URGENT: 14-DAY DEADLINE FOR BREATH TEST REFUSALS
If you refused an evidential breath or blood test following your DUI arrest, 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 18th District Court. You need an experienced Westland DUI lawyer immediately to protect your driving privileges.
Learn More About Implied Consent Hearings18th District Court Drunk Driving Cases
If you've been charged with drunk driving in Westland, your case will be heard in the 18th District Court at 36675 Ford Road, Westland, MI 48185. This court handles DUI, OWI, and drunk driving cases from Westland and surrounding areas in Wayne County.
The 18th District Court is known for its efficient case management and specialized programs, including the Sobriety Court program for substance abuse cases. The court processes thousands of cases annually with a focus on justice and community service.
Current 18th District Court Judges
The court is served by two experienced judges who both have extensive backgrounds as former City of Westland prosecutors: Hon. Mark McConnell and Hon. Michael McNamara. Attorney William Maze has tried numerous jury trials against both judges before their judicial appointments and maintains a professional relationship of mutual respect with them.
Michigan DUI Penalties - 18th District Court Sentencing Guide
Understanding the potential consequences of a drunk driving conviction in Westland court is essential for making informed decisions about your defense strategy.
Super Drunk (.17+ BAC) Charges in Westland 18th 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.
Immediate Consequences for First Offense Super Drunk in Westland:
- 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 18th 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 Westland 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.
OWI - Operating While Intoxicated Charges in Westland
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is Michigan's standard drunk driving charge for drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. In Westland 18th District Court, these cases are prosecuted aggressively, with particular attention to cases involving accidents or repeat offenders.
First Offense OWI Penalties in 18th 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 Westland 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
18th District Court OWI Defense Approaches
Successful OWI defense in Westland requires understanding each judge's tendencies. Judge McConnell values detailed legal arguments and trial experience, while Judge McNamara focuses on rehabilitation and treatment options. I tailor defense strategies accordingly, challenging improper traffic stops, field sobriety test administration errors, and breath test protocol violations.
OWVI - Operating While Visibly Impaired Defense in Westland
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 Westland when breath tests are refused or unavailable.
OWVI Penalties in 18th 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
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 18th District Court.
Repeat DUI Offense Penalties in Westland 18th District Court
Repeat DUI offenses in Michigan carry dramatically increased penalties, especially when they occur within 7 years of a prior conviction. The 18th District Court takes repeat offenses seriously, particularly for cases involving accidents or high BAC levels.
Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenders in Westland
Second and third offenses carry mandatory sanctions that judges in 18th 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. 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 18th District Court DUI Defense
These penalties are severe and life-altering. Attorney William Maze has successfully defended hundreds of DUI cases in Westland court, achieving dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable outcomes through meticulous case analysis and aggressive defense strategies.
Current 18th District Court Judges
Having practiced before both Westland judges for over 25 years, Attorney William Maze understands each judge's approach to DUI cases:
Hon. Mark McConnell
Former Westland Prosecutor
Judge Mark McConnell brings extensive trial experience to the bench, having served as a prosecutor for the City of Westland before his judicial appointment. His background in prosecution gives him unique insight into criminal cases, making him particularly effective in managing the court's docket. Judge McConnell is known for his fairness and understanding of both prosecution and defense perspectives.
Hon. Michael McNamara
Former Westland Prosecutor
Judge Michael McNamara also served as a prosecutor for the City of Westland before taking the bench. His prosecutorial experience provides him with comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure. Judge McNamara is respected for his judicial temperament and commitment to justice, having transitioned from advocating for the prosecution to impartially administering justice from the bench.
Judge-Specific Defense Strategies
Each Westland 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 18th District Court.
18th District Court Prosecutors - Complete Directory
The 18th District Court features multiple prosecuting attorneys representing different jurisdictions. Understanding which prosecutor handles your 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. Attorney William Maze maintains professional relationships with all Westland 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: wcpodiscovery@waynecounty.com
Handles State Police & Sheriff cases in 18th District Court
City of Westland Prosecutor
Jacquelyn M. Bona (P48889)
Fausone & Grysko, PLC
41700 6 Mile Rd Ste 101
Northville, MI 48168-3460
Phone: (248) 380-0000
Fax: (248) 380-3434
e-Mail: jbona@thefgfirm.law
Prosecution Trends in Westland 18th District Court
- Body & Dash Cameras: Increasing use of video evidence in DUI cases
- Blood Test Requests: More frequent in high-BAC and refusal cases
- Virtual Hearings: Becoming standard for arraignments and motions
- Sobriety Court Referrals: Increasing emphasis on treatment alternatives
- Enhanced Penalties: Stricter enforcement for repeat offenders
Drug & Alcohol Testing in 18th District Court
If placed on probation for a DUI conviction in Westland, 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 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.
State-Approved 18th District Court Sobriety Court Program
Now State-Approved for Restricted License Eligibility
The 18th District Court Sobriety Court program is now state-approved, allowing participants who successfully complete the program to obtain restricted licenses. This represents a significant change from previous years and provides important opportunities for repeat DUI offenders.
The 18th 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:
- State-Approved Program: Eligible for restricted licenses upon successful completion
- Intensive Monitoring: Regular court appearances and supervision
- Treatment Focus: Counseling and substance abuse treatment programs
- Regular Testing: Frequent drug and alcohol screening
- Incentive System: Rewards for compliance and progress
- Graduated Sanctions: Appropriate consequences for violations
- Support Services: Case management and community resources
Important Benefits: Successful completion of the Sobriety Court program can result in reduced jail time, avoidance of felony charges for some repeat offenders, and eligibility for restricted driving privileges. This program represents an alternative to traditional sentencing that focuses on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
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 Westland 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 18th District Court Sobriety Court.
Program Inquiries
For specific questions about Sobriety Court eligibility and procedures, contact the 18th District Court Probation Department at (734) 595-8720 or consult with your attorney.
DUI Defense Strategies for 18th District Court
Attorney William Maze employs comprehensive defense strategies tailored to Westland DUI cases:
Legal Defenses
- Illegal Stop: Challenging lack of reasonable suspicion
- Field Sobriety Test Errors: Police procedure violations
- Breath Test Issues: Machine calibration/maintenance problems
- Blood Test Problems: Chain of custody and analysis errors
- Rising BAC Defense: Alcohol absorption timing
Technical Defenses
- Intoxilyzer 9000 Issues: Certified operator requirements
- Observation Period Violations: 15-minute continuous observation
- Radio Frequency Interference: Affecting breath test accuracy
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, GERD, diet affecting tests
- Mouth Alcohol: Recent drinking or dental work
Proven Track Record in 18th District Court
Attorney Maze's extensive training and experience have resulted in numerous successful outcomes including dismissals, reduced charges, and not guilty verdicts in Westland DUI cases. His certification in field sobriety testing and breath test operation provides unique insights for challenging prosecution evidence.
Recognitions
Free 18th District Court DUI Case Evaluation
Facing drunk driving charges in Westland? Get legal guidance from Attorney William Maze, who has defended hundreds of DUI cases in 18th 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 Westland DUI Cases?
- Practicing law since 1997
- Court-qualified expert witness (SFST and breath testing)
- Former Prosecutor Experience
- Jury Trial Success Record
- Breath Test Operator Training
- SFST Certification (2005)
- Member, National College for DUI Defense (since 2004)
- Experience with Both Westland Judges
Serving Westland & Wayne County
Multiple office locations for your convenience including Romulus office near Detroit Metro Airport and Livonia office.
18th District Court Location
Court Information
18th District Court
36675 Ford Road
Westland, MI 48185
Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Directions:
East of I-275 and west of Wayne Road on Ford Road. Ford Road is a few miles north of I-94 and a couple miles south of I-96.
Online Resources:
Court Website
Online Payments
Case Lookup
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