Practice Areas

DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is commonly referred to in Michigan as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). Michigan law uses the term "operating" instead of "driving" because it encompasses a broader range of behavior, including situations where a person is in control of a vehicle but not necessarily driving. Even sleeping in a car while intoxicated can be considered "operating" under Michigan law.

Michigan’s OWI statute (MCL 257.625 et. seq.) applies to alcohol and drug-related offenses, allowing prosecution for impairment due to prescription medications, marijuana, and other controlled substances.

Intoxicated driving cases require highly specialized legal defense due to the complexity of the laws, scientific evidence, and procedural challenges. The DUI attorneys at Barone Defense Firm are recognized experts in challenging chemical tests, field sobriety procedures, and constitutional violations, ensuring the best possible defense.

• DUI Arrests & Charges – Defense strategies for first-time and repeat offenders
• DUI Testing & Sobriety Tests – Challenging breathalyzer and blood test results
• DUI Penalties & Appeals – Fighting for reduced sentences and license reinstatement
• DUI Drug Cases – Defending against allegations of impairment due to prescription or illegal substances
• Underage DUI – Defending minors charged with operating under the influence
• DUI Sobriety Court – Alternative sentencing and rehabilitation programs

A revoked or suspended driver’s license can significantly impact daily life and employment opportunities. In Michigan, a second DUI conviction within seven years or a third conviction within ten years results in mandatory license revocation. The only way to regain driving privileges is by filing a petition with the Michigan Secretary of State Driver Assessment and Appeals Division (DAAD).

Barone Defense Firm has extensive experience handling driver’s license restoration cases and guiding clients through the appeals process, ensuring the best chance of reinstating driving privileges.

Sex crime allegations can be life-altering, leading to severe penalties, social stigma, and mandatory sex offender registration (SORA). Our firm defends clients against false accusations, prosecutorial overreach, and unfair investigative practices in cases involving:

• Statutory Rape & Romeo & Juliet Law – Understanding Michigan’s age of consent laws
• Child Pornography & CSAM – Defending against possession, distribution, and production charges
• Sexual Assault & Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) – Protecting clients against serious felony charges
• Internet Solicitation & Online Sting Cases – Legal defense for entrapment and digital evidence issues

We serve clients throughout Grand Rapids, Troy, Ann Arbor, Rochester, Farmington Hills, Bloomfield Hills, and Plymouth, ensuring comprehensive defense strategies tailored to each case.

Michigan has strict firearm laws, and even legal gun owners can face serious charges for violations related to concealed carry, self-defense, and weapons possession. We defend against:

• Illegal Possession of Firearms – Including possession by felons and improper licensing
• Brandishing & Discharge Violations – Charges for improper handling of a firearm in public
• Self-Defense Cases – Protection under Michigan’s Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws

If you are facing firearms charges in Novi, Grand Haven, or Birmingham, our firm will work to build a strong self-defense case and fight for dismissals or reduced penalties.

Federal criminal charges are aggressively prosecuted and carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences, asset forfeiture, and financial restitution. Our federal defense team, including former federal prosecutors and career defense attorneys, defends against:

• Healthcare Fraud – Medicare and Medicaid fraud, improper billing, and kickback violations
• Financial Crimes – Embezzlement, money laundering, and securities fraud
• White Collar Crimes – Wire fraud, identity theft, and corporate fraud investigations
• RICO & Federal Conspiracy Cases – Charges related to racketeering and organized crime

If you are being investigated or charged in Bloomfield Hills, Troy, or Royal Oak, do not speak to federal investigators without an attorney present. The earlier we intervene, the better our chances of reducing or dismissing charges.

A criminal record can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. Michigan’s Clean Slate Law allows individuals to expunge certain convictions, giving them a fresh start.

Key benefits of expungement:

• Restores firearm rights
• Removes barriers to job opportunities
• Erases convictions from public records

If you have qualifying convictions in Ann Arbor, Holland, or Plymouth, contact us to clear your record and reclaim your future.

Barone Defense Firm is committed to providing top-tier legal defense across Michigan, serving clients in Grand Rapids, Troy, Ann Arbor, Rochester, Farmington Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Plymouth, and beyond.