URGENT: 14-DAY DEADLINE FOR BREATH TEST REFUSALS
If you refused an evidential breath or blood test following your DUI arrest in Dearborn, you only have 14 days to request a hearing with the Michigan Secretary of State. Failure to request this hearing within 14 days will result in an automatic one-year driver's license suspension and 6 points on your driving record.
This administrative penalty is separate from any criminal charges you face in 19th District Court. You need an experienced Dearborn DUI lawyer immediately to protect your driving privileges.
Learn More About Implied Consent Hearings19th District Court Drunk Driving Cases
If you've been charged with drunk driving, DUI, DWI, or OWI in the City of Dearborn, your case will be heard in the 19th District Court at 16077 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126. This court handles all DUI, OWI, DWI, and drunk driving cases from Dearborn in Wayne County, including specialized Sobriety Court and Veterans Treatment Court programs.
The 19th District Court serves the City of Dearborn exclusively. This court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil disputes up to $25,000, small claims up to $7,000, landlord-tenant matters, and preliminary examinations for felony cases. As a key court in eastern Wayne County, it processes cases from Dearborn Police Department as well as Michigan State Police cases in the Dearborn area.
Specialized DUI Programs in Dearborn Court
The 19th District Court operates Sobriety Court (DWI/Drug Treatment Court) and Veterans Treatment Court programs that offer alternative sentencing for eligible DUI offenders. These specialized courts provide intensive supervision, treatment programs, and potential for reduced charges upon successful completion. Attorney William Maze has extensive experience navigating these specialty court programs for Dearborn DUI clients.
Michigan DUI Penalties - 19th District Court Sentencing Guide
Understanding the potential consequences of a drunk driving conviction in Dearborn court is essential for making informed decisions about your defense strategy, especially regarding Sobriety Court eligibility.
Super Drunk (.17+ BAC) Charges in Dearborn 19th 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 the 19th District Court, these cases are prosecuted aggressively, especially in Dearborn where police departments actively enforce drunk driving laws along Michigan Ave and Telegraph Road.
Immediate Consequences for First Offense Super Drunk in Dearborn:
- 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 19th 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 in Dearborn
As an experienced Dearborn 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. Specific to 19th District Court, I understand how to present these defenses effectively before the Dearborn judges and negotiate for Sobriety Court placement when appropriate.
OWI - Operating While Intoxicated Charges in Dearborn
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is Michigan's standard drunk driving charge for drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. In Dearborn 19th District Court, these cases are prosecuted aggressively, with particular attention to cases involving accidents or repeat offenders. OWI is also commonly referred to as DUI or DWI in everyday language, and Dearborn police actively patrol for impaired drivers on major corridors like Michigan Avenue and Ford Road.
First Offense OWI Penalties in 19th 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 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 to Canada and other countries
19th District Court OWI Defense Approaches
Successful OWI defense in Dearborn requires understanding the specific procedures of the 19th District Court and its specialty court programs. I tailor defense strategies to this court's unique characteristics, challenging improper traffic stops, field sobriety test administration errors, and breath test protocol violations. My extensive experience with Dearborn DUI cases gives me insight into effective strategies for negotiating with prosecutors and presenting cases before the Dearborn judges, including pursuing Sobriety Court placement for eligible clients.
OWVI - Operating While Visibly Impaired Defense in Dearborn
Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI) is a lesser drunk driving charge that doesn't require a specific BAC level. Instead, prosecutors must prove your ability to operate a vehicle was "visibly impaired" by alcohol, marijuana, or other substances. This charge is common in Dearborn when breath tests are refused or unavailable, and it's sometimes referred to as impaired driving or DUI without a specific BAC level.
OWVI Penalties in 19th 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 jail (though less common for first offenses)
- Fines up to $300 + $1,000+ court costs
- 90 days restricted driving (work, school, treatment)
- Community service up to 360 hours
Additional Consequences:
- 4 points on Michigan driver's license (vs. 6 for OWI)
- Probation up to 2 years with testing
- Possible vehicle immobilization
- Criminal record that can affect employment unless it is later set aside
- Travel restrictions for international travel
OWVI Defense Advantages in Dearborn Courts
OWVI charges are often more defensible than OWI because they rely on subjective police observations rather than scientific BAC tests. I challenge OWVI charges by attacking the officer's observations, demonstrating alternative explanations for symptoms (fatigue, medical conditions, nervousness), and showing inconsistencies in the police report. Many OWI charges can be reduced to OWVI through skilled negotiation in 19th District Court, resulting in fewer license points and potentially less severe consequences. For repeat offenders, I explore Sobriety Court eligibility as an alternative to traditional sentencing.
Repeat DUI Offense Penalties & Sobriety Court in Dearborn
Repeat DUI offenses in Michigan carry dramatically increased penalties, especially when they occur within 7 years of a prior conviction. The 19th District Court takes repeat offenses seriously but also offers Sobriety Court as an alternative for eligible offenders. Dearborn prosecutors often seek maximum penalties for repeat drunk driving offenders, but skilled defense can secure specialty court placement.
Sobriety Court Alternative for Repeat Offenders
The 19th District Court's Sobriety Court (DWI/Drug Treatment Court) offers intensive supervision, treatment, and monitoring as an alternative to traditional sentencing for repeat DUI offenders or those with substance abuse issues. Successful completion can lead to reduced charges, avoided jail time, and treatment instead of punishment.
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
- Sobriety Court eligibility possible
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
- Sobriety Court may still be an option
Sobriety Court Defense Strategies for Repeat Offenses
Even repeat offenses can be successfully defended through Sobriety Court placement. I examine eligibility criteria, negotiate with prosecutors for specialty court referral, and prepare clients for the intensive requirements of Sobriety Court. For felony DUI cases in 19th District Court, I explore constitutional challenges, evidentiary issues, and sentencing alternatives that can avoid prison time while addressing the underlying substance abuse issues through the court's specialized programs.
Why You Need Expert 19th District Court DUI Defense
These penalties are severe and life-altering. Attorney William Maze has successfully defended hundreds of DUI cases in Dearborn courts, achieving dismissals, reduced charges, Sobriety Court placements, and favorable outcomes through meticulous case analysis and aggressive defense strategies specifically tailored to the 19th District Court in Dearborn, including its specialty court programs.
19th District Court Judges
Having practiced before the Dearborn judges for many years, Attorney William Maze understands their approaches to DUI cases and specialty court programs:
Hon. Sam Salamey
Chief Judge - 19th District Court
Judge Sam Salamey serves as Chief Judge of the 19th District Court, presiding over criminal, civil, and traffic cases in Dearborn. He oversees DUI/OWI cases, misdemeanor offenses, and civil matters in Wayne County, including specialty court proceedings.
Hon. Gene Hunt
District Court Judge
Judge Gene Hunt serves on the 19th District Court bench, handling criminal, civil, and traffic cases in Dearborn. He presides over DUI/OWI cases and participates in the court's specialty court programs for drunk driving offenders.
Hon. Mark Somers
District Court Judge
Judge Mark Somers serves on the 19th District Court bench, presiding over criminal, civil, and traffic cases in Dearborn. He handles DUI/OWI cases and participates in the court's judicial proceedings for drunk driving offenses.
Judge-Specific Defense Strategies for 19th District Court
Each judge has unique characteristics that affect defense strategy. Attorney William Maze tailors defense approaches based on the specific procedures of 19th District Court, the assigned prosecutor, and the judicial philosophies of Judges Salamey, Hunt, and Somers. This court-specific approach has resulted in numerous successful outcomes for Dearborn DUI defendants, including specialty court placements and favorable plea agreements.
Sobriety Court & Veterans Treatment Court in Dearborn
The 19th District Court offers specialized alternative sentencing programs for DUI offenders through Sobriety Court and Veterans Treatment Court. These programs can provide life-changing alternatives to traditional sentencing for drunk driving charges.
Sobriety Court (DWI/Drug Treatment Court)
Sobriety Court is an intensive supervision program designed for individuals with multiple DUI/OWI offenses or substance abuse issues. This alternative to traditional sentencing offers:
- Intensive supervision and treatment
- Regular court appearances before a dedicated judge
- Frequent drug and alcohol testing
- Individual and group counseling
- 12-step meeting requirements
- Potential for reduced charges or case dismissal upon completion
- Avoidance of jail time for eligible participants
Eligibility Requirements
Sobriety Court typically requires: multiple DUI offenses, demonstrated substance abuse issues, willingness to participate in treatment, and no violent criminal history. Early attorney intervention is crucial for securing placement.
Veterans Treatment Court
Veterans Treatment Court provides specialized assistance to veterans facing criminal charges, particularly those related to service-connected issues like PTSD, TBI, or substance abuse.
- Veteran-specific treatment plans
- Connection with VA benefits and services
- Mentoring by veteran volunteers
- Regular progress monitoring
- Potential for alternative sentencing
- Focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment
Veteran-Specific Defense Strategy
Attorney Maze works with veterans to document service-connected issues, coordinate with VA services, and present comprehensive defense strategies that address the underlying causes of DUI offenses while pursuing Veterans Treatment Court placement when appropriate.
Success Rates & Benefits of Specialty Courts
Participants who successfully complete Sobriety Court or Veterans Treatment Court have significantly lower recidivism rates compared to traditional sentencing. Benefits include: avoiding jail time, reducing or dismissing charges, addressing underlying substance abuse issues, maintaining employment, preserving family relationships, and achieving long-term sobriety. Attorney Maze has guided numerous clients through these programs with successful outcomes.
Police agencies that make drunk driving arrests in Dearborn
Drunk driving cases in the 19th District Court usually begin with one of these agencies:
- Dearborn Police Department (16099 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126; 313-943-2240; Issa Shahin, Chief of Police)
In 2022, the Dearborn Police Department reported 166 driving-under-the-influence offenses and 145 arrests, down 33% from 247 offenses in 2021.
| Agency | 2022 offenses | 2021 offenses | Change | Arrests (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dearborn Police Department | 166 | 247 | -33% | 145 |
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.
19th District Court Prosecutors - Complete Dearborn Directory
The 19th District Court features prosecuting attorneys representing different jurisdictions in Dearborn cases. Understanding which prosecutor handles your case is crucial for effective defense strategy in Dearborn.
Important Legal Advice
Do not contact prosecutors directly! All communication should go through your attorney. Statements made to prosecutors can be used against you. Attorney William Maze maintains professional relationships with all Dearborn prosecutors while aggressively protecting client interests in 19th District Court and negotiating for specialty court placements.
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: wcpodiscovery@waynecounty.com
Handles State Police & Sheriff cases in 19th District Court
City of Dearborn Prosecutors
Ola Faraj Hammoud—P81609
Amanda Zeinab-Abed Atwy—P86466
City of Dearborn Prosecutor's Office
16901 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126-2899
Phone: (313) 943-2035
e-Mail: ofaraj@dearborn.gov
e-Mail: aatwy@dearborn.gov
Handles Dearborn Police Department cases in 19th District Court
Prosecution Trends in Dearborn 19th District Court
- Increased Video Evidence: Body and dash cameras commonly used in Dearborn DUI cases
- Blood Test Requests: More frequent in high-BAC, refusal, and drug-related cases
- Virtual Hearings: Common for arraignments and preliminary matters
- Aggressive Enforcement: Dearborn Police Department actively patrols for impaired drivers on Michigan Ave and major corridors
- Specialty Court Emphasis: Prosecutors increasingly open to Sobriety Court referrals for appropriate cases
- Traffic Stops: DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols in Dearborn, especially around entertainment districts
Drug & Alcohol Testing in 19th District Court
If placed on probation for a DUI conviction in Dearborn, or participating in Sobriety Court, you will be subject to random chemical testing through the court's probation department. The 19th District Court takes testing compliance seriously for drunk driving offenders, with particularly rigorous monitoring for Sobriety Court participants.
Breath Testing (PBT)
Portable breath tests administered during probation appointments and Sobriety Court check-ins in Dearborn. Never arrive after consuming alcohol! Even small amounts can result in probation violations or Sobriety Court sanctions in 19th District Court.
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. Required for Sobriety Court participants. Incidental exposure to alcohol in products such as hand sanitizer and mouthwash can produce low-level positive results. Dearborn probation closely monitors these results.
SCRAM Tether & Continuous Testing
Continuous transdermal alcohol monitoring often required for Sobriety Court participants, repeat offenders, high-risk cases, or high-BAC offenses in Dearborn courts. 24/7 monitoring with immediate violation detection.
Critical Warning About Testing in 19th District Court
Do NOT attempt to "beat" drug tests with gimmicks or products! These rarely work and can result in probation violations or dismissal from Sobriety Court in Dearborn court. Positive tests lead to immediate consequences including jail time, extended probation, license sanctions, or termination from specialty court programs. Always consult with your attorney before any probation appointment and disclose any medications or substances you're taking, especially for Sobriety Court participants.
DUI Defense Strategies for 19th District Court
Attorney William Maze employs comprehensive defense strategies tailored to Dearborn DUI cases, drawing on his extensive experience with 19th District Court procedures and specialty court programs:
Legal & Procedural Defenses
- Illegal Stop: Challenging lack of reasonable suspicion for traffic stop by Dearborn Police
- Field Sobriety Test Errors: Police procedure violations and improper administration
- Breath Test Issues: Machine calibration, maintenance, and operator certification problems
- Blood Test Problems: Chain of custody, storage, and analysis errors
- Rising BAC Defense: Alcohol absorption timing showing lower BAC while driving
- Probable Cause Challenges: Questioning whether officer had valid reason for DUI investigation
- Specialty Court Negotiation: Securing Sobriety Court placement as alternative to traditional sentencing
Technical & Scientific Defenses
- Intoxilyzer Issues: Certified operator requirements and machine-specific problems
- Observation Period Violations: 15-minute continuous observation requirement failures
- Radio Frequency Interference: Electronic interference affecting breath test accuracy
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, GERD, acid reflux, or diet affecting test results
- Mouth Alcohol: Recent drinking, dental work, or mouthwash contaminating breath samples
- Retrograde Extrapolation: Challenging BAC estimation back to time of driving
- Veterans-Specific Defenses: Documenting service-connected issues for Veterans Court eligibility
Proven Track Record in 19th District Court
Attorney Maze's extensive training and experience since 1997 have resulted in numerous successful outcomes including dismissals, reduced charges, not guilty verdicts, Sobriety Court placements, and favorable plea agreements in Dearborn DUI cases. His specific knowledge of 19th District Court procedures, judges, prosecutors, and specialty court programs provides a distinct advantage for Dearborn clients facing drunk driving charges.
Court-Qualified Expert Witness in Field Sobriety and Breath Testing
Recognized DUI Defense Expertise
Attorney William Maze is court-qualified as an expert witness in standardized field sobriety testing, DataMaster breath testing, and Intoxilyzer 9000 breath testing with specialized training and certifications that qualify him to analyze and challenge drunk driving evidence in Dearborn cases, including those involving Sobriety Court considerations.
Expert Witness Qualifications
Attorney Maze's relevant training and qualifications include:
- Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) certification (2005) - Trained to the same standards as police officers
- Breath Test Operation & Maintenance Training - Understands Intoxilyzer and DataMaster breath test devices
- Blood Test Analysis Training - Knowledge of blood alcohol testing procedures and potential errors
- Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program Training - Understands police drug impairment evaluations
- Practicing law since 1997 - Hundreds of DUI cases defended in Michigan courts, including many in 19th District Court
- Member, National College for DUI Defense (since 2004) - Advanced training in drunk driving defense
- Specialty Court Experience - Extensive knowledge of Sobriety Court and Veterans Treatment Court procedures
Expert Testimony Areas: Attorney Maze can provide expert testimony on field sobriety test administration and scoring, breath test reliability and potential errors, blood test procedures and chain of custody issues, police DUI investigation procedures, alternative explanations for impairment indicators, and specialty court program requirements.
How Expert Knowledge Benefits Your Dearborn DUI Case
This expert-level knowledge allows Attorney Maze to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case that less experienced attorneys might miss. He can effectively cross-examine police officers and forensic experts, challenge the reliability of test results, and present alternative explanations for observed behaviors. This expertise is particularly valuable in challenging Super Drunk (.17+ BAC) cases, technical breath or blood test evidence in 19th District Court, and advocating for specialty court placement based on comprehensive case analysis.
Expert Witness Resources
William J. Maze: qualifications and curriculum vitae
Complete information about Attorney Maze's qualifications, training, and experience as a court-qualified expert witness in field sobriety and breath testing.
Court Recognition
Attorney Maze has been qualified as an expert witness by Michigan courts in standardized field sobriety testing and in DataMaster and Intoxilyzer 9000 breath testing.
Training & Education
Regular participation in advanced DUI defense training programs ensures current knowledge of evolving laws, testing technology, defense strategies, and specialty court developments relevant to Dearborn DUI cases.
Recognitions
Free 19th District Court DUI Case Evaluation
Facing drunk driving charges in Dearborn? Get legal guidance from Attorney William Maze, who has defended hundreds of DUI cases in 19th District Court and understands the specific procedures of Dearborn's court system, including Sobriety Court and Veterans Treatment Court programs.
How to reach us
Submit your case details below or call (734) 941-8800 for 24/7 emergency legal assistance. Consultations are confidential. Ask about Sobriety Court eligibility during your consultation.
Why Choose William Maze for Dearborn DUI Cases?
- Practicing law since 1997
- Court-qualified expert witness (SFST and breath testing)
- Dearborn Court Experience
- Sobriety Court Navigation Experience
- Veterans Treatment Court Experience
- Jury Trial Success Record
- Breath Test Operator Training
- SFST Certification (2005)
- Member, National College for DUI Defense (since 2004)
- Experience with Dearborn Judges & Prosecutors
Serving Dearborn & Eastern Wayne County
Multiple office locations for your convenience including Romulus office near Detroit Metro Airport and Livonia office. Special focus on 19th District Court in Dearborn and its specialty court programs.
Specialty Court Focus
Attorney Maze has successfully guided numerous clients through Dearborn's Sobriety Court and Veterans Treatment Court programs, achieving alternative sentencing and positive outcomes for DUI cases that might otherwise result in jail time.
Serving City of Dearborn and surrounding communities in 19th District Court. Representing clients in Sobriety Court and Veterans Treatment Court
19th District Court Location
Court Information
19th District Court
16077 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126
Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Directions:
Located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Dearborn. The court serves Dearborn exclusively in eastern Wayne County, near the Dearborn Administrative Center.
Specialty Court Information:
Sobriety Court: (313) 943-2020
Veterans Treatment Court: (313) 943-2020
Online Resources:
Court Website
Online Case Lookup
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