URGENT: 14-DAY DEADLINE FOR BREATH TEST REFUSALS
If you refused an evidential breath or blood test following your DUI arrest in Taylor, 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 23rd District Court. You need an experienced Taylor DUI lawyer immediately to protect your driving privileges.
Learn More About Implied Consent Hearings23rd District Court Drunk Driving Cases in Taylor
If you've been charged with drunk driving, DUI, DWI, or OWI in Taylor, your case will be heard in the 23rd District Court at 23365 Goddard Road, Taylor, MI 48180. This court handles all DUI, OWI, DWI, and drunk driving cases from Taylor in Wayne County.
The 23rd District Court serves the city of Taylor 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. A key feature of the 23rd District Court is its specialized Sobriety Court Program for individuals facing second or subsequent drunk driving offenses.
About 23rd District Court's Sobriety Court Program
The court operates a specialized Sobriety Court Program that provides an alternative sentencing option for eligible individuals facing second or subsequent drunk driving offenses. This intensive rehabilitation program includes regular court appearances, substance abuse treatment, frequent testing, and accountability measures. Attorney William Maze has extensive experience representing clients in both traditional DUI cases and Sobriety Court matters in Taylor.
Michigan DUI Penalties - 23rd District Court Sentencing Guide
Understanding the potential consequences of a drunk driving conviction in Taylor court is essential for making informed decisions about your defense strategy, especially regarding Sobriety Court eligibility.
Super Drunk (.17+ BAC) Charges in Taylor 23rd 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 23rd District Court, these cases are prosecuted aggressively, especially in Taylor where police departments actively enforce drunk driving laws.
Immediate Consequences for First Offense Super Drunk in Taylor:
- 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 23rd 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 Taylor
As an experienced Taylor 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 23rd District Court, I understand how to present these defenses effectively before Judge Shackelford.
OWI - Operating While Intoxicated Charges in Taylor
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is Michigan's standard drunk driving charge for drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. In Taylor 23rd 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 Taylor police actively patrol for impaired drivers.
First Offense OWI Penalties in 23rd 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
23rd District Court OWI Defense Approaches
Successful OWI defense in Taylor requires understanding the specific procedures of the 23rd District Court. 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 Taylor DUI cases gives me insight into effective strategies for negotiating with prosecutors and presenting cases before the Taylor judges.
OWVI - Operating While Visibly Impaired Defense in Taylor
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 Taylor 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 23rd 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 Taylor 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 23rd District Court, resulting in fewer license points and potentially less severe consequences.
Repeat DUI Offense Penalties in Taylor 23rd District Court
Repeat DUI offenses in Michigan carry dramatically increased penalties, especially when they occur within 7 years of a prior conviction. The 23rd District Court takes repeat offenses seriously, particularly for cases involving accidents or high BAC levels. Taylor prosecutors often seek maximum penalties for repeat drunk driving offenders, but the court also offers the Sobriety Court Program as an alternative for eligible individuals.
Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenders in Taylor
Second and third offenses carry mandatory sanctions that judges in 23rd 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, rehabilitation programs, and potentially the Sobriety Court Program for eligible repeat offenders.
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
- Potential eligibility for Sobriety Court Program
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 in Taylor
Even repeat offenses can be successfully defended. I examine whether the prior conviction is within the 7-year lookback period, challenge the validity of the prior conviction, negotiate for rehabilitation programs, fight for alternative sentencing, and evaluate Sobriety Court Program eligibility. For felony DUI cases in 23rd District Court, I explore constitutional challenges, evidentiary issues, and sentencing alternatives that can avoid prison time while addressing the underlying issues.
Why You Need Expert 23rd District Court DUI Defense
These penalties are severe and life-altering. Attorney William Maze has successfully defended hundreds of DUI cases in Taylor courts, achieving dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable outcomes through meticulous case analysis and aggressive defense strategies specifically tailored to the 23rd District Court in Taylor, including specialized knowledge of the Sobriety Court Program.
23rd District Court Judges
Having practiced before Judge Shackelford for many years, Attorney William Maze understands her approach to DUI cases in the Taylor area:
Hon. Victoria Shackelford
Sole Sitting Judge - 23rd District Court
Hon. Victoria Shackelford is the Chief Judge of the 23rd District Court in Taylor. With extensive prosecutorial experience from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, she brings considerable legal expertise to the bench. Judge Shackelford presides over a wide range of cases including DUI/OWI offenses, traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal matters, civil disputes, and preliminary examinations.
Attorney William Maze has appeared before Judge Shackelford numerous times and understands her sentencing considerations, courtroom procedures, and approach to evidentiary issues in drunk driving cases. This familiarity allows for more effective representation tailored to this specific Taylor court.
Hon. Brittany A. Johnson
23rd District Court Judge
Courtroom Zoom ID: 555 993 6534
Judge Johnson, a former assistant prosecutor for Wayne County, was appointed to the Taylor bench by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to fill the vacancy created by Judge Joseph Slaven’s resignation, and the Michigan Supreme Court confirmed the appointment. Announcing the appointment, the Governor said: “… I am proud to appoint Brittany Johnson to the bench. As a skilled legal professional, Brittany brings years of experience to her new role. I am confident she will serve the people of Michigan admirably and uphold the rule of law.”
Judge Johnson is only the sixth person, and the second woman, to serve on the Taylor court, following Anthony Nicita, the late William Sutherland, Geno Salomone, Joseph Slaven, and current Chief Judge Victoria Shackelford. A Taylor resident, she had served as an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office since 2019, and earlier was a law clerk in Dearborn and a legislative extern for the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. She holds a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law, a Master of Social Work from MSU, and a Bachelor of Science in psychology and criminal justice from Grand Valley State University.
Judge-Specific Defense Strategies for 23rd District Court
Each court has unique characteristics that affect defense strategy. Attorney William Maze tailors defense approaches based on the specific procedures of 23rd District Court, the assigned prosecutor, and the judicial philosophy of Judge Shackelford. This court-specific approach has resulted in numerous successful outcomes for Taylor DUI defendants, including favorable results in Sobriety Court matters.
Police agencies that make drunk driving arrests in Taylor
Drunk driving cases in the 23rd District Court usually begin with one of these agencies:
- Taylor Police Department (23515 Goddard Rd, Taylor, MI 48180; 734-287-6611; John Blair, Chief of Police)
In 2022, the Taylor Police Department reported 79 driving-under-the-influence offenses and 59 arrests, down 29% from 111 offenses in 2021.
| Agency | 2022 offenses | 2021 offenses | Change | Arrests (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor Police Department | 79 | 111 | -29% | 59 |
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.
23rd District Court Prosecutors - Complete Taylor Directory
The 23rd District Court features prosecuting attorneys representing different jurisdictions in Taylor cases. Understanding which prosecutor handles your case is crucial for effective defense strategy in Taylor.
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 Taylor prosecutors while aggressively protecting client interests in 23rd District Court.
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 23rd District Court
City of Taylor Prosecutor
David F. Greco—P53523
Greco Law PLLC
143 Cadycentre # 164
Northville, MI 48167-1119
Phone: (248) 380-1975
e-Mail: David.Greco@Greco-Law.com
Handles Taylor Police Department cases in 23rd District Court
City of Taylor Prosecutor
Matthew A. Zick—P48951
Zick Law Office
3173 Biddle Ave
Wyandotte, MI 48192-5915
Phone: (734) 285-8500
Fax: (734) 281-1780
e-Mail: zicklawoffice@gmail.com
Web: zicklawoffice.com
Handles Taylor Police Department cases in 23rd District Court
Prosecution Trends in Taylor 23rd District Court
- Increased Video Evidence: Body and dash cameras commonly used in Taylor 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: Taylor Police Department actively patrols for impaired drivers
- Sobriety Court Emphasis: Strong focus on rehabilitation for repeat DUI offenders
- Traffic Stops: Increased DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols in Taylor
Drug & Alcohol Testing in 23rd District Court
If placed on probation for a DUI conviction in Taylor, you will be subject to random chemical testing through the court's probation department. The 23rd District Court takes testing compliance seriously for drunk driving offenders, with particular attention to high-BAC and repeat offenders, especially those in the Sobriety Court Program.
Breath Testing (PBT)
Portable breath tests administered during probation appointments in Taylor. Never arrive after consuming alcohol! Even small amounts can result in probation violations in 23rd District Court, particularly for Sobriety Court participants.
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. Taylor probation closely monitors these results, especially for Sobriety Court participants.
SCRAM Tether
Continuous transdermal alcohol monitoring. Required for some repeat offenders, high-risk cases, high-BAC offenses, and Sobriety Court participants in Taylor courts. Commonly used in high-BAC and repeat offense cases.
Critical Warning About Testing in 23rd District Court
Do NOT attempt to "beat" drug tests with gimmicks or products! These rarely work and can result in probation violations in Taylor court. Positive tests lead to immediate consequences including jail time, extended probation, or license sanctions. Always consult with your attorney before any probation appointment and disclose any medications or substances you're taking, especially if you're in the Sobriety Court Program.
Sobriety Court Program at 23rd District Court
What is the Sobriety Court Program?
The 23rd District Court's Sobriety Court Program is a specialized docket designed for individuals facing second or subsequent drunk driving offenses. This intensive rehabilitation program offers an alternative to traditional punishment, focusing on treatment, accountability, and long-term recovery rather than incarceration alone.
Sobriety Court Program Components
The Sobriety Court Program at 23rd District Court includes:
- Regular Court Appearances - Frequent status hearings before Judge Shackelford
- Intensive Substance Abuse Treatment - Evidence-based rehabilitation programs
- Frequent Testing - Regular alcohol and drug screening
- Accountability Measures - Close supervision and monitoring
- Graduated Sanctions & Incentives - Progressive responses to compliance and violations
- Aftercare Planning - Long-term recovery support and relapse prevention
- Interagency Collaboration - Coordination between court, treatment providers, and community resources
Eligibility Requirements: Generally open to individuals charged with a second or subsequent drunk driving offense who demonstrate a substance abuse problem. Certain violent offenses or extensive criminal histories may disqualify applicants. Attorney William Maze can evaluate your specific situation for Sobriety Court eligibility.
Transfer to 23rd District Sobriety Court
Individuals charged with a second or subsequent drunk driving offense in courts without a sobriety court program may be eligible to have their case transferred to the 23rd District Court's Sobriety Court Program if they meet specific eligibility criteria. This requires skilled legal navigation of both the original court and the 23rd District Court procedures. Attorney William Maze evaluates eligibility and facilitating Sobriety Court transfers for qualified clients.
Sobriety Court Resources
Michigan courts case search (MiCOURT)
Access the official 23rd District Court case search system to review court records and case status.
Program Benefits
Successful completion of the Sobriety Court Program can result in reduced charges, avoided jail time, dismissed charges, or other favorable outcomes not available through traditional sentencing for DUI and OWI cases in Taylor.
Attorney Representation
Having experienced legal representation throughout the Sobriety Court process significantly increases your chances of successful completion. Attorney Maze guides clients through every phase of the program while protecting their legal rights.
DUI Defense Strategies for 23rd District Court
Attorney William Maze employs comprehensive defense strategies tailored to Taylor DUI cases, drawing on his extensive experience with 23rd District Court procedures and the Sobriety Court Program:
Legal & Procedural Defenses
- Illegal Stop: Challenging lack of reasonable suspicion for traffic stop by Taylor 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
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
Proven Track Record in 23rd District Court
Attorney Maze's extensive training and experience since 1997 have resulted in numerous successful outcomes including dismissals, reduced charges, not guilty verdicts, favorable plea agreements, and successful Sobriety Court completions in Taylor DUI cases. His specific knowledge of 23rd District Court procedures, judges, prosecutors, and the Sobriety Court Program provides a distinct advantage for Taylor 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 Taylor cases, including those potentially headed for Sobriety Court.
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 23rd District Court
- Sobriety Court Expertise - Specialized knowledge of rehabilitation programs and alternative sentencing
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 Sobriety Court program evaluations.
How Expert Knowledge Benefits Your Taylor 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, and evaluating Sobriety Court eligibility in 23rd District Court.
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, and defense strategies relevant to Taylor DUI cases and Sobriety Court matters.
Recognitions
Free 23rd District Court DUI Case Evaluation
Facing drunk driving charges in Taylor? Get legal guidance from Attorney William Maze, who has defended hundreds of DUI cases in 23rd District Court and understands the specific procedures of Taylor's court system and Sobriety Court Program.
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 Taylor DUI Cases?
- Practicing law since 1997
- Court-qualified expert witness (SFST and breath testing)
- Taylor Court Experience
- Sobriety Court Program Experience
- Jury Trial Success Record
- Breath Test Operator Training
- SFST Certification (2005)
- Member, National College for DUI Defense (since 2004)
- Experience with Taylor Judges & Prosecutors
- Felony DUI Defense Experience
- Sobriety Court Transfer Expertise
Serving Taylor & Downriver Wayne County
Multiple office locations for your convenience including Romulus office near Detroit Metro Airport and Taylor area representation. Special focus on 23rd District Court in Taylor and Sobriety Court matters.
Serving Taylor and surrounding Downriver communities in 23rd District Court
23rd District Court Location
Court Information
23rd District Court
23365 Goddard Road
Taylor, MI 48180
Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Directions:
Located on Goddard Road in Taylor. The court serves Taylor exclusively in the Downriver area of Wayne County.
Sobriety Court:
The court operates a specialized Sobriety Court Program for eligible repeat DUI offenders.
Online Resources:
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