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William J. Maze

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2012. Read more
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William J. Maze
William J. Maze
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About William

Romulus, Detroit, and Livonia Offices. Top notch criminal defense, DUI/DWI, airport cases at DTW.

100% Criminal Defense, DUI, and traffic-related offenses with offices in Romulus, Livonia, & Detroit. 22 years of experience as a highly rated criminal defense attorney. I am constantly fighting cases through motions, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials. In addition to criminal cases, I have handled over a thousand drunk driving cases, helping people avoid or minimize the consequences of a DUI conviction.

  • Former President Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM)
  • Founding member of Darrow Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Published Michigan Supreme Court Victories
  • Numerous Victories Before the Michigan Court of Appeals
  • DBusiness Top Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
  • People's Choice Award AVVO
  • Graduate - National Criminal Defense College (NCDC) in Macon, Georgia
  • Graduate - Trial Practice College, CDAM
  • Qualified by numerous courts as an expert witness in Standardized Field Sobriety Test Battery
  • Qualified by several courts as an expert witness in the BAC Datamaster
  • Countless out-of-state seminars through the NCDD and NACDL

Practice areas

Civil rightsCriminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 75%

    I am one of the state's leading drunk driving defense lawyers, and I frequently take cases to jury trial. I have a tremendous record on difficult cases. I use science, the law, and thousands of hours of additional training to help my clients.

    24 years, 1,500 cases

  2. Criminal defense: 20%

    Assault and battery, retail fraud, murder charges, domestic violence, drug charges, resisting and obstructing police, MDOP, sex crimes, firearm offenses, and a variety of felony matters.

    24 years, 400 cases

  3. Civil rights: 5%

    FOIA litigation: I sue local municipal governments and the state government, including agencies, for violation of the Freedom of Information Act. I primarily represent existing clients and other attorneys in this area of my practice.

    24 years, 100 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

615 Griswold St Ste 1708
address map

615 Griswold St Ste 1708
Detroit, MI, 48226-3990

Website
http://www.michigan-drunk-driving.com

Romulus Law Office

Livonia Law Office

15223 Farmington Rd Ste 15
Livonia, MI, 48154

Romulus Law Office

37211 Goddard Rd.
Romulus, MI, 48174

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
MIActive And In Good Standing199711/29/2020

Professional misconduct


This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority.

  • Reprimand
    issued in MI, 2005

    updated on 11/28/2017

    Reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

    William's comment:“Client disappeared on me and later reappeared after months of no contact. I should have defended this case more aggressively, but back in 2004 no one anticipated AVVO would list this type of action as a permanent blemish on an attorney’s record.”

  • Suspension
    issued in MI, 2012

    updated on 11/28/2017

    Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

    William's comment:“MY CLIENT FOUGHT TO DEFEND ME in this fight against a judge. My client vehemently opposed this grievance, but somehow I was convicted of “neglecting” his case even though my client was 100% satisfied with my services. Bizarre. The judge later found herself in hot water with the Judicial Tenure Commission. Karma.”

Avvo Contributions
Legal answers40
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
DUI/DWIdbusiness2013
DUI/DWIdbusiness2012
Avvo 10 Star RankingAVVO2012
Instructor in the NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety TestingCorroto Enterprises LLC2012
DUI/DWISuper Lawyers2011
DUI/DWIdbusiness2011
Avvo 9 Star RankingAVVO2011
Scientific Issues in Judging Intoxication and SFST ResearchForensic Sobriety Assessment (FSA)2008
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): Visual Science IssuesForensic Sobriety Assessment (FSA)2008
BAC DataMaster and Basic Science of Evidential Breath TestingNPAS2008
National Symposium for Alcohol, Drugs, and Traffic SafetyAIT Labs2006
Trial Practice Institute GraduateNCDC2006
Trial Practice College GraduateCDAM2006
NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing CourseWalden and Platt2005
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PresidentCriminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan2014 - 2015
OwnerMaze Legal1998 - 2017
Labor Research AssistantMackinac Center For Public Policy1997 - 1998
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganBoard of Directors, Ex officio2015 - Present
Wayne State University Law SchoolCriminal Justice Advisory Committee2014 - Present
Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember2014 - Present
Downriver Bar AssociationMember2014 - Present
Michigan Association for JusticeMember2014 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember2005 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2005 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember1996 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganPresident2014 - 2015
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganBoard of Directors2011 - 2014
American Bar AssociationMember1999 - 2012
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Aspatore Book publicationWitness Preparation and Examination for DUI Proceedings2012
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Wayne State University Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor1996
Citadel, Military College of South CarolinaBA1992
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
State Bar of Michigan Criminal Law SectionDrugged Driving Defense2019
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganDrugged Driving: Introduction to SFSTs, ARIDE, and DREs for Criminal Defense Attorneys2018
CDAM Fall ConferenceThe Phlebotomist, the Forensic Scientist, and the Forensic Toxicologist - Cross Examination Techniques and Ideas2018
CRJ 4220 CriminalisticsPractical Introduction to Forensic Science2017
Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Training EventDefending Against ARIDE: Drugged Driving Defense2017
Advanced OVI SeminarJury Voir Dire & Cross-Examination2017
Medical Cannabis CupLegal Theft: The Crime of Civil Asset Forfeiture2015
Macomb County Bar AssociationIntroduction to Field Sobriety Testing2015
Graduate Program on Forensic SciencePolice Interrogations and False Confessions2015
Michigan Senate Judiciary CommitteeTestimony Regarding SB 207 Regarding Field Sobriety Testing in Michigan2014
Criminal Justice Committee, Michigan House of RepresentativesCriminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan2014
MIAOWIA 2013 ConferenceUsing FOIA in Drunk Driving Cases2013
Criminal Advocacy ProgramDrunk Driving and Drugged Driving: Operating Under the Influence of Something2013
Advanced Criminal Defense Practice ConferenceDrug Recognition Experts (DREs): Challenging the Voodoo Science and Tackling the Expert at Trial2013
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBreath Test Challenges2012
NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification CourseNHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification Course2012
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganIntroduction to Field Sobriety Testing and Statistical Flaws in the SFST Battery2012
BAC / DMT Datamaster Introductory CourseBAC / DMT Datamaster Introductory Course2012
ICLE - Plymouth ConferenceDUI Defense Seminar2010
ICLE - Grand Rapid ConferenceDUI Defense Seminar2010
Wayne County Criminal Advocacy ProgramDUI Defense2009
NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification CourseNHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification Course2009
NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification CourseMichigan Training in the NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Tests2007
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
IN RE FORFEITURE OF 2007 FORD FOCUSClient won forfeiture case & we are seeking monetary damages
JAMES AMBERG V CITY OF DEARBORNMr. Amberg, an attorney, was entitled to public records, costs, and attorney fees
SEAN STEVEN SEYLER V CITY OF TROYClient was entitled to FOIA materials, plus monetary damages and attorney fees

Reviews

(102)
5 Star
98%
4 Star
1%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Review William Maze

A Gentleman and a Scholar, and a TRUE PIT BULL!!!

Posted by

After meeting and discussing my case with William, I KNEW he was MY lawyer! He is, in my relative's terms, a TRUE PIT BULL! This was my first "situation" and I was VERY nervous and scared!! William put me right at ease with his confidence and joie de vivre! I did my own research and found that besides being highly regarded in the legal community and highly educated, he is just simply a NICE human being! He always goes above and beyond in his duties! You want someone who will think outside the box! And, CONSTANTLY have YOUR BEST interests at heart! Do your own research and you will come to the same conclusion. All charges against me were dismissed as a result of William's tireless efforts. I cant thank him enough. Most importantly, I thank Jesus, my Lord and Savior, for bringing William into my life to help me. And, by the way, HIRE HIM already! You will be glad you did!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The best of the best DUI defense

Posted by

Mr. Maze is my personal hero. I was in a single vehicle roll over accident. Nine months later I received a DUI ticket in the mail. An actual police officer recommended Willam as being who I wanted to represent me because he said "He is the best of the best!" He was professional from our first meeting all of the way through and kept me calm and sane throughout the process. His knowledge and expertise during my defense and cross examination of the prosecution was beyond stellar and above all my expectations. He actually knew the laws of road side testing and chemical testing better than the actual officers who were on the scene of my accident. After a long day, the jury within five minutes came back with a not guilty verdict and justice was served. I could not have made it through without him and his expertise, knowledge and professionalism. He is truly the best of the best.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
William Maze's response: Denise, I was on the edge of my seat the entire trial! I was probably going to bust out crying if we lost. Thank you so very much for putting your faith in me on this case. I know it was extremely stressful. I am so very, very happy that I was able to get you a not guilty verdict!

Ticket

Posted by

William Maze took care of everything he promised in a professional and timely way . I would Strongly recommend using their firm .
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Fight DUI with the best pro

Posted by

I was so devastated as a licensed healthcare professional when I got pulled over and arrested for DWI during the thanksgiving weekend of 2019. I took upon the effort of calling different attorneys to find a solution for my DWI case and only to get the same answers as to explain only the implications of a DUI in your record and the consequences that might affect my healthcare license. But none had an answer on different options to take on the case and give me some hope of relief for a better outcome. And then I had a consultation session with attorney William Maze which gave some theoretical hope on the different approaches to fight the case. He clearly mentioned the time line to tackle the case and that kinda gave me some confidence and decided to hire Mr Maze as my attorney. This was one of the best decisions in my life I made to such an issue after much contemplation. And as exactly explained, planned Mr Maze clearly executed his arguments on the data master results reliability and was persistent on his meticulous arguments he presented with the prosecuting attorney. I was absolutely relieved of a huge burden that might have affected me for the rest of my life while the prosecuting attorney offering plea for a motor vehicle code violation and dropping the DWI charge. He even mentioned it’s an exordinary circumstance in my case to offer such a plea when the hearing happened in front of the judge. Mr Maze is the expert in DUI cases as you can see in all the years of experience and expertise in that area. I would strongly recommend him as the FIRST CHOICE attorney in any DUI cases with my fullest heart and rational mind. The outcome was delivered as promised with persistence.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Traffic ticket

Posted by

Attorney William maze does a remarkable job of communicating every step of the way during my case. They are very professional. I highly recommend giving them a call for any of your needs.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Best lawyer ever

Posted by

Did exactly what he said he was going to do and Got my case dismissed. He always is a very understanding man with prices.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly recommended, best price in town

Posted by

William got my 6-10 over speeding ticket reduced to impeding traffic, despite the fact that I had prior moving violations. I didnt even have to take a day off work to go to court, he handled the violation out of court with the prosecutor! Also, his price was very reasonable, considering other local attorneys charge double for the same service. I would highly recommend Maze Legal to anyone in need of an attorney. Thanks again!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Worth every penny

Posted by

I had waited to do this review for a while, until I was done with the whole process, but I can tell you if you are charged with a DUI, hire Maze. I had a previous DUI from college, over 7 years ago, and was charged with another one last year. My first go around I paid a good amount of money for my attorney and I remember what the prosecutors had wanted from day one was the same thing that I ended up with. My previous attorney just delayed the process. Didn’t even remember my name at one of my court dates. With Maze, he had taken an OWI charge and got the prosecutor to drop it down to an Open Intox and careless driving. Neither resulted in any loss of license nor a severe dent in a background check. He had filed quite a few valid motions in the case and was very aggressive in my defense. I think most people believe that DUIs are very open and shut cases where lawyers are there to minimize the damage. That is not always the case. Maze knows every angle of these cases and fights to not just lower probation time etc but to win. I really believe that if I had gone to trial I would have won but Maze helped me get such a great deal that it wasn’t worth the risk of leaving my very winnable case up to a jury. I highly recommend him. He knows what he’s talking about and actually fights to win like many other lawyers claim to do.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

One of the best

Posted by

Mr Maze went way above to get a not guilty verdict . this was an accident case. Mr Maze for 16 months investigated, reviewed and sought out evidence and after a three to four hours deliberation came out with a not guilty verdict. I will recommend him to anyone.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

DUI Hero

Posted by

Well I Hired MR. Maze and I can tell you first hand it was the best decision of my life ... this is no Bull.. He saved me and my Freedom from Jail time, license , and countless other costs and penalty’s that Judged love to impose on people ... I wanted a trial lawyer cause I knew the cop was inaccurate in police report and was just a guy with pure hate... I can only tell you that if you want a great trial lawyer that will do what he says this guy is A MAZING ... well worth every penny.. one more thing is I had hired another attorney for less and I got what I paid for ... and he wanted me to plea to a lesser offense (reckless driving) which is almost the same and worse as it’s a criminal offense and not a misdemeanor .. so hire this guy and rest assured your in GREAT Hands... also hire his expert witness to tear up the cops testimony .. A pair of genius’s ... good luck
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(48)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Issa Haddad, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. William Maze is an amazing and very aggressive constitutional warrior. He knows how to fight a DUI & DWI cases and more importantly he knows how to win DUI & DWI cases.

Bradford Weston, Criminal defense Attorney on May 6, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

William and I work together for a mutual client who I represent in California on a DUI charge and who was arrested recently in Michigan on a Misdo. Disorderly Conduct Charge/ with a slight Resisting element. I reached out to WILLIAM to assist in the rapidly upcoming mandatory court appearance in Michigan 35th District Court and he was quick to "catch the ball" and get a plan together. WILLIAM also works with other highly qualified DUI attorneys out here in CA like BRUCE KAPSAK whom I work with and WILLIAM demonstrated that he "knows the ropes" and is a valuable team player. Thanks for the professional assistance.

Paul Youngs, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 6, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

William is a great attorney. I once described him as the perfect intersection of a technical encyclopedia and a constitutional scholar. He is able to parlay both attributes into victories in some of the most uphill battles imaginable. Highest recommendation.

Jamil Khuja, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 17, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Bill Maze is an excellent attorney. He always fights hard for his clients and doesn't back down. His knowledge of DUI laws is very impressive. Hands down - one of the best DUI lawyers.

Jessica Pienta, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 15, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

As a former prosecutor, I highly recommend Mr. Maze for OWI/OWVI/Open Intoxicant defense. He's highly qualified and experienced.

Hashim Jeelani, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 9, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney William J. Maze is well known among other attorneys in Michigan as one of the best DUI/OWI defense attorneys to have on your side. If put under oath, most prosecutors William has been up against would agree as well. As Attorney Maze was a mentor to me, I have had the first hand opportunity to see why he is regarded as one of the best. He does not automatically jump the gun and negotiate pleas; he takes his client's cases to trial if need be. He has extensive knowledge in the testing mechanisms utilized by police officers and knows the errors that they often make in administering the tests. I have seen him make novel arguments in court and win for his clients. I endorse William Maze without hesitation.

Keeley Blanchard, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 11, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Hands down, there is no better DUI attorney out there. If I were charged with DUI, William Maze is the attorney I would call. He knows the law, he knows the science, and he fights like hell for his clients.

Scott Aaronson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 4, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Maze is extremely well known for OWI/DUI defense. He is known for being a fighter and a very sharp trial lawyer.

Jason Cerbone, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 28, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Good man. DUI killer. William Maze is a genius on the National College of DUI Defense Listserve. You will feel great when you pay and hire him up to take your DUI.

Jon Pettis

I endorse this lawyer.

Aaron Boria, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 29, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

William Maze is a name synonymous with criminal defense. He is a truly amazing attorney that will fight for your rights to get you the best result possible. I endorse this lawyer.

Zaki Ali, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 21, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

William Maze is a force. Plain and simple, if you have been charged with DUI in Michigan, especially if you have been told that your case is difficult or challenging, call his office. Talk to him first before you decide to give up. He is an incredible advocate for his clients and he just does not take no for an answer if there is any possibility that there is a yes in there somewhere.

John Hunsucker, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 16, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

If you want a no hold back fighter in your corner....Maze is the attorney for you. I have attended many national DUI defense seminars with William and can honestly say that I don't know many attorneys that will fight tooth and nail for a client like he does. Due to his tenacity and refusal to back down, he is highly respected in the legal bar. I highly recommend William for any DUI case.

Christian Lassen, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 18, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Joshua Blanchard, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 6, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

If I were charged with DUI, William would be on a very short list of people I would trust with my future. DUI cases are some of the most difficult cases to successfully defend. From his track record, it is clear that William has the knowledge and skills to effectively defend someone charged with DUI.

Willard Hall

William Maze has a national reputation for his skill and dedication to the practice of law. I have known him for years through our association in the National College for DUI/DWI Defense, the premier organization of its kind. A drunk driving charge is a serious matter and William Maze knows just what to do, but time is of the essence in achieving a successful outcome.

Chad Engelhardt, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 11, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

William Maze is one of the State's foremost experts in DUI defense. He is on the cutting edge of fighting junk science and sloppy police work to protect the rights of Michigan citizens.

Okorie Okorocha, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 29, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Bill Maze is the real deal, world war III type attorney that other attorneys hire, not the sloth, over-charging, plea bargain machines you hear about.

Brian Prain, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 23, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Having an attorney who WINS for you in the courtroom has a whole lot to do with your lawyer being the "biggest" person in the courtroom. What that means is that the power people with whom your fate lies, the jurors, have to choose one of the participants who they believe to be the most knowledgeable about the complex subject matter at hand and "lead" them to the right decision. If you are charged with a Drunk Driving offense, William Maze is the person that YOUR jury is going to want to follow - guaranteed. He owns the DataMaster machines that the cops are using to try to convict you, he's certified by NHSTA/IACP in field sobriety testing, he owns years worth of police training videos, and the list just goes on and on. His untouched track record for kicking the prosecution's asses in Drunk Driving cases comes from his superior command of the EVIDENCE. Even if you think you can't win because you "blew" drunk, winning lies in challenging the evidence like nobody else can.

Rhonda Ives, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 22, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

William Maze has a proven track record for successful DUI defense. Not only does he remain vigilant for his clients and their cases, he is always at the forefront of every critical issue which is fundamental to the right of a fair trial in the state of Michigan for every accused person!

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$400-$400/hour
    RATES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.33%-33%
    • Pro-bono Many lawyers provide free legal help to low-income clients. The percent listed indicates how much of a lawyer's practice is pro bono work.10%
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card