Paul J. Tafelski Blog

DUI checkpoints, often referred to as sobriety checkpoints or roadblocks, are a law enforcement tactic designed to curb and apprehend impaired drivers. Interacting with law enforcement, especially when it involves being scrutinized for potential wrongdoing, can be understandably intimidating. As such, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities during traffic stops and DUI-related encounters with law enforcement. The police are subject to protocols that govern how they should conduct checkpoints and traffic stops while upholding both the law and the drivers’ rights. However, deviations from protocol happen and it may be necessary to challenge how these legal processes...

Michigan’s stringent laws against driving with a suspended license can pull drivers into a web of legal troubles, each more problematic than the last. A suspended license casts a long shadow over your daily life, from limiting your ability to commute to impacting your standing in professional circles. The consequences extend beyond the immediate legal penalties, potentially affecting your insurance premiums, job prospects, and financial stability due to hefty fines and the specter of civil litigation. In these critical moments, the guidance of a seasoned Oakland County criminal defense attorney from Michigan Defense Law becomes an indispensable asset. Our legal...

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unlawful searches and seizures. This means police can’t just stop you, search your belongings, or take your property without following the law. Still, violations happen. One of the most debated practices tied to the Fourth Amendment is “stop and frisk.” Over the years, this approach has raised serious concerns about racial discrimination. In fact, a New York court found the NYPD’s program unconstitutional, even while officials in other states insisted on keeping the practice in place. So, what exactly is a stop-and-frisk, and when does it cross the line into...

Why Are EtG Tests Performed? An EtG test, short for ethyl glucuronide test, is often used for people on OWI probation to check for alcohol use. If you are on probation in Michigan, you are usually required to avoid drinking. Testing can happen on a set schedule or with no advance notice. You might be called in. You might be tested the same day. A positive EtG result can lead to a probation violation being filed against you. This is serious. The court can add penalties, including jail time or even revoking your probation. If your probation officer informs you...

Criminal records are official documents about your history with the criminal justice system in Michigan. These records include arrests, charges, case outcomes, and convictions. This information comes from police departments, courts, and correctional facilities. Most of these records are public in the United States and in Michigan. You can access them in several ways. Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act makes a lot of records available to the public, but there are exceptions. For example, nonpublic expungement records kept by the Michigan State Police are exempt from FOIA. Potential employers and landlords can look up your history. They use large background...

In Michigan, traffic offenses range from civil infractions to misdemeanors and felonies. The differences between felonies and misdemeanors matter. A misdemeanor is more serious than a ticket, and the court can consider jail. That possibility is real, even for something that seems minor at first. Driving while your license is suspended is a common traffic violation that can be charged as a misdemeanor. Suspensions today usually come from safety issues, prior convictions, or a court order tied to driving. Also, saying you did not know about the suspension does not fix the case if proper notice was given. If you...

Losing your driver’s license throws a wrench into daily life. Suddenly, you are scrambling for rides to work, shuffling bus schedules, and leaning on friends for help. Getting those keys back is possible, but the path involves forms, fees, and hearings that can feel overwhelming. That’s where a Michigan license restoration lawyer makes a real difference. For those trying to restore their driver’s license in Michigan, seeking the assistance of a skilled license restoration lawyer can provide the necessary support and knowledge to tackle the process effectively. At Michigan Defense Law, attorney Paul J. Tafelski can take the process off...

If you carry a Michigan conviction, you already know how it can impact your life. Job hunts, apartment searches, and even college applications often kick off with a background check. Nearly nine out of ten employers dig into those reports, four out of five landlords do the same, and most schools follow suit. One line on your record can close doors long after fines are paid and probation ends. The good news is that expungement laws in Michigan let many people clear that record. Depending on the charge, the time that has passed, and how you’ve lived since, you may...

A 12-panel drug test looks for twelve different substances and often comes up in cases that involve a suspended license in Michigan. You might run into it at work, during a probation check, or when you sit for a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation. In a state that takes drug use and driving seriously, knowing what shows up on that test and how it’s given can save you a lot of headaches. If you are seeking to restore your driver’s license after a suspension or revocation due to drug-related offenses, you do not have to face the process alone. Call the...

It’s critical to understand the distinctions between no-contact orders, protection orders, and restraining orders, especially for those who find themselves on the receiving end of one. These orders, while often mentioned interchangeably, serve different purposes and are governed by unique sets of laws. The nuances of each can affect not just the immediate freedom of the recipient but also have long-term legal implications. If you or someone you know in Michigan is dealing with a no-contact order, protection order (PPO), or restraining order, it is essential to seek experienced legal counsel. A skilled Oakland County personal protection order lawyer can...