Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

Police can question a child without parental consent in many situations in Oakland County and throughout Michigan. The rules change depending on whether the child is a witness, a victim, or a suspect in custody. When a child is arrested or not free to leave, Miranda protections apply, and the child’s age must be considered when determining whether the questioning was voluntary. At Michigan Defense Law, Oakland County criminal defense attorney Paul J. Tafelski represents parents and defendants facing charges that affect their families. Whether you are dealing with police interviews of your child or concerns about how charges may...

Letters of reference are one of the most important pieces of evidence in a Michigan driver’s license restoration case. The Michigan Department of State’s Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight (OHAO) requires 3 to 6 notarized community support letters from people who can speak from firsthand knowledge about your relationship, your substance use/sobriety history, and (when applicable) your treatment or support involvement. At Michigan Defense Law, Oakland County license restoration attorney Paul J. Tafelski helps clients throughout the state prepare strong petitions and avoid costly mistakes. Our criminal defense lawyers review every letter, every document, and every detail before your...

Restoring your driver’s license after an OWI-related revocation in Michigan typically requires (1) waiting until you’re legally eligible, (2) submitting a complete hearing packet, and (3) proving sobriety at a Michigan Secretary of State OHAO hearing. OWI offenses are addressed under MCL 257.625, and revocations do not reinstate automatically; you must win a hearing. At Michigan Defense Law, Oakland County driver’s license restoration attorney Paul J. Tafelski helps clients in Bloomfield Hills and throughout the state navigate every stage of the license restoration process. Losing your ability to drive affects your work, your family, and your independence. Paul J. Tafelski...

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...

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...