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	Criminal Law

Whether you are charged with a traffic offense or a major felony, the most important right you have as a citizen is the right to counsel.

My expert advice in criminal matters will help you make the best decision to protect your rights and your interests. I offer expert advice in the following areas:

Michigan's drunk driving laws are some of the toughest in the nation now. Whether it is your first offense or a subsequent offense, the best way to protect your rights is by bringing in a lawyer with the training and knowledge to guide you through the system. My combination of technical knowledge and experience in court could make the difference between going to jail and remaining free. Depending upon your driving record, you may also have to look if your arrest and/or conviction might affect your driving privileges.

Whether it is speeding, driving while license suspended, disobeying a traffic signal or having an accident, you are penalized "twice" every time you plead guilty to any traffic offense. Not only do all moving offenses in Michigan have fines, but they also carry points that are recorded and tabulated by the Secretary of State. These points are reported to your insurance carrier. Points determine increases in your insurance premiums based on the Secretary of State's rating. Not only do insurance companies look to the Secretary of State for this information, but they also recognize those offenses longer than the Secretary of State does and tend to have "longer" memories regarding any past transgressions on your driver's record. The only way to properly control these problems is through representation in court. On some offenses, you are not even required to attend court and still can receive the full benefit that my counsel and Michigan law may offer you.

Assault, assault and battery, drug possession, underage possession of alcohol and retail theft are all examples of misdemeanor crimes. In general, Michigan defines misdemeanor crimes as any crime where there exists a maximum jail sentence of one year or less (with the exception of certain "high" misdemeanors). These matters are generally heard in the district court. You are entitled to a trial when charged with a misdemeanor as well as the attendant rights that come with the trial. I can explain the law to you, explain your rights and help you make the best decision in defending your interests.

A felony is a crime where the maximum penalty exceeds one year of incarceration. These crimes range from writing bad checks to murder. These cases are heard exclusively in the circuit courts of the State of Michigan. Because they are more involved and there many more issues of procedure and evidence, you want to hire a lawyer who has handled many felonies prior to addressing yours. As a C.A.P. certified attorney, I handle hundreds of felonies per year in the Wayne and Macomb Circuit Courts. I have also been retained throughout the state for serious matters. My experience is the key your success in court.

Over the last ten years, Michigan has made a number of fundamental changes to its alcohol-related driving offenses and their civil consequences. Now it is easier than ever to permanently lose your driving privileges in this state for prior alcohol convictions. The Driver's License Appeal Division (DLAD) of the Secretary of State now has almost exclusive jurisdiction over your rights to return to the road. They require those individuals desiring to drive again to meet many stringent standards and fully document their sobriety. You are only entitled to one DLAD hearing per year and if you go in less than prepared, you will not receive your license and will have to wait another year to return. Do not make the mistake of being ill-prepared or believing that you fully understand Michigan's licensure statutes. I can explain the requirements of the Secretary of State and help get you back on the road.

A frequent misdemeanor now charged in the district courts is domestic violence. A conviction under the domestic violence statue will not only result in a permanent misdemeanor record, but will also curtail some of your constitutional rights including the right to own and possess firearms. Further, subsequent convictions under the statute can lead to incarceration and long-term probation. Before going to court, make sure you consult with a lawyer who is familiar with the statutes and is willing to fight for your interests.