I graduated from Detroit College of Law, now Michigan State University Law School and passed the Bar in 1991. I started my own law practice in 1996 after having worked for several years for the Macomb County Circuit Court as a “research attorney”) (Ghost writer) and then in a 100+ attorney law-firm as part of a medical malpractice defense team. Prior to attending law school, I owned a business which, on occasion, involved the hiring of attorneys. My life experiences including working for the courts and ghost writing over 500 judicial opinions as well as defending the local hospitals and medical staff led me to understand that the legal process was expensive and confusing to most people.
My goal twenty-two years ago was to make the legal process understandable to the average person and to make legal fees affordable. After successfully representing thousands of clients, that is still my goal.
My practice is devoted primarily to the following areas of the law:
- Criminal Law
- Family Law
- Personal Injury Law
- Probate litigation, Wills and Trusts.
In short, my practice concentrates on those areas that most people will encounter directly or indirectly through their children, spouses or family members, during their lifetime.
My clients generally need help with:
Divorce – Pre-Nuptial Agreements; Post-Nuptial Agreements; Step-Parent Adoption; Legal Separation (separate maintenance agreement); Paternity; Child Custody; Child Visitation; Child Support and Spousal Support (alimony); Post Divorce Enforcement and Modification; Moving a child more than 100 miles from home (domicile); Grand Parents Rights; DHS Petitions for Abuse and/or Neglect and Delinquency Law; and the preparation of Wills, Trusts, Guardianships, Conservatorship and various other “probate” matters that at some point int time affect the average family.
Criminal Law – all Felonies and Misdemeanors; Drunk Driving (DWI, OWI); Driving While License Suspended; DLAD Appeals and License Restorations; Assault; Domestic Violence; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon; Home Invasion; Breaking and Entering; Entering without owner’s permission; All Drug Crimes including use, possession, delivery, manufacturing and trafficking in Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin and Oxycodone; Ecstasy etc.; Operating a drug house and Forfeiture actions; All theft crimes including armed and unarmed robbery; Uttering & Publishing; Unlawful credit card use; Identify Theft; License Restoration and traffic violations; all gun crimes including CPL appeals; Expungement and Motions to set aside Plea and/or conviction and defending children accused of a crime (Juvenile Court).
Personal Injury – including all injuries; dog bite; Car Accidents/Auto Negligence claims, tractor trailer, boating, motorcycle; Wrongful Death; Medical Malpractice; Slip and Fall cases; Libel and Defamation; Assault and Battery and other Intentional Torts; Work accidents; Product Liability etc.
My approach to a potential new client is to provide the person with information and to arrange for a face to face free consultation to discuss the case and the expected fees. You do not meet with Para-legals or Secretaries or Associates. We meet and you decide if you want to trust me as your Macomb County criminal defense lawyer to handle your case.
My approach to the law is the same. I personally handle your case and appear in court. I do not make a practice of sending young associates or another lawyer from the office who does not understand your file. I also make a habit of providing my clients with my cell phone number.
It is also my habit to send my clients copies of all pleadings, correspondence etc. Your file should be as big as my file. I find this keeps my clients up-to-date on the progress of his or her case and it keeps attorney fees down. This can be done via email and/or snail mail, as the client prefers.
Fees – Personal injury files are generally taken on a contingency basis – 1/3 of any recovery paid to my firm and 2/3 for the client. Other matters are generally taken on an hourly basis with an agreed upon retainer and monthly billing, if necessary.
You’ve heard the adage that “lawsuits are not fun”. For most people, being injured, arrested, being in a lawsuit or part of the legal system is usually more than not fun, it is fearful. Many people fear that they might lose their children; or visitation rights or their home or job; fear talking to the police, being incarcerated in jail or in prison. They often fear that there is no remedy for the injury they suffered at the hands of another individual, the government or a company and that they don’t have the money or time to contact an attorney.
Lastly, I approach every legal problem with the same level of intensity and aggressiveness. As far as the client is concerned, his or her case is my only case.
Call me today for a phone consultation or to arrange for a face to face meeting where we can discuss your case. Either way, the initial consultation is free.
Additional Information
Married for 39 years and Father of three exceptional children and five super exceptional grandchildren.
Member of Woodside Bible Church, Troy, MI
Education
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Detroit College of Law (Now Michigan State University School of Law) - J.D. - 1991
Member of the DCL Law Review
Author of People v Cipriano, case note re: pre-arraignment delays - Western Michigan University - B.A. English
Contact Us
- 1 Free Consultation
- 2 Call 24/7
- 3 Over 25 Years of Experience