Talk to a lawyer now about your South Lyon case by calling (734) 941-8800 or complete a free online evaluation of your South Lyon DUI case.
Quick Facts about the 52-1 District Court for South Lyon, Michigan, Oakland County District Court
If you are charged with a DUI offense in South Lyon, Michigan, then your case will be heard in the 52-1 District Court in Novi, Michigan, unless the case is charged as a felony. Felony cases begin in the Novi District Court with a preliminary examination but, if bound over, the case will proceed to trial in the Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac, Michigan. The current judges of the 52-1 District Court are the Honorable Travis Reeds (Chief Judge), the Honorable Robert Bondy, and the Honorable David Law.
Although Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper and the various assistant prosecuting attorneys working under the elected official have the ability to prosecute drunk driving cases in the 52-1 district court, the majority of cases are prosecuted locally by the city or township prosecutor. Recently, the City of South Lyon has experienced problems with the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, and the local municipal government generates more revenue from local prosecutions. As such, the South Lyon Police Department is charging most first-time offenders locally as "City of South Lyon" tickets handled by the city attorney. In addition to the local jurisdictions, the Oakland County Sheriff deputies frequently charge drunk driving cases in the 52-1 District Court, making traffic stops in South Lyon. These cases are handled primarily (although not exclusively) by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office. The Michigan State Police rarely make traffic stops in South Lyon, but these cases would also be handled by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.
Thumbnail Sketch of DUI / OWI Penalties You Face in the 52-1 District Court If Convicted
If you plead guilty or if you are found guilty following a trial, you are facing the following penalties. Please note that your driver's license remains valid unless or until you enter a plea or are found guilty, even though the police may have issued you a temporary paper license.
First Time Offender: Super Drunk Over .17 BAC
- Recorded as "misdemeanor" conviction as opposed to felony conviction on criminal record
- Jail up to 180 days
- Probation for up to 2 years with alcohol and drug monitoring
- Fines of $200 to $700, "plus court costs" which totals well over $1,000.00
- One year of alcohol rehabilitation
- 45 days hard suspension, eligible to drive for the balance of the year (320 days) if the offender pays to have a breath alcohol ignition interlock device installed in the vehicle
- Up to 360 hours community service
- Six points on your Michigan driver's license
- Historical: $1,000.00 per year for two years "Driver Responsibility Fee" charged by the Secretary of State through the Michigan Department of Treasury Repealed — no driver responsibility fees have been assessed since October 1, 2018, and unpaid fees were forgiven (2018 PA 43–50).
First Time Offender: OWI - Operating While Intoxicated (Same as DUI or DWI)
- Recorded as "misdemeanor" conviction as opposed to felony conviction on criminal record
- Jail up to 93 days
- Probation for up to 2 years with alcohol and drug monitoring
- Fines up to $500, "plus court costs" which totals over $1,000.00
- 30 days hard suspension on Michigan driver's license, eligible to drive for the balance of the six months (150 days) on a restricted basis, i.e. to / from / and in connection with work, court ordered programs, and emergency medical treatment
- Up to 360 hours community service
- Six points on your Michigan driver's license
- Historical: $1,000.00 per year for two years "Driver Responsibility Fee" charged by the Secretary of State through the Michigan Department of Treasury Repealed — no driver responsibility fees have been assessed since October 1, 2018, and unpaid fees were forgiven (2018 PA 43–50).
First Time Offender: OWVI - Operating While Impaired
- Recorded as "misdemeanor" conviction as opposed to felony conviction on criminal record
- Jail up to 93 days
- Probation for up to 2 years with alcohol and drug monitoring
- Fines up to $300, "plus court costs" which totals over $1,000.00
- 90 days restricted driving on Michigan driver's license, i.e. to / from / and in connection with work, court ordered programs, and emergency medical treatment
- Up to 360 hours community service
- Four points on your Michigan driver's license
- Historical: $500.00 per year for two years "Driver Responsibility Fee" charged by the Secretary of State through the Michigan Department of Treasury Repealed — no driver responsibility fees have been assessed since October 1, 2018, and unpaid fees were forgiven (2018 PA 43–50).
A second offense for either OWI or OWVI within seven years of a prior OWI or OWVI results in tougher penalties, greater likelihood of jail, and revocation of the person's driver's license. Revocation is indefinite: the driver must wait at least one year (five years if there was another revocation within the prior seven years) and then win reinstatement from the Secretary of State (MCL 257.303(4)). A third offense for any combination of OWI and OWVI charges in a lifetime is a felony OWI 3rd offense, which carries mandatory jail and a possible prison term of up to 5 years.
Drug and Alcohol Testing in the 52-1 District Court
If you are arrested and charged with a DUI in the 52-1 district court, JAMS testing is regularly ordered as a condition of bond and pretrial release. JAMS, LLC stands for "Jail Alternatives for Michigan Services," and it is a private company that performs drug and alcohol monitoring. Their website www.jamstesting.com provides additional information. This means that, even though you are presumed innocent, you might be "punished" for months before going to trial, being forced to spend both your time and your money to permit the court to invade your privacy. If you fail to test, you can go to jail before going to trial. This absurd practice, which undoubtedly has good intentions, has gotten out of hand at the 52-1 District Court.
Scientific note
Urine EtG and EtS tests generally detect drinking for about one to three days, depending on the amount consumed and the laboratory cutoff; hair testing can look back much longer. Incidental exposure from products such as hand sanitizer or mouthwash can produce low-level positives. See the sources at the end of this page.
52-1 District Court Sobriety Court Program
The Novi District Court was one of the forerunners implementing a sobriety court program. This intensive program is designed to address substance abuse problems. For repeat drunk driving offenders with alcohol problems, this program has proven remarkably successful, reducing recidivism and helping people. The program combines monitoring with frequent meetings, and a system of punishments and incentives.
Under a pilot project passed by the Michigan Legislature, convicted offenders in the South Lyon District Court's sobriety court program are eligible for a restricted driver's license long before the one year revocation period has elapsed. The 52-1 District Court has provided driver's licenses to sobriety court candidates under this program, which offers a great alternative to the convicted drunk driver who is committed to sobriety.
Update
The DWI/sobriety court interlock "pilot project" described here became a permanent statewide program on January 1, 2015 (MCL 600.1084, as amended by 2013 PA 227). Program details, staff, and eligibility rules may have changed since this section was written.
Police agencies that make drunk driving arrests in South Lyon
Drunk driving cases in the 52-1 District Court usually begin with one of these agencies:
- South Lyon Police Department (219 Whipple St, South Lyon, MI 48178; 248-437-1773; Bonnie Unruh, Chief of Police)
Lyon Township, which surrounds the city, is policed by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.
In 2022, the South Lyon Police Department reported 18 driving-under-the-influence offenses and 18 arrests, up 157% from 7 offenses in 2021.
| Agency | 2022 offenses | 2021 offenses | Change | Arrests (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Lyon Police Department | 18 | 7 | +157% | 18 |
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.
The 52-1 District Court Prosecutors in South Lyon Cases
Please note: We do not recommend that you contact the prosecutors directly!It is always wiser to have your lawyer engage in all communications with the prosecutor because statements that you make can be used against you.
State prosecutor for Oakland County
Karen D. McDonald, Oakland County Prosecutor. Ms. McDonald was elected Oakland County Prosecutor on November 3, 2020. Her office prosecutes charges brought under state law in the 52-1 District Court; South Lyon ordinance charges are prosecuted by the city’s contract attorney.
Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
1200 N Telegraph Rd
Pontiac, MI 48341
Lyon Township Prosecutor
Philip H. Seymour (P24448)
Gabe Quinn & Seymour
1026 W 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: (248) 399-9703
Fax: (248) 399-1711
e-Mail: seymour@gabequinnseymour.com
http://gabequinnseymour.com
Note: Charlie Cooper, who was the long-time township prosecutor and who remains a really nice guy and easy to work with on a drunk driving case, is no longer the prosecutor. He has taken a position with the 52-1 District Court as the magistrate. As of the date of this publication, September 14, 2012, this information has not been widely disseminated.
South Lyon City Prosecutor
Charles D. Snell (P49458)
Johnson Rosati Schultz & Joppich PC
34405 W 12 Mile Rd Ste 200
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Phone: (248) 489-4100
Fax: (248) 489-1726
e-Mail: csnell@jrsjlaw.com
Web: www.johnsonrosati.com
South Lyon Police Department
219 Whipple St.
South Lyon, MI 48178
Station 248-437-1773
Dispatch 248-412-8697
Web: http://www.southlyonpolice.com
Directory compiled in 2012–2013
Prosecutor, police, and contract-attorney listings below have not been re-verified and many have likely changed. Contact the court or municipality for current information. Do not contact a prosecutor directly about your case.
Additional Notes about South Lyon DUI Cases
For many years, South Lyon cases were exceptionally difficult cases to defend. The City of South Lyon Police Department did not have any video equipment, and police officers were able to testify to whatever they recorded in their notes. The Chief of Police brought patrol car videos in a few years ago, and this has been a positive development for defending DUI cases.
Current 52-1 District Court Judges
Having practiced in Oakland County courts for over 25 years, Attorney William Maze understands each judge's approach to DUI cases in the 52-1 District Court:
Hon. Robert Bondy
52-1 District Court Judge
Judge Robert Bondy has served on the 52-1 District Court bench since 2002. Judge Bondy handles criminal, civil, and traffic dockets with particular emphasis on complex legal issues. He is known for his thorough approach to DUI/OWI cases and expects attorneys to be well-prepared with detailed legal arguments.
Hon. Travis Reeds
52-1 District Court Judge
Judge Travis Reeds brings extensive trial experience to the 52-1 District Court. Before his judicial appointment in 2014, he worked at the law firm of Reeds & Reeds in Walled Lake, handling a variety of cases. Judge Reeds is known for his fair but firm approach to DUI/OWI cases and criminal matters, with deep understanding of both prosecution and defense perspectives.
Hon. David Law
52-1 District Court Judge
Judge David Law has served the 52-1 District Court since 2015, bringing decades of legal experience to the bench. His background includes both private practice and public service, giving him comprehensive understanding of criminal law procedures. Judge Law oversees a significant portion of the court's DUI/OWI docket and is respected for his knowledge of Michigan's complex drunk driving laws.
Judge-Specific Defense Strategies for Novi Court
Each Novi judge has unique perspectives on DUI cases. Attorney William Maze tailors defense strategies based on the assigned judge, case facts, and prosecuting attorney. This judge-specific approach has resulted in numerous successful outcomes in 52-1 District Court for clients facing drunk driving charges in Novi, Milford, South Lyon, Walled Lake, and surrounding communities.
52-1 District Court Map
The 52-1 District Court is located at 48150 Grand River Avenue South Lyon, MI 48374, and the court's telephone number is (248) 305-6080. If you are charged with a criminal offense, however, the court's listed telephone number connects you to a civil division clerk. The criminal division can be reached at (248) 305-6460.
Take the Beck Road or Wixom Road exit off I-96 for easiest access. There is a Tim Horton's on Beck Road, a Dunkin Donuts on Wixom, and a Caribou Coffee along Grand River. Despite being a great court to practice in for a DUI defense lawyer, this court runs a little slow because it has a long docket. Coffee is a great way to get through the morning docket.
If You Are Searching for Qualified South Lyon DUI Lawyers . . .
If you are currently charged with drunk driving in South Lyon, Michigan, and seeking a qualified South Lyon DUI lawyer to represent you in the 52-1 District Court, please complete our free online evaluation form or call our office at (734) 941-8800 or locally at (734) 941-8800.
William Maze of Maze Legal PLC can represent you in your South Lyon drunk driving case. Mr. Maze grew up in South Lyon (at Dixboro and Seven Mile, if you're interested) and graduated from South Lyon High School in 1988. A few of his classmates went on to become South Lyon Police officers while Mr. Maze went on to become an award-winning attorney and a past president of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan. His practice focuses on OWI/DUI defense, felony cases, and forensic evidence challenges. He is certified in standardized field sobriety tests and teaches other lawyers how to defend DUI cases. He has been trained on the BAC Datamaster breath testing device at National Patent Analytical Systems and owns two BAC Datamaster devices. He has received toxicology training in blood and urine testing, and he has attended hundreds of hours of specialized training in DUI defense across the county.
The Maze Legal PLC has handled many South Lyon DUI cases, successfully representing clients through motions and jury trials that have resulted in favorable rulings. If you want to know more about our experience in handling drunk driving cases in the 52-1 District Court or what you might expect in your case, call our office and schedule an appointment with Mr. Maze.
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