$ 400-400 per hour
William J. Maze
About William
Biography
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
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
75%
30 years | 1,500 cases
Criminal Defense
20%
30 years | 400 cases
Civil Rights
5%
30 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
33%-33%
Pro bono
10 %
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 28 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1997
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2012
Location
Law Offices of William J. Maze
615 Griswold St Ste 1708, Detroit, MI, 48226-3990
Livonia Law Office
15223 Farmington Rd Ste 15, Livonia, MI, 48154
Romulus Law Office
37211 Goddard Rd., Romulus, MI, 48174
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William J. Maze's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
134 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (134)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (105)
Advocacy (61)
Recommendation (48)
Professionalism (31)
Practice Area Knowledge (30)
General Knowledge (26)
Cost of Services (21)
Communication Style (16)
Character & Conduct (14)
Responsiveness (13)
Trustworthiness (12)
Compassion (7)
Punctuality (2)
Payment Plans (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by DeVincent McFarlin | December 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Not a good experience
In my experience, he did not fight like I needed him to, did not communicate well, and I felt abandoned in court. I ended up firing him. For me, the $5,500 I paid was a waste of money. I believed my case was very winnable, and I felt he had no real answers or strategy. As a disabled veteran with an i...
William Maze
Replied last December 05, 2025While I am ethically bound to protect the confidentiality of our communications, I believe in transparency about my practice and principles. My response is not for this former client, but for you—a potential client who deserves to understand the attorney you are considering. My practice is built on a simple creed: I fight for clients others have given up on. I take cases where the stakes are highest and the path is hardest. I represented this individual when multiple prior attorneys had withdrawn, after a guilty plea had been set aside, and at a time when no other lawyer in the Detroit area was willing to step in due to a history of severe bond violations. Here is what that commitment looks like in action: We fight for your freedom, first. I filed an emergency appeal that secured this client's release from jail and overturned overly restrictive bond conditions. We prepare for trial. I secured two jury trial dates to contest serious charges of assaulting and obstructing police. We defend you at every turn. I won critical bond violation hearings, reviewed voluminous evidence, and consistently opposed the prosecution's efforts to incarcerate the client pre-trial. However, the most powerful attorney-client relationship is a partnership. My role is to provide relentless advocacy, strategic clarity, and honest counsel about the realities of your case. Your role is to provide the trust and cooperation necessary to execute the defense. In this situation, despite securing the client's freedom and a path to trial, the partnership broke down. The client chose to violate a core condition of their release, irrevocably damaging the defense. After I maintained constant communication—responding to hundreds of phone, text, and email messages from the client and his designated contacts—he chose to disregard my advice, discharge me, and represent himself. He then immediately pleaded guilty a second time. To my future clients, I make this promise: I will fight for you with every tool at my disposal. I will be direct about your challenges and honest about your best path forward. I will communicate clearly and stand by you in court. But I will also expect you to partner in your own defense. The law is a formidable opponent; we must be a united front. I represent the accused, the challenged, and the underserved. If you are ready for a lawyer who will not give up on you, even when the case is difficult, I am ready to fight.
Posted by Juan | May 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Grateful for Mr. Maze's Expertise in My DWI Case
I called Mr. Maze feeling overwhelmed and anxious, and I left feeling informed and, for the first time, hopeful. He clearly explained my options and possible outcomes. There were many obstacles along the way with my case, including paperwork that couldn't be found on the court's side that caused dela...
Posted by Ram | September 12, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Fight DUI with the best pro
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 ...
Posted by RecoveringBanker | October 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
90MPH in a 70MPH DOWN TO IMPEDING TRAFFIC
I was going 90 in a 70, cop wrote me up for 5 over NO POINTS (But insurance companies still see it and will increase rates). Called Maze, he said no problem, he said worse case scenario he would get it down to IMPEDING TRAFFIC (which is basically equivalent to a parking ticket, doesn’t show up anywhe...
Posted by Denise | November 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
A+ Attorney
I hired Mr. Maze to represent my teenage daughter with a traffic violation. Mr Maze and his staff were very professional, prompt in their communications and produced excellent results. I couldn’t be any more pleased with the outcome. Thank you Mr Maze - job well done!
William J. Maze's Lawyer Endorsements
"The best drunk driving trial Attorney in the state, hands down."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"As a former prosecutor, I highly recommend Mr. Maze for OWI/OWVI/Open Intoxicant defense. He's highly qualified and experienced."
"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."
"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."
"Mr. Maze is extremely well known for OWI/DUI defense. He is known for being a fighter and a very sharp trial lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2012.
Suspension issued in MI, 2012
updated on 11/28/2017Suspension 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.”
Reprimand issued in MI, 2005
updated on 11/28/2017Reprimand 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.”
Honors
2013
DUI/DWI, dbusiness
2012
DUI/DWI, dbusiness
2012
Avvo 10 Star Ranking, AVVO
2012
Instructor in the NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Corroto Enterprises LLC
2011
DUI/DWI, Super Lawyers
2011
DUI/DWI, dbusiness
2011
Avvo 9 Star Ranking, AVVO
2008
Scientific Issues in Judging Intoxication and SFST Research, Forensic Sobriety Assessment (FSA)
2008
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): Visual Science Issues, Forensic Sobriety Assessment (FSA)
2008
BAC DataMaster and Basic Science of Evidential Breath Testing, NPAS
2006
National Symposium for Alcohol, Drugs, and Traffic Safety, AIT Labs
2006
Trial Practice Institute Graduate, NCDC
2006
Trial Practice College Graduate, CDAM
2005
NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Course, Walden and Platt
Work Experience
2014 - 2015
President, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
1998 - 2017
Owner, Maze Legal
1997 - 1998
Labor Research Assistant, Mackinac Center For Public Policy
Associations
2015 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganBoard of Directors, Ex officio
2014 - Present
Wayne State University Law SchoolCriminal Justice Advisory Committee
2014 - Present
Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Downriver Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Michigan Association for JusticeMember
2005 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2005 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1996 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
2014 - 2015
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganPresident
2011 - 2014
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganBoard of Directors
1999 - 2012
American Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
IN RE FORFEITURE OF 2007 FORD FOCUS
Client won forfeiture case & we are seeking monetary damages
JAMES AMBERG V CITY OF DEARBORN
Mr. Amberg, an attorney, was entitled to public records, costs, and attorney fees
SEAN STEVEN SEYLER V CITY OF TROY
Client was entitled to FOIA materials, plus monetary damages and attorney fees
Education
1996
Wayne State University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
Citadel, Military College of South Carolina
BA
Speaking Engagements
2020
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
The ABCs of Drugged Driving: Alprazolam to Zolpidem
2019
State Bar of Michigan Criminal Law Section
Drugged Driving Defense
2018
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
Drugged Driving: Introduction to SFSTs, ARIDE, and DREs for Criminal Defense Attorneys
2018
CDAM Fall Conference
The Phlebotomist, the Forensic Scientist, and the Forensic Toxicologist - Cross Examination Techniques and Ideas
2017
CRJ 4220 Criminalistics
Practical Introduction to Forensic Science
2017
Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Training Event
Defending Against ARIDE: Drugged Driving Defense
2017
Advanced OVI Seminar
Jury Voir Dire & Cross-Examination
2015
Medical Cannabis Cup
Legal Theft: The Crime of Civil Asset Forfeiture
2015
Macomb County Bar Association
Introduction to Field Sobriety Testing
2015
Graduate Program on Forensic Science
Police Interrogations and False Confessions
2014
Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee
Testimony Regarding SB 207 Regarding Field Sobriety Testing in Michigan
2014
Criminal Justice Committee, Michigan House of Representatives
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
2013
MIAOWIA 2013 Conference
Using FOIA in Drunk Driving Cases
2013
Criminal Advocacy Program
Drunk Driving and Drugged Driving: Operating Under the Influence of Something
2013
Advanced Criminal Defense Practice Conference
Drug Recognition Experts (DREs): Challenging the Voodoo Science and Tackling the Expert at Trial
2012
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Breath Test Challenges
2012
NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification Course
NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification Course
2012
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
Introduction to Field Sobriety Testing and Statistical Flaws in the SFST Battery
2012
BAC / DMT Datamaster Introductory Course
BAC / DMT Datamaster Introductory Course
2010
ICLE - Plymouth Conference
DUI Defense Seminar
2010
ICLE - Grand Rapid Conference
DUI Defense Seminar
2009
Wayne County Criminal Advocacy Program
DUI Defense
2009
NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification Course
NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification Course
2007
NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification Course
Michigan Training in the NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
Publications
2012
Aspatore Book publication
Witness Preparation and Examination for DUI Proceedings
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a 17 year old get rape charges for having sex with a 16 year old in Michigan?
18 Aug 2019
Q&A
I just recently received a speeding ticket. Am I still allowed to cross the border to Canada and come back into the USA?
18 Aug 2019
Q&A
I was in an auto accident, on parole with a valid DL received a traffic citation for careless, now PO says I can't drive????
20 Aug 2019