously defend against the allegation.