Allen Park Drunk Driving Defense Attorney
24th District Court DUI & OWI Cases
28+ Years 24th District Court Experience
Allen Park & Melvindale DUI Specialist
Court Qualified DUI Defense Expert Witness
Free Case EvaluationCall 24/7: (734) 941-8800
Awards & Recognitions
Recognized excellence in DUI defense and criminal law
"I've successfully defended hundreds of DUI cases in the 24th District Court and understand exactly how to challenge Allen Park and Melvindale drunk driving charges."
- Attorney William Maze, Allen Park DUI Defense Lawyer
CALL NOW: (734) 941-880024th District Court Drunk Driving Cases
If you've been charged with drunk driving in Allen Park or Melvindale, your case will be heard in the 24th District Court at 6515 Roosevelt Avenue, Allen Park, MI 48101. This court handles DUI, DWI, and OWI cases from both jurisdictions:
- City of Allen Park DUI Cases
- Allen Park Police Department arrests
- I-94 & Southfield Road DUI stops
- City of Melvindale DWI Cases
- Melvindale Police Department arrests
- Outer Drive & Allen Road drunk driving stops
The 24th District Court is located just south of I-94 where Southfield Freeway transitions to Southfield Road. This strategic location means the court handles numerous DUI cases from major highways including I-94, I-75, and Southfield Road - some of the busiest roadways in Wayne County for drunk driving enforcement.
Current 24th District Court Judges
The court is served by two experienced judges: Hon. John T. Courtright and Hon. Richard A. Page. Each brings unique perspectives to DUI cases, and Attorney William Maze has extensive experience practicing before both judges in drunk driving cases.
Michigan DUI Penalties - 24th District Court Sentencing Guide
Understanding the potential consequences of a drunk driving conviction in Allen Park court is essential for making informed decisions about your defense strategy.
Super Drunk (.17+ BAC) Charges in Allen Park 24th District Court
Super Drunk charges in Michigan refer to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.17% or higher. This is considered "high BAC" or "Super Drunk" under Michigan law and carries enhanced penalties compared to standard OWI charges in Allen Park and Melvindale courts.
Immediate Consequences for First Offense Super Drunk in 24th District Court:
- Misdemeanor Conviction on permanent record
- Up to 180 days in jail (Judge discretion in 24th District Court)
- Fines: $200-$700 + $1,000+ court costs and fees
- 45-day hard license suspension (no driving at all)
Long-Term Consequences:
- 1-year mandatory alcohol rehabilitation program
- 320 days with ignition interlock device required
- 6 points on Michigan driver's license
- Up to 360 hours community service
- 2 years probation with mandatory drug/alcohol testing
- Possible vehicle immobilization
Defense Strategy for Super Drunk Cases
As an experienced Allen Park DUI defense attorney, I challenge Super Drunk cases through multiple avenues: challenging the breath test calibration and maintenance records, questioning the 15-minute observation period, examining radio frequency interference that could affect test results, and exploring medical conditions (like diabetes or GERD) that could produce false high BAC readings in Allen Park DUI cases.
OWI - Operating While Intoxicated Charges in Allen Park
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is Michigan's standard drunk driving charge for drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. In Allen Park 24th District Court, these DUI cases are prosecuted aggressively, especially along major highways like I-94 and Southfield Road where enhanced enforcement occurs.
First Offense OWI Penalties in 24th District Court:
Immediate Consequences:
- Misdemeanor Conviction on permanent criminal record
- Up to 93 days in Allen Park jail
- Fines up to $500 + $1,000+ in court costs and assessments
- 30-day hard license suspension (no driving privileges)
- Community service up to 360 hours
Additional Long-Term Consequences:
- 150 days restricted license (work, school, treatment only)
- 6 points on Michigan driver's license
- 2 years probation with random drug/alcohol testing
- Possible vehicle immobilization at judge's discretion
- Travel restrictions for international travel
24th District Court OWI Defense Approaches
Successful OWI defense in Allen Park requires understanding each judge's tendencies. Judge Page values detailed legal arguments and is open to innovative theories, while Judge Courtright has a more prosecution-friendly approach at motions but conducts fair jury trials. I tailor defense strategies accordingly, challenging improper traffic stops, field sobriety test administration errors, and breath test protocol violations specific to Allen Park and Melvindale police procedures.
Repeat DUI Offense Penalties in Allen Park 24th District Court
Repeat DUI offenses in Michigan carry dramatically increased penalties, especially when they occur within 7 years of a prior conviction. The 24th District Court takes repeat offenses seriously, particularly for cases involving accidents or high BAC levels in Allen Park and Melvindale.
Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenders in Allen Park
Second and third DUI offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences that judges in 24th District Court must impose. However, skilled defense can still achieve favorable outcomes through alternative sentencing programs like Sobriety Court.
Second DUI Offense (Within 7 Years):
- 5 days to 1 year jail (5-day mandatory minimum)
- Minimum 1-year license revocation (no restricted license)
- Vehicle immobilization for 90-180 days
- Fines $200-$1,000 plus costs
- 30-90 days community service
- Mandatory substance abuse assessment
- Possible alcohol tether (SCRAM) requirement
Third DUI Offense (Felony Charge):
- FELONY CONVICTION (permanent record)
- 1-5 years prison (potentially mandatory)
- License revocation (upwards of 5 year minimum)
- Vehicle forfeiture possible
- Fines $500-$5,000
- 60-180 days community service
- Possible registration as habitual offender
- Lifetime travel restrictions to Canada
Defense Strategies for Repeat Offenses
Even repeat offenses can be successfully defended in Allen Park court. I examine whether the prior conviction is within the 7-year lookback period, challenge the validity of the prior conviction, negotiate for Sobriety Court placement, and fight for alternative sentencing. For felony DUI cases, I explore constitutional challenges, evidentiary issues, and sentencing alternatives that can avoid prison time.
Why You Need Expert 24th District Court DUI Defense
These penalties are severe and life-altering. Attorney William Maze has successfully defended hundreds of DUI cases in Allen Park court, achieving dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable outcomes through meticulous case analysis and aggressive defense strategies specifically tailored to the 24th District Court.
Current 24th District Court Judges
Having practiced before both Allen Park judges for over 25 years, Attorney William Maze understands each judge's approach to DUI cases:
Hon. Richard A. Page
Zoom ID: 536 469 1783
Excellent judge with fair approach to DUI cases. Open to innovative legal arguments and theories. Fair to both parties at trial and reasonable at sentencing. Has granted significant victories on difficult drunk driving cases resulting in dismissals and reductions.
Hon. John T. Courtright
Zoom ID: 945 541 8581
More prosecution-friendly at motions but conducts fair jury trials. Heavy bias in favor of police and prosecution at evidentiary hearings. Fair at sentencing for first-time DUI offenses. Moderate jail sentences typically ordered for repeat drunk driving offenders.
Judge-Specific Defense Strategies
Each Allen Park judge has unique perspectives on DUI cases. Attorney William Maze tailors defense strategies based on the assigned judge, case facts, and prosecuting attorney. For Judge Page, we emphasize innovative legal theories. For Judge Courtright, we focus on compelling jury trial presentations. This judge-specific approach has resulted in numerous successful outcomes in 24th District Court drunk driving cases.
24th District Court Prosecutors - Complete Directory
The 24th District Court features multiple prosecuting attorneys representing Allen Park and Melvindale jurisdictions. Understanding which prosecutor handles your DUI case is crucial for effective defense strategy.
Important Legal Advice
Do not contact prosecutors directly! All communication should go through your attorney. Statements made to prosecutors can be used against you in Allen Park DUI cases. Attorney William Maze maintains professional relationships with all 24th District Court prosecutors while aggressively protecting client interests.
State Prosecutor for Wayne County
Kym L. Worthy (P38875)
Wayne County Prosecutor's Office
5301 Russel Street, Ste 200
Frank Murphy Hall of Justice
Detroit, MI 48211
Phone: (313) 224-5777
e-Mail: WCPO Discovery wcpodiscovery@waynecounty.com
Handles Michigan State Police & Wayne County Sheriff DUI cases in 24th District Court
City of Allen Park Prosecutor
Michael P. Hurley (P37519)
Pentiuk Couvreur & Kobiljak PC
2915 Biddle Ave Ste 200
Wyandotte, MI 48192-5267
Phone: (734) 281-7100
Fax: (734) 281-7102
e-Mail: mhurley@pck-law.com
City of Melvindale Prosecutor
Lawrence J. Coogan (P42433)
Coogan Law
4146 Oakwood Blvd
Melvindale, MI 48122
Phone: (313) 381-0044
Fax: (313) 389-1490
e-Mail: lawrencejcooganlaw@yahoo.com
Prosecution Trends in Allen Park 24th District Court
- Increased Video Evidence: More Allen Park and Melvindale police vehicles equipped with dash cameras
- Blood Test Requests: More frequent in high-BAC and refusal cases
- Virtual Hearings: Standard for arraignments and some motions via Zoom
- Plea Variation: Allen Park and Melvindale have different negotiation policies
- Highway Cases: Enhanced scrutiny for I-94 and Southfield Road DUI arrests
Drug & Alcohol Testing in 24th District Court
If placed on probation for a DUI conviction in Allen Park, you will be subject to random chemical testing through the court's probation department:
Breath Testing (PBT)
Portable breath tests administered during probation appointments. Never arrive after consuming alcohol!
Urine Testing (EtG)
Detects alcohol biomarkers for up to several weeks. Beware of false positives from certain foods and products.
SCRAM Tether
Continuous transdermal alcohol monitoring. Required for some repeat offenders or high-risk DUI cases.
Critical Warning About Testing
Do NOT attempt to "beat" drug tests with gimmicks or products! These rarely work and can result in probation violations. Positive tests lead to immediate consequences including jail time. Always consult with your attorney before any probation appointment in Allen Park court.
24th District Court Sobriety Court Program
State-Approved for Restricted License Eligibility
The 24th District Court Sobriety Court program is state-approved, allowing participants who successfully complete the program to obtain restricted licenses. This represents an important opportunity for repeat DUI offenders in Allen Park and Melvindale to avoid mandatory lifetime license revocation.
The 24th District Court Sobriety Court is an intensive, state-approved program for repeat DUI offenders with substance abuse issues. This specialized docket combines judicial supervision with treatment and support services, operated jointly with the 23rd District Court in Taylor, Michigan:
- State-Approved Program: Eligible for restricted licenses upon successful completion
- Avoid License Revocation: Escape mandatory lifetime revocation for second offenses within 7 years
- Drive Within 45 Days: Potential for restricted driving privileges after minimum 45-day suspension
- Intensive Monitoring: Regular court appearances and supervision
- Treatment Focus: Counseling and substance abuse treatment programs
- Regular Testing: Frequent drug and alcohol screening
Important: A Michigan driver convicted of two alcohol-related offenses within 7 years faces mandatory lifetime revocation with no driving privileges. Michigan's Secretary of State places a nationwide hold on revoked motorists. Under the Sobriety Court program, certain judges can overrule the Secretary of State's revocation procedures after a minimum 45-day suspension.
Eligibility & Referral Process
Sobriety Court is typically available to repeat DUI offenders with demonstrated substance abuse issues. Referrals can come from defense attorneys, prosecutors, or probation officers. As an experienced Allen Park DUI defense attorney, I can evaluate whether Sobriety Court is an appropriate option for your case and advocate for your admission to the program.
Program Resources
Download Sobriety Court Brochure
Complete information about program requirements, phases, and expectations for the state-approved 24th District Court Sobriety Court program.
Important Note
Accepting a position in Sobriety Court still requires an application for restoration of one's driver's license before the DLAD for drivers license restoration.
DUI Defense Strategies for 24th District Court
Attorney William Maze employs comprehensive defense strategies tailored to Allen Park and Melvindale DUI cases:
Legal Defenses
- Illegal Stop: Challenging lack of reasonable suspicion for Allen Park or Melvindale police stops
- Field Sobriety Test Errors: Police procedure violations in administering tests
- Breath Test Issues: Intoxilyzer 9000 calibration/maintenance problems
- Blood Test Problems: Chain of custody and analysis errors
- Rising BAC Defense: Alcohol absorption timing issues
Technical Defenses
- Breath Test Operation: Certified operator requirements and procedures
- Observation Period Violations: 15-minute continuous observation requirement
- Radio Frequency Interference: Affecting breath test accuracy
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, GERD, diet affecting test results
- Mouth Alcohol: Recent drinking, dental work, or acid reflux
Proven Track Record in 24th District Court
Attorney Maze's extensive training and experience have resulted in numerous successful outcomes including dismissals, reduced charges, and not guilty verdicts in Allen Park DUI cases. His certification in field sobriety testing and breath test operation provides unique insights for challenging prosecution evidence in 24th District Court.
Free 24th District Court DUI Case Evaluation
Facing drunk driving charges in Allen Park or Melvindale? Get expert legal guidance from Attorney William Maze, who has defended hundreds of DUI, DWI, and OWI cases in 24th District Court.
Immediate Response Guaranteed
Submit your case details below or call (734) 941-8800 for 24/7 emergency legal assistance. All consultations are confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.
24th District Court Location
Court Information
24th District Court
6515 Roosevelt Avenue
Allen Park, MI 48101
Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Directions:
South of I-94, where Southfield Freeway turns into Southfield Road. Northwest of I-75. On south/west side of divided highway.
Online Resources:
Court Website
Online Payments
Case Lookup
Legal Resources
Case Management
Contact Options
(734) 941-8800 - 24/7
Online Form
Emergency DUI Assistance