Attorney Edward Jacob Sternisha's Legal Cases

DUI and DWI

People v. M.C.

Jan 09, 2026

OUTCOME: Operating While Visibly Impaired Dismissed

CASE DISMISSED! Happy Client! Although it'd be great to say Attorney Ed Sternisha did skilled investigative work on this case, the fact is, his client should never have been arrested and charged to beg ... in with. The police arrested Attorney Sternisha's client even though a preliminary breath test (PBT) at the scene showed he was below the legal limit, which, in Michigan is .08 BAC for drunk driving (OWI). And although you could be convicted of impaired driving if your BAC is somewhat below .08, in this case, Ed's client did what we expect him to do. He didn’t drink too much and made sure he was not impaired before he started driving. Unfortunately, the police did not do what we expected them to do. After he was brought to jail and took the official breathalyzer test, Attorney Ed Sternisha's client only had a BAC of .03, which is so low that there is no excuse for him being charged. After repeated requests to the prosecutor, they finally agreed to dismiss the case and Ed's client’s nightmare is over. Remember, if you drink, call a cab. If arrested, “Call Ed Instead!” (616) 233-CALL-ED (616) 233-2255

DUI and DWI

People v T.S., Jr.

Jul 01, 2025

OUTCOME: Felony Case Dismissed!

Attorney Sternisha's client was pulled over during the night for not having a license plate light. When the client was getting his paperwork together, the deputy shined his flashlight in the back tinte ... d window and then asked, "what's with those cans back there?" When Ed's client told the deputy they were "empties" from earlier, the deputy went to his patrol car and ran a computer check on him. He then returned to Ed's client and told him to exit the vehicle because he was going to search it. Attorney Sternisha's client exited the vehicle and was handcuffed behind his back. It was then that he told the deputy that he had a gun in the vehicle. The gun was properly registered to Ed's client but he had not yet obtained a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). Although Attorney Sternisha's client was charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW), Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated, and OWVI (Impaired Driving), Ed drafted and filed a Motion to Suppress and Dismiss the Case alleging the deputy violated his client's rights with an illegal search. A hearing was held and ultimately the judge agreed and granted the Motion. Case dismissed! Instead of being convicted of a felony and two misdemeanors, Attorney Ed Sternisha's client was free, and was able to get his gun back that had been improperly seized by the deputy. Remember, if you drink, call a cab. If arrested, "Call Ed Instead!"

DUI and DWI

People v E.K.

Jun 09, 2025

OUTCOME: OWI Case Dismissed

Attorney Ed Sternisha's client was pulled over for "drag racing" and arrested for OWI-1st Offense. At the first court hearing, the prosecutor made a plea offer where the OWI-1st would be dismissed if E ... d's client pleaded guilty to OWVI (Impaired Driving). Although that kind of plea offer may be a good way to resolve some cases, the charge is still a misdemeanor and comes with driver's license sanctions. Attorney Sternisha gathered all of the evidence, including the police reports and videos and filed a Motion to Suppress Evidence and Dismiss Case. A hearing was held (on Ed's birthday) and he cross-examined the police officer regarding his claims. Even though the officer said that Ed's client was drag racing, Attorney Sternisha was able to get him to admit that his client was not speeding, nor was the other vehicle. When Attorney Sternisha played the dashcam video in the court, the judge said that she did not see drag racing but just normal driving. Ed continued to cross-examine the officer and was able to get him to admit that he was not an expert at the SFSTs (Standardized Field Sobriety Tests) and it was clear he did not know how to administer them properly. The judge ultimately granted the Motion and the case was dismissed. Ed's client was very happy to have his life (and his driver's license) back. What a great way to celebrate Ed's birthday - with another WIN!

DUI and DWI

People v O.B.

Feb 10, 2025

OUTCOME: OWI Case Dismissed

Attorney Sternisha's client was charged with Operating While Intoxicated (O.W.I.) 1st Offense. Ed immediately began investigating and discovered that although the police report claimed that the deputy ... observed all 6 out of 6 "clues" for the HGN (one of the field sobriety tests), which indicated that she failed, and although the client failed the PBT (Preliminary Breath Test), something was definitely wrong. Attorney Ed Sternisha is certified in the administration of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). When he reviewed the deputy's bodycam and dashcam videos, he discovered that the deputy didn't even come close to administering the HGN test correctly. Ed is also a license Private Investigator, and he obtained the maintenance and calibration records for the PBT and discovered that the device had not been maintained properly and had even needed recalibration about a month prior to it being used on Ed's client. Attorney Sternisha drafted and filed a Motion to Suppress Evidence and Dismiss Case. A hearing was held and after Ed cross-examined the deputy, it was clear to the court that the evidence against Ed's client had to be thrown out. With no evidence to support the charge of OWI, the judge dismissed the case. Another victory! Attorney Ed Sternisha was able to give his client a fresh start.

DUI and DWI

J.H. v Secretary of State

Nov 22, 2024

OUTCOME: Restricted License Granted

PETITION GRANTED! Great win for the client! Did you know that if you refuse the breath or blood test AFTER an officer arrests you for drunk driving (OWI) in Michigan your driver’s license will be su ... spended for at least one year? Although you have a right to a hearing, if you don’t file a Request for a Hearing within 14 days of your arrest, the suspension will start automatically. If you filed the request on time, a hearing will be held before any suspension, but you are only limited to 4 issues that can be contested or argued at the hearing. Upon losing at the hearing, your only remaining options are filing an appeal on the merits, essentially arguing the Hearing Officer got the law wrong or made a legal error, or filing a Hardship Appeal. After having filed a petition for a restricted license (Hardship Appeal); arguing in great detail why his client should have a restricted license to be able to drive to and from work, to drive her kids around, and to be able to take her kids to their sporting events, etc., the petition was GRANTED! Attorney Sternisha's client is now able to be the very involved and active MOM she has always been. Fortunately, they had a very kind and understanding judge. Remember, drunk driving is dangerous. Don’t do it. If you drink, call a cab. If arrested, “Call Ed Instead!”

DUI and DWI

People v. A. J. (Fatal Crash Case)

May 31, 2024

OUTCOME: NOT GUILTY!

Attorney Ed Sternisha's client was charged with OWI Causing Death (facing 15 years in prison) after being involved in a crash where a motorcyclist died. At the preliminary exam, after challenging the s ... earch warrant that was used to obtain a blood sample, Attorney Sternisha was able to get the case dismissed. The prosecutor then charged Ed's client with Moving Violation Causing Death alleging that his client crossed the centerline and struck the motorcycle. After a two-day jury trial, and after challenging the 20 or so witnesses the prosecutor put on the stand, even a crash reconstruction expert, the verdict was Not Guilty! Attorney Ed Sternisha won again, and his client could finally move on.

DUI and DWI

People v V.H.

May 21, 2024

OUTCOME: Drunk Driving Case Dismissed!

CASE DISMISSED! When someone is charged with a crime and it goes to a jury trial, the court breaks down the crime into elements. For example, to be convicted of OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), it is ... not enough to prove that the person was over the limit of .08 (BAC), that's just one element. It must also be proven that the person "operated" a vehicle "while" they were intoxicated (or over .08). There is other stuff too but that's the basics. Anyway, Attorney Sternisha's client was arrested and charged with OWI and after he thoroughly investigated the case, he felt there was something missing. Attorney Sternisha had the opportunity to work with a very good prosecutor who looked at what Ed found and agreed that the case should be dismissed. Ed's client could not be happier to get her life back. Remember, driving drunk is dangerous. Don't do it. If you drink, call a cab. If arrested, "Call Ed Instead!" (616) 233-CALL-ED

DUI and DWI

People v J.S.

Mar 05, 2024

OUTCOME: Felony Reduced to Misdemeanor

Ed's client was charged with OWI-3rd, which is a felony. Although he faced a prison sentence of up to 5 years. Attorney Ed Sternisha was able to obtain an amazing outcome. Ed's client was able to plead ... guilty to OWI-2nd, which is a misdemeanor (the OWI-3rd was DISMISSED) and he received NO PRISON and No JAIL! Attorney Ed Sternisha's client was placed on 24 months of probation and was required to wear an electronic tether for 90 days. He was very happy with the results he obtained from Attorney Ed Sternisha's representation.

DUI and DWI

People v F.J.O.

Sep 01, 2023

OUTCOME: Drunk Driving and Implied Consent Refusal Dismissed!

Attorney Ed Sternisha's client was referred to him by another attorney. The client was pulled over for crossing the painted lane lines several times. He admitted to driving poorly because he was on the ... phone - holding the phone in his hand while driving (which is now illegal in Michigan). The police report claimed the client did poorly on the field sobriety tests. The video showed the client appeared nervous but not intoxicated. The client speaks English as a second language and appeared confused by some of the questions the officer asked him (Attorney Sternisha found it necessary to speak slower and more clearly when explaining things to him). The client is a very intelligent person. The client refused the PBT (roadside breath test) and refused the blood test after he was arrested. The officer got a warrant and obtained a blood sample. The laboratory report showed the client's BAC was under the legal limit. While you can still be convicted of Impaired Driving with a BAC under the legal limit, the prosecutor was easy to work with. The criminal charge was dismissed, and the client paid a fine for a civil infraction because of the poor driving. Even though the criminal charge was dismissed, the Secretary of State was still going to suspend his driver's license for a year because of the blood test refusal. Attorney Ed Sternisha filed the appropriate paperwork and requested a hearing. The Implied Consent Refusal Hearing was held, and the officer failed to appear. That means Ed and his client won in default! In the end, the client had the criminal case and the Implied Consent Refusal all dismissed. He is very happy! When you celebrate, please do so responsibly. Drunk driving is dangerous. Don't do it! If you drink, call a cab. If arrested, "Call Ed Instead!"

DUI and DWI

People v J.D.

Sep 22, 2022

OUTCOME: Drunk Driving Dismissed!

ANOTHER DISMISSAL! Attorney Sternisha's client crashed on his motorcycle and was unconscious for a few minutes. Due to his condition, he was transported to the hospital, so no field sobriety tests we ... re administered. Because he was not arrested, no evidential chemical test was performed (no breath or blood test). He received notice in the mail that he was being charged with Operating While Intoxicated so he hired an attorney (not Ed) and turned himself in for fingerprinting. After not being able to communicate with his attorney, he fired them and hired Ed (finally). At court Attorney Sternisha was able to obtain a dismissal of the criminal charges and the client paid a civil infraction fine for careless driving. We don't want people driving intoxicated. But we also don't want people convicted on guesses. There needs to be sufficient evidence that a crime was even committed. This case was lacking so much that it never should have been charged from the beginning. Very happy client! Remember, if you drink, call a cab. If arrested, "Call Ed Instead!"

Edward Jacob Sternisha's Legal Cases (98)

People v. M.C.

People v T.S., Jr.

People v E.K.

People v O.B.

J.H. v Secretary of State

People v. A. J. (Fatal Crash Case)

People v V.H.

People v J.S.

People v F.J.O.

People v J.D.