33rd District Court Drunk Driving Cases
If you've been charged with drunk driving in Woodhaven or Downriver communities, your case will be heard in the 33rd District Court at 19000 Van Horn Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183. This court handles DUI, DWI, and OWI cases from multiple jurisdictions:
- City of Woodhaven DUI Cases
- Woodhaven Police Department arrests
- Trenton drunk driving charges
- Brownstown Township DWI cases
- Flat Rock OWI Cases
- Gibraltar DUI charges
- Grosse Ile Township drunk driving
- Rockwood DWI cases
The 33rd District Court is located on Van Horn Road between West Road and Allen Road, accessible from I-75 via West Road exit. This strategic location means the court handles numerous DUI cases from major highways including I-75, I-275, and local roadways throughout the Downriver area - some of the busiest roadways in Wayne County for drunk driving enforcement.
Current 33rd District Court Judges
The court is served by experienced judges: Hon. Jennifer Coleman Hesson (Chief Judge) and Hon. Michael McNally. 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 - 33rd District Court Sentencing Guide
Understanding the potential consequences of a drunk driving conviction in Woodhaven court is essential for making informed decisions about your defense strategy.
Super Drunk (.17+ BAC) Charges in Woodhaven 33rd 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 Woodhaven courts.
Immediate Consequences for First Offense Super Drunk in 33rd 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 33rd 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 Woodhaven 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 Woodhaven DUI cases.
OWI - Operating While Intoxicated Charges in Woodhaven
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is Michigan's standard drunk driving charge for drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. In Woodhaven 33rd District Court, these DUI cases are prosecuted aggressively, especially along major highways like I-75 and I-275 where enhanced enforcement occurs.
First Offense OWI Penalties in 33rd 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 Woodhaven 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
33rd District Court OWI Defense Approaches
Successful OWI defense in Woodhaven requires understanding each judge's tendencies. Judge Hesson values detailed legal arguments and is open to innovative theories, while Judge McNally has a more structured approach with experience in Sobriety Court. I tailor defense strategies accordingly, challenging improper traffic stops, field sobriety test administration errors, and breath test protocol violations specific to Woodhaven and Downriver police procedures.
Repeat DUI Offense Penalties in Woodhaven 33rd District Court
Repeat DUI offenses in Michigan carry dramatically increased penalties, especially when they occur within 7 years of a prior conviction. The 33rd District Court takes repeat offenses seriously, particularly for cases involving accidents or high BAC levels in Woodhaven and Downriver communities.
Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenders in Woodhaven
Second and third offenses carry mandatory sanctions that judges in 33rd 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 Woodhaven 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 33rd District Court DUI Defense
These penalties are severe and life-altering. Attorney William Maze has successfully defended hundreds of DUI cases in Woodhaven court, achieving dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable outcomes through meticulous case analysis and aggressive defense strategies specifically tailored to the 33rd District Court.
Current 33rd District Court Judges
Having practiced before Woodhaven judges for over 25 years, Attorney William Maze understands each judge's approach to DUI cases:
Hon. Jennifer Coleman Hesson
Chief Judge
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. Appointed in 2015, has proven to be an excellent judge who is fair to both prosecution and defense. She has accepted plea agreements based on compelling constitutional issues.
Hon. Michael McNally
Sobriety Court Judge
Elected to the bench in 1994. Predictable and willing to work with attorneys on drunk driving cases. He is in charge of the Sobriety Court program and generally goes light on first-time offenders unless there's a high BAC or accident involved. Fair approach with experience in rehabilitation programs.
Judge-Specific Defense Strategies
Each Woodhaven 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 Hesson, we emphasize innovative legal theories. For Judge McNally, we focus on rehabilitation and Sobriety Court options. This judge-specific approach has resulted in numerous successful outcomes in 33rd District Court drunk driving cases.
Police agencies that make drunk driving arrests in Woodhaven
Drunk driving cases in the 33rd District Court usually begin with one of these agencies:
- Woodhaven Police Department (21869 West Rd, Woodhaven, MI 48183; 734-676-7337)
- Trenton Police Department (2872 W Jefferson Ave, Trenton, MI 48183; 734-676-3737; Mike Hawkins, Chief of Police)
- Brownstown Township Police Department (Paul Myszenski, Director of Public Safety)
- Flat Rock Police Department (25500 Gibraltar Rd, Flat Rock, MI 48134; 734-782-2496; Steve McInchak, Chief of Police)
- Grosse Ile Township Police Department (24525 Meridian, Grosse Ile, MI 48138; 734-676-7100; Todd Brozek, Chief of Police)
- Gibraltar Police Department (29450 Munro St, Gibraltar, MI 48173; 734-676-5229; Bruce Bullard, Public Safety Director)
- Rockwood Police Department (32409 Fort Rd, Rockwood, MI 48173; 734-379-5323; Nicolas Hill, Chief of Police)
Of the agencies that report separately, the Brownstown Township Police Department reported the most driving-under-the-influence offenses in 2022 (69, with 53 arrests), down 17% from 83 in 2021.
| Agency | 2022 offenses | 2021 offenses | Change | Arrests (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodhaven Police Department | 10 | 5 | +100% | 5 |
| Trenton Police Department | 39 | 49 | -20% | 31 |
| Brownstown Township Police Department | 69 | 83 | -17% | 53 |
| Flat Rock Police Department | 48 | 42 | +14% | 43 |
| Grosse Ile Township Police Department | 19 | 22 | -14% | 18 |
| Gibraltar Police Department | 14 | 6 | +133% | 4 |
| Rockwood Police Department | 47 | 20 | +135% | 0 |
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.
33rd District Court Prosecutors - Complete Directory
The 33rd District Court features multiple prosecuting attorneys representing Woodhaven and Downriver 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 Woodhaven DUI cases. Attorney William Maze maintains professional relationships with all 33rd 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 33rd District Court
City of Woodhaven Prosecutor
William R Urich (P43273)
39520 Woodward Ave Ste 230
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-5058
Phone: (248) 545-4400
e-Mail: wurich@urichlawoffice.com
Jose R. Fanego (P42696)
Phone: (248) 645-1400
e-Mail: jose@fanegolaw.com
Other Downriver Prosecutors
Various City Prosecutors
Representing Trenton, Brownstown,
Flat Rock, Gibraltar, and other
Downriver communities
Contact information varies by jurisdiction
Prosecution Trends in Woodhaven 33rd District Court
- Increased Video Evidence: More Woodhaven and Downriver 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
- Plea Variation: Different negotiation policies across Downriver communities
- Highway Cases: Enhanced scrutiny for I-75 and I-275 DUI arrests
Local prosecutors for the 33rd District Court communities
Ordinance charges from each city and township are prosecuted by that community’s contract attorney. These listings come from our earlier pages for each community; confirm them before relying on them.
City of Trenton Prosecutor
Wallace G. Long (P34019)
Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC
101 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 1000
Troy, MI 48084
Phone: (248) 457-7124
Fax: (248) 457-7001
e-Mail: wglong@aol.com
Web: www.gmhlaw.com
Brownstown Township Prosecutor
Dean C. Robinette (P54197)
Foley & Robinette PC
13349 Reeck Ct
Regency Park
Southgate, MI 48195
Phone: (734) 283-4000
Fax: (734) 283-4587
e-Mail: drobinette@frlawpc.com
Web: www.frlawpc.com
Flat Rock Prosecutor
Matthew A. Zick (P48951)
17735 Fort St
Riverview, MI 48193
Phone: (734) 285-8500
Fax: (734) 282-4665
Web: www.grunowlaw.com
Gibraltar Prosecutor
Cassandra Lynn Booms (P71998)
Logan Huchla & Wycoff PC
13900 Sibley Rd
PO Box 2148
Riverview, MI 48193
Phone: (734) 283-5300
Fax: (734) 283-6577
e-Mail: cbooms@lhwpc5.net
Web: www.lhwpc5.net
Grosse Ile Prosecutor
Thomas D. Esordi (P45428)
O'Reilly Rancilio PC
12900 Hall Rd Ste 350
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Phone: (586) 726-1000
Fax: (586) 726-1560
e-Mail: tesordi@orlaw.com
Web: www.orlaw.com
Rockwood Prosecutor
James M. Pelland (P51237)
Law Office of James M. Pelland PLLC
409 Plymouth Rd Ste 270
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 392-0867
Fax: (734) 786-2226
e-Mail: james@pellandlaw.com
Web: www.pellandlaw.com
Drug & Alcohol Testing in 33rd District Court
If placed on probation for a DUI conviction in Woodhaven, 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 Woodhaven court.
33rd District Court Sobriety Court Program
State-Approved for Restricted License Eligibility
The 33rd 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 Woodhaven and Downriver communities to drive on a restricted license during what would otherwise be a mandatory license revocation.
The 33rd 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 by Judge Michael McNally:
- 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, Judge McNally 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 Woodhaven 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
See the court's website for current program information
Complete information about program requirements, phases, and expectations for the state-approved 33rd 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 33rd District Court
Attorney William Maze employs comprehensive defense strategies tailored to Woodhaven and Downriver DUI cases:
Legal Defenses
- Illegal Stop: Challenging lack of reasonable suspicion for Woodhaven or Downriver police stops
- Field Sobriety Test Errors: Police procedure violations in administering tests
- Breath Test Issues: Datamaster 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 33rd District Court
Attorney Maze's extensive training and experience have resulted in numerous successful outcomes including dismissals, reduced charges, and not guilty verdicts in Woodhaven DUI cases. His certification in field sobriety testing and breath test operation provides unique insights for challenging prosecution evidence in 33rd District Court. He owns two BAC Datamaster devices and has received toxicology training in blood and urine testing.
Recognitions
Free 33rd District Court DUI Case Evaluation
Facing drunk driving charges in Woodhaven or Downriver communities? Get legal guidance from Attorney William Maze, who has defended hundreds of DUI, DWI, and OWI cases in 33rd 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 Woodhaven DUI Cases?
- Practicing law since 1997
- Court-qualified expert witness (SFST and breath testing)
- Woodhaven & Downriver Specialist
- Jury Trial Success Record
- Breath Test Operator Training
- SFST Certification (2005)
- Owns Two BAC Datamaster Devices
- Member, National College for DUI Defense (since 2004)
Serving Woodhaven & Downriver
Office locations convenient to 33rd District Court:
Romulus, Livonia, and Detroit offices available
33rd District Court Location
Court Information
33rd District Court
19000 Van Horn Road
Woodhaven, MI 48183
Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:15 AM – 4:15 PM
Directions:
Located on Van Horn Road between West Road and Allen Road. Access from I-75 via West Road exit. Be aware of train tracks on Allen Road that frequently stop traffic.
Online Resources:
Court Website
Case Search
Online Payments
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