Michigan's OWI laws are strict, with penalties that can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life. Whether it's your first encounter with the law or you have previous OWI charges, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. The key to effectively dealing with an OWI charge...

When prosecutors move forward with DUI charges, they rely on evidence that was gathered by the police officer who made the traffic stop. During a stop, an officer may begin by asking the driver if they know why they were pulled over if they have been drinking, where they are coming from, and where they...

Put yourself in the best position to protect your legal rights. Any criminal charge can change your life dramatically, but few charges have more serious consequences than domestic violence. Even being charged with domestic violence can have a massive impact on your reputation, your career, and your future. And if you are convicted of a...

During the holiday season in Michigan and other states, law enforcement officials often take a tough stance on drinking and driving. So if you do get pulled over by police, be prepared to be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. A DUI charge can have a huge impact on your life. You...

Never answer questions without a lawyer by your side. Many people probably know they have Miranda rights, and should they ever be arrested, a police officer will explain or "read" their rights to them. Miranda rights include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. They protect people suspected of crimes from...

The stakes are high if you've been charged with assault. A question our criminal defense attorneys get a lot is, "Do I need a lawyer?" Every case is unique, but for the most part, if you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Michigan, then it's in your interests to review your legal...

Police officers are trained to detect the smell of alcohol on a driver's breath during a traffic stop. The odor of alcohol on breath can be key evidence in a DUI arrest. But how is this evidence useful in DUI cases? The DUI defense attorneys at Manley & Manley discuss the relevance of alcohol on...

Auto expungements may not always happen on time. Automatic expungement of certain criminal convictions began this year in Michigan—two years after the Clean Slate Act took effect. The legislation also expanded expungement eligibility through the application process. Expungement is important because criminal records can have long-term negative impacts on people even after they have completed...

In Michigan, you have the right to use deadly force to defend yourself or another person if you reasonably believe that you or the other person is in imminent danger of death, great bodily harm, or sexual assault. This is known as "self-defense," and your right to stop harm against yourself and others is generally...

If you suspect a warrant has been issued, consult an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney right away. When it comes to legal matters, it's important to have a clear understanding of how the criminal justice system works. This is especially true when it comes to arrest warrants. In general, a Michigan arrest warrant is a...