Many believe a DUI charge always results in harsh penalties such as fines, license suspension, or jail time, but that’s not necessarily guaranteed. While DUI penalties in Michigan can be severe, an arrest doesn’t mean automatic guilt. With the right, aggressive DUI defense lawyer, parts of the case can be challenged, potentially leading to reduced...

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling for a significant shift in how we handle drunk driving laws, advocating to lower the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08 to 0.05 grams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. The goal is clear: reduce traffic injuries and deaths. However, while this may seem...

In Michigan, a plea bargain is an agreement in a criminal case between the prosecutor and defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to only one of several charges in exchange for some concession from the prosecutor. Although plea deals may offer a faster court process, they can...

When you're driving in Michigan, you might wonder about your rights during a traffic stop. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution safeguards citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. This protection extends to your vehicle, but there are exceptions that allow police to search without a warrant in specific situations. Michigan's Constitution, Article 1, Section...

The consequences for a Michigan DUI Causing Death charge are severe and far-reaching. If found guilty, you could face up to 15 years in prison. In addition to imprisonment, you may also be ordered to pay hefty fines and permanently have your driver's license revoked. And that's just the immediate aftermath. In the long term,...

Criminal justice reform has brought with it an increased emphasis on rehabilitation rather than on incarceration. With this reform, Michigan has established several problem-solving courts that are designed to rehabilitate, provide specialized treatment services, and provide intensive supervision. The specialty courts currently operating within the state include: Drug Court Sobriety Court Adult Mental Health Court...

Since 1970, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), along with heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. However, that could soon change. That's because the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) plans to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. What does Schedule I mean? Under the CSA’s classification system,...

Facing DUI charges (referred to as OWI in Michigan) can have a serious personal and professional impact. A conviction can mean significant financial strain due to fines and legal fees and the potential loss of driving privileges, which can affect one's ability to work. A criminal record can make it difficult to find another job,...

Michigan's OWI laws are strict, with penalties that can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life. Whether it's your first encounter with the law or you have previous OWI charges, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. The key to effectively dealing with an OWI charge...

When prosecutors move forward with DUI charges, they rely on evidence that was gathered by the police officer who made the traffic stop. During a stop, an officer may begin by asking the driver if they know why they were pulled over if they have been drinking, where they are coming from, and where they...