In Michigan, a common sanction by both the courts and the Secretary of State is the required installation of an interlock ignition device on the defendant’s (or petitioner’s) automobile. Colloquially referred to as a ‘blow and go’, these devices can be a tremendous headache for those required to install them.…
If you spend enough time in the back of a court room you will hear a few common explanations for positive drug and alcohol tests. Often when faced with a probation violation (or show cause while on bond, or if you are appealing to get your license back) defendants/petitioners will…
In the United States, there are crimes which may be prosecuted at the State level based upon violations of State laws. A Federal crime is one which involves a violation of a Federal law. Many criminal offenses may fall under the jurisdiction of both the State and Federal laws and…
The intention of this post is to give you a brief overview of what to expect if you are being charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) arising out of the 18th District Court in the City of Westland. The 18th District Court is presided over by the Honorable Judges Sandra…
Well, December has never been a month where business is slow at the shopping malls or at our law firm. December is the month when people get out of their routine. What I mean is that many tend to drink more, spend more money, drive more frequently and have greater…
MYTH #1: Underage drivers cannot be charged with a DUI unless they are above the legal limit. FACT: False! Underage drivers on the road with ANY presence of alcohol may be charged with a drinking and driving crime. This type of charge is known as a zero tolerance. Repercussions can…
Most drunk driving (DUI or OWI) cases in Macomb County are resolved without trial. The vast majority of first offense drunk driving (DUI or OWI) cases can be negotiated to the lower offense, such as operating while impaired, unless there are policy reasons which prohibit the prosecuting attorney from plea…
With fall quickly approaching many students are bracing for their return to college. Many college age students from Macomb County attend MSU. The University in recent years has seen an enhanced police presence both on and off campus. The combination of football Saturdays, a sizable off campus student population, and…
In Michigan, retail fraud, more commonly referred to as shoplifting, is an aggressively prosecuted and pervasive offense. Frequently, our office defends these cases in Harper Woods where the Eastland Mall is located and many of these offenses occur. Originally opened in 1957, the facility houses large department stores including the…
According to Wikipedia, on September 10, 1897, George Smith, a London taxi driver, was the first person to be convicted of drunk driving. DUIL, DUI, OUIL, OUI, OWI, OWVI, OWPD, UBAL: What do they all mean? Whenever we meet with a new client that is charged with drunk driving, we…