24th 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 your criminal record. A first offense may qualify to be set aside after five years, but it stays on your Secretary of State driving 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
- Probation of up to 2 years, commonly with random drug and 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 your criminal record. A first offense may qualify to be set aside after five years, but it stays on your Secretary of State driving record.
- Up to 93 days in Allen Park jail
- Fines of $100 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
- Probation of up to 2 years, commonly with random drug and 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 offenses carry mandatory sanctions that judges in 24th District Court must impose: a second offense within 7 years requires jail, community service, or both, and a third offense is a felony. A jail term for these offenses may not be suspended unless the defendant successfully completes a specialty court program (MCL 257.625(9)(d)). However, skilled defense can still achieve favorable outcomes through alternative sentencing programs like Sobriety Court.
Second DUI Offense (Within 7 Years):
- Jail of 5 days to 1 year, community service of 30 to 90 days, or both. The court must impose at least one of these (MCL 257.625(9)(b))
- License revocation: at least 1 year before you may seek reinstatement, or 5 years if you had another revocation within the prior 7 years (MCL 257.303). No restricted license from the Secretary of State, although DWI/sobriety court interlock participants may qualify for one (MCL 600.1084)
- Vehicle immobilization for 90-180 days
- Fines $200-$1,000 plus costs
- 30 to 90 days of community service (instead of, or in addition to, jail)
- Mandatory substance abuse assessment
- Possible alcohol tether (SCRAM) requirement
Third DUI Offense (Felony Charge):
- FELONY CONVICTION (permanent record)
- Either 1 to 5 years in prison, or probation with 30 days to 1 year in jail plus 60 to 180 days of community service (MCL 257.625(9)(c))
- License revocation: at least 1 year before you may seek reinstatement, or at least 5 years if you had another revocation within the prior 7 years (MCL 257.303(4))
- Vehicle forfeiture possible
- Fines $500-$5,000
- 60 to 180 days of community service (with the probation alternative)
- Possible habitual-offender sentence enhancement if you have prior felony convictions (MCL 769.10–769.12)
- Travel restrictions to Canada: an impaired-driving conviction can make a person inadmissible until Canadian authorities approve relief
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.
Police agencies that make drunk driving arrests in Allen Park & Melvindale
Drunk driving cases in the 24th District Court usually begin with one of these agencies:
- Allen Park Police Department (Christopher Egan, Chief of Police)
- Melvindale Police Department (3100 Oakwood Blvd, Melvindale, MI 48122; 313-429-1070; Christopher Egan, Chief of Police)
Of the agencies that report separately, the Allen Park Police Department reported the most driving-under-the-influence offenses in 2022 (72, with 51 arrests), down 29% from 102 in 2021.
| Agency | 2022 offenses | 2021 offenses | Change | Arrests (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen Park Police Department | 72 | 102 | -29% | 51 |
| Melvindale Police Department | 23 | 40 | -42% | 22 |
Michigan State Police troopers also patrol the freeways and state highways in the area; a trooper’s arrest goes to the district court where the stop occurred. The figures come from Michigan’s incident-based crime reporting for the offense category “driving under the influence” (2022 compared with 2021), as compiled by Maze Legal; an offense is a reported violation and an arrest is a person taken into custody. Department addresses, phone numbers, and leadership were reviewed on September 27, 2026 and change often. The agency that made the arrest matters: its policies for roadside testing, video recording, and breath-test administration are the first records a defense lawyer requests.
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 Russell 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 metabolites (EtG/EtS), generally for about one to three days after drinking, depending on the amount consumed and the laboratory cutoff; hair testing can look back much longer. Incidental exposure to alcohol in products such as hand sanitizer and mouthwash can produce low-level positive results.
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 drive on a restricted license during what would otherwise be a mandatory 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: Drive on a restricted license despite the mandatory revocation for a second offense within 7 years (MCL 600.1084)
- 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 license revocation (at least one year, or five years with another revocation in the prior seven years, before reinstatement may be sought) 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.
Recognitions
Free 24th District Court DUI Case Evaluation
Facing drunk driving charges in Allen Park or Melvindale? Get legal guidance from Attorney William Maze, who has defended hundreds of DUI, DWI, and OWI cases in 24th District Court.
How to reach us
Submit your case details below or call (734) 941-8800 for 24/7 emergency legal assistance. Consultations are confidential.
Why Choose William Maze for Allen Park DUI Cases?
- Practicing law since 1997
- Court-qualified expert witness (SFST and breath testing)
- Allen Park & Melvindale Experience
- Jury Trial Success Record
- Breath Test Operator Training
- SFST Certification (2005)
- Member, National College for DUI Defense (since 2004)
Serving Allen Park & Melvindale
Office locations convenient to 24th District Court:
Romulus, Livonia, and Detroit offices available
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
Michigan courts case search (MiCOURT)
Court and case resources
Sources for the legal and scientific statements on this page
Penalty, license, set-aside, and testing information on this page was reviewed against these sources in September 2026. Court staffing, prosecutor assignments, and contact details change; confirm them with the court before relying on them.
- MCL 257.625 (operating while intoxicated; penalties)
- MCL 257.303 (license revocation; minimum periods before reinstatement)
- MCL 780.621c (setting aside a first-offense OWI conviction; effective February 19, 2022)
- Michigan Department of Attorney General, "First Time Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Offenses"
- MCL 600.1084 (DWI/sobriety court interlock program; restricted license)
- Office of the Governor, press release on 2018 PA 43–50 eliminating driver responsibility fees (March 1, 2018)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Advisory: The Role of Biomarkers in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders, 2012 Revision (vol. 11, no. 2)
- Reisfield GM, Goldberger BA, Crews BO, et al. Ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate, and ethanol in urine after sustained exposure to an ethanol-based hand sanitizer. J Anal Toxicol. 2011;35(2):85–91