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Grand Rapids Improper DUI Stops

A motor vehicle stop is a “Constitutional” event, because the Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable police activity such as unreasonable searches and seizures. And, since most drunk driving cases start out with a police stop of your car so naturally this is where our defense of your case will also start. If there was no stop, then we will look at the lawfulness of the original police contact, and if we can show that the police did not have a lawful reason to come into contact with you and start asking questions or performing an investigation, then all the evidence collected after this contact might be thrown out, and your case dismissed.

Laws Regarding DUI Stops

The law requires that police contact be supported by probable cause or a “reasonable and articulable” suspicion that “criminal activity was afoot.” As you might expect though any traffic violation, such as speeding or weaving, equipment violation such as no headlights, or a license plate violation will also provide a sufficient basis for the stop.

Nevertheless, our investigation does not end with an acceptance of the reason stated by the police. Some equipment violations are really not justifiable reasons to stop the car, and just because the report states that you were weaving does not automatically make it so. Even if you were weaving, certain types of weaving may be permissible, especially if you didn’t cross the lane markers. Also, even if the report states that you were speeding the police still may not be able to show that the Doppler or Lidar radar was working properly. If they cannot show that it was, the stop may still be unlawful or impermissible.

Evaluating a Stop

In order for us to evaluate the lawfulness of the stop or original police contact then it will be important for us to obtain and review the police reports, speak with you and possibly also visit the scene where the stop occurred.After that, we may request a hearing where we will show that the stop in your case really was unlawful.

The hearing is requesting by filing a motion and a brief setting forth our legal position. The prosecutor gets to respond, then both parties appear in court to make their oral argument. The court may or may not take testimony from the police officer who stopped you. After all of this the court will make a ruling. If the judge agrees with us that the police contact was invalid then your Michigan drunk driving case will be dismissed.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.