Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

Losing your driver’s license because of a medical condition can be frustrating, stressful, and disruptive to your daily life. In Michigan, the Secretary of State has the legal authority to suspend your license if they believe a physical or mental condition makes it unsafe for you to drive. This process is called a medical suspension, and it often catches drivers by surprise. Many people find themselves suddenly without driving privileges after a medical review or Driver Assessment Reexamination, even if their doctor believes they are capable of driving safely. Understanding how medical suspensions work, the role of the Physician’s Statement...

Restoring a driver’s license after a revocation or suspension due to multiple OWI convictions or other serious traffic violations can be a challenging process, especially for those who need to drive for work, school, or essential responsibilities. MCL 257.304 provides a legal framework for individuals in Michigan to obtain a restricted license, allowing limited driving privileges under specific conditions. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Michigan can help you understand that while it offers a pathway to reinstatement, failure to meet all legal requirements can lead to further penalties or delays in obtaining full driving privileges. The legal and administrative...

If you’re a CDL holder in Michigan, then you know your license is more than just a card in your wallet; it’s your livelihood. It’s how you support your family, keep your bills paid, and maintain the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to build. When that license gets suspended, everything is suddenly on the line. That’s why knowing the facts about license restoration isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. Getting the right information, knowing what steps to take, and acting quickly can be the difference between getting back on the road or watching your career stall out. License restoration plays a major...

Being charged with a first DUI in Oakland County can be an intimidating experience. You may be worried about potential jail time, license suspension, hefty fines, and how a conviction could affect your future, which is why it’s crucial to consult with a criminal defense lawyer in Oakland County. For many drivers, a first DUI arrest happens on major routes like I-75 near Auburn Hills or Woodward Avenue. Stops also frequently occur near busy commercial areas such as Downtown Royal Oak. Each of these areas is patrolled by various law enforcement agencies, which can affect how quickly a stop escalates...

Substance abuse evaluations are a critical part of the Oakland County license restoration process. Drivers who have lost their privileges after substance-related offenses must undergo these assessments before they can regain the ability to drive. For many people in the region, the ability to legally drive again is essential for maintaining work, family responsibilities, and access to court-related appointments. A successful outcome in license restoration proceedings becomes more likely with a clear awareness of the evaluation’s significance, the process involved, and the criteria evaluators use, often gained through guidance from license restoration attorneys in Michigan like those at Michigan Defense...

On probation in Oakland County, especially in communities like Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, your rules can vary by court order and your probation officer’s instructions. If you’re wondering what you can and can’t do about travel while supervised here in Oakland County (and across Michigan), this guide breaks down the essentials and how to get permission the right way, a process where a criminal lawyer in Oakland County can be a valuable asset. This question is particularly relevant for those who need to travel due to work obligations, family commitments, or for the enjoyment of a well-earned break. Navigating...

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...

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...