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Michael J. Nichols

DUI and DWI Attorney at East Lansing, MI

5.0   122 reviews
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State MI
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Active in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. DUI and DWI
    99%
    My approach is to help you confront the fear of the charges against you and your situation by setting a goal for the outcome. We then work relentlessly to achieve that goal. That tends to help people in this situation because you know that you are etiher 1. going to achieve the result with or without a trial; 2. not going to achieve the result or 3. you can decide to concede at any point and resolve the case for the best outcome that can be achieved through negotiation.

    25 years, 500 cases

  2. Criminal defense
    1%
    My approach is to help you confront the fear of the charges against you and your situation by setting a goal for the outcome. We then work relentlessly to achieve that goal. That tends to help people in this situation because you know that you are etiher 1. going to achieve the result with or without a trial; 2. not going to achieve the result or 3. you can decide to concede at any point and resolve the case for the best outcome that can be achieved through negotiation.

    25 years, 500 cases

     I am committed to results.  I am a trial lawyer who will take your case to trial if there are no other options. No matter how intense your situation, how badly you need a certain outcome or how dire the facts of your case. I spent thousands of hours and tens of thousands of dollars in learning forensic evidence, the law regarding drugs and alcohol and the phisiological affect of drugs in the human body. .     I am a leader. I wrote the book on OWI for West Publishing. I am an adjunct professor of DUI Law and Practice at Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Forensic Evidence in Criminal Law. I spoke over dozens of times to teach other lawyers. The reason: others look to me for leadership and learning. I developed an in depth knowledge of forensic science. I am the lawyer whose litigation led the Michigan State Police to change the way that it handles blood alcohol analyses. I was selected as a presenter for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) annual conferences. I practice exclusively in criminal defense with an emphasis on defending citizens charged with driving while intoxicated. My practice style is to utilize litigation to position a client to achieve results.

     I am in court very often and in stressful situations. Those situations are situations in which I thrive. To relax I run, read and write often. I spent 10 years as a journalist working in television and radio. I worked for a statewide radio news network, a CBS-owned radio station in Detroit and for a television station in Lansing.

     I believe in the right to have a trial. I believe that you as a citizen, have the right to have a lawyer stand by you through every phase of a criminal case. 

     Our constitution is a sacred document formed thanks to the blood and sacrifice of our founders and preserved by the modern day footsoldiers of trial lawyers. I am proud to be part of the loyal fraternity of constitutional warriors who protect the rights of those citizens accused of crimes, no matter how heinous those alleged crimes may be to the accusors or the public.

    

Photos and videos

This is a document that we received from the Michigan State Police lab and it verified that the lab was not following its own manufacturer specifications: ask me how!
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Contact Michael

Similar lawyers nearby

The Nichols Law Firm, PLLC
3452 E Lake Lansing Road
East Lansing, MI, 48823

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  122 customer reviews
5 Star
 
99%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
1%
Posted by Doug | September 11, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best in DUI DWI Defense
From our initial visit Mike provided confidence that I would receive the best representation possible. I give the Nichols Law Firm the highest recommendation, Mike and his staff have been wonderful to work with. Thank you!
Posted by anonymous | September 1, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best in Michigan
While spending the summer vacationing in Michigan, I landed in the Rodgers City jail charged with DWI and resisting arrest. Had I been in Florida, I knew exactly who to contact and after talking with a friend, he suggested I reach out to my Florida connection and see if he could recommend someone. He recommended Mike Nichols and said “he was the best in Michigan”. Mike Nichols and his team at Nichols Law Firm has impressed me with every turn of circumstance. Mike is extremely knowledgeable, strategic and throughout the process has guided me while remaining compassionate to my situation. Mike has kept me abreast of the necessary details, welcomed questions, returned my inquires promptly and has produced the best result possible. Succinctly stated, Mike Nichols is a winner!!!
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Posted by J. | August 23, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
More Than An Attorney
I’ve known Mike for several years. When I got in trouble it was one of the lowest periods in my life. Immediately contacted Mike and I’m so glad I did. He put my mind at ease, and did everything in his power, despite me giving him very little to work with to get me the best possible outcome for my family and my future. He helped me turn what would be for most people a set back, into an opportunity. He was so much more than my attorney in this instance of my life. I can’t say enough about him not only professionally, but personally as a phenomenal human in such a broken messy world.
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Posted by Christopher | July 23, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exemplary Legal Representation
I had the privilege of working with Mike Nichols and the Nichols Law Firm, and I must say, they exceeded my expectations. Mr. Nichols is highly personable and holds an unwavering commitment to excellence. From the start, Mr. Nichols' caring demeanor put me at ease. He took the time to understand my case and built a strong attorney-client relationship based on trust. Throughout the process, I was impressed by Mr. Nichols' approach and dedication to providing clear and concise legal advice. His team's responsiveness and assistance were also top-notch. I highly recommend the Nichols Law Firm for anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Mike Nichols and his team are outstanding professionals who will go above and beyond to assist you.
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Posted by Trevor | July 21, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mike Goes Above & Beyond
Mike and his team did an incredible job of analyzing the details, keeping me updated with the game plan, and ultimately getting me an outcome that I am more than happy with. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of his services.
Posted by Jim | April 29, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exactly what you want in your lawyer
My experience with Mike was nothing short of amazing. He is not only a consummate lawyer, but a consummate human being. From the very quick return phone call to the first meeting, Mike showed his concern for me and my difficult situation. This concern remained throughout the case. Mike is accessible and always current on the facts of the case. But this is a results business, and I could not have asked for a better outcome. Mike is the best and I will enthusiastically recommend him to others. At this point I consider Mike a good friend.
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Posted by Mike | March 15, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
Mike was very professional and and his team concept was very good. If you need someone to help you at feel at ease I would highly recommend him.
Posted by anonymous | December 15, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hire Mike Nichols!
I’m so glad I hired Mike. From the first day it was apparent that he had my best interests in mind. His knowledge and expertise was able to poke holes in my case and helped me receive a plea deal of a reduced sentence. Thank you Mike!
Posted by Marcy | November 19, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding lawyer!!
Mike is an exceptional lawyer who truly cares about his client. He made a very stressful emotional time turn out to be the best possible outcome . He's highly skilled in his profession and was honest and trustworthy. I highly recommend Mike to anyone seeking counsel. Thank you Mike for all your hard work and dedication. We are so grateful for you !
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Posted by Jchon | November 2, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
2 years of sweating bullets
2 years of sweating bullets and Mike came through in the clinch. Not guilty! Thanks Mike
Posted by Leo | October 20, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My Attorney
Mike Nichols took care of every single detail of the process, all those details were timed perfectly for the judge and case. Hard to imagine a better attorney based on my outcome.
Posted by anonymous | October 3, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Counsel
Mike is very thorough, knowledgeable and caring. I highly recommend him for your legal needs.
Posted by Throstur | August 2, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent work and much appreciated
Attorney Michael Nichols was the attorney for my niece as she faced false misdemeanor charges. Detective based his argument on hearsay, then feeling, to believe, and finally proof. Nichols found a way to argue the case from the detectives report - which was the bases for misdemeanor charges - and the judge threw out the charges after reading the trial brief presented. Great to work with, professional, and excellent presentation.
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Posted by Sarah | August 2, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly satisfied
Mike Nichols was THE RIGHT choice for representation! I had a complicated case that came with a lot of emotional trauma. He provided wonderful comfort and support. His work was done with impressive and appreciated dedication. He is very knowledgeable, thorough, creative and considerate. I feel that I had THE BEST representation hat I could have! I am highly satisfied and grateful.
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Posted by anonymous | June 7, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing legal team
The prep work for the case was superb and the way Mike is skilled he made the trial super relaxed and to the point. Would definitely recommend to anyone
Posted by Jacob | May 20, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing legal team!
I can’t even begin to explain how great mike and his legal team are! Highly recommend! And is 100% worth every penny! Without going into detail id just like to say how grateful I am to have had the pleasure of meeting them and have them represent me. Thanks for everything!
Posted by Kristen | May 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Worked Hard on My Case
Mike worked hard to get me a good deal on a DUI charge and worked down my restitution as well. Mike is very professional and also kind and compassionate. He cares for his clients and that is evident in the work he does.
Posted by Josh | April 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Satisfied
I appreciate all the work you and your team have put in on my case. If you hadn't taken my case, things could have turned out totally different. I am truly blessed. Your diligent work saved my CDL and our business. I'll forever be grateful to you and your staff!
Posted by RICK | March 20, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best Outcome
Mike was amazing from day 1 through the entire process, explaining all options, keeping constant communication, personally working the case, negotiating with the prosecutor and making sure we were in the best position possible for the outcome we wanted. His industry experience, reputation and knowledge of every aspect of the law, as well as his respect within the Michigan court system gave me confidence that I had the best representation. The result was better than I could have imagined. Very grateful for Mike & the Nichols Law Firm.
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Posted by Denis | March 12, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
Mike Nichols was referred to me & represented me in a nasty accident case that drug out almost a yr and half. The whole time he made me feel at ease and comfortable from the very first phone call. Keeping me updated on progress, court dates etc. His legal assistants are also very sharp, just as friendly also. If I need a lawyer in Michigan again, he’ll be the first call I make. A 5 Star experience. Thank You Mike
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 250-350 per hour
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Adjunct Law Professor of DUI
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law Review
  • 2011 - Present
  • Trial College - Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
  • Faculty Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Managing Member
  • The Nichols Law Firm PLLC
  • 2009 - Present
  • Attorney and Managing Member
  • The Nichols Law Firm PLLC
  • 2006 - Present
  • Panel Attorney
  • Criminal Justice Act Panel Federal Defender
  • 2004 - Present
  • Adjunct Professor of Forensic Evidence
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • 2012 - 2012
  • Speaker
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education
  • 2011 - 2011
  • Presenter
  • American Academy of Forensic Science
  • 2011 - 2011
  • Of Counsel
  • The Gallagher Law Firm PLLC
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Attorney and Partner
  • The Reynolds Law Firm
  • 2000 - 2005
  • Partner
  • Knot, Nichols and Meade, LLP
  • 1999 - 2000
  • Clerk
  • Al Knot and Associates
  • 1998 - 1999
View all work experience

Education

  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • JD
  • 1999
  • Michigan State University
  • BS Political Science
  • 1993
  • National College DUI Defense
  • None
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • P v Anonymous
  • Dismissal
  • P v Anonymous
  • The client was allowed to plead to Reckless Driving Under Advisement
  • P v Anonymous
  • Not Guilty
View all legal cases

Associations

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Task Force on Body Cameras
  • 2015 - Present
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Task force on 21st Century Practice
  • 2015 - Present
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • Founder and Board Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys
  • Secretary
  • 2012 - Present
  • Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys
  • Secretary and Founding Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • State Delegate - Michigan
  • 2012 - Present
  • Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys
  • Secretary and Founder
  • 2012 - Present
  • American Chemical Society
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Associate Member
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences
  • 2012 - Present
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • Adjunct Law Professor
  • 2011 - Present
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education
  • Faculty Member - Drunk Driving Update
  • 2011 - Present
  • State Bar of Michigan Foundation
  • Fellow
  • 2009 - Present
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • Ingham County Bar Association, Bench-Bar Committee
  • Speaker
  • 2008 - Present
  • Women's Center of Greater Lansing
  • Founding Father
  • 2008 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Scribes
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • Bench Bar Committee
  • Member and Criminal Law Panel Team Leader
  • 2005 - Present
  • Ingham County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
  • Co-Chair and Speaker
  • 2004 - Present
  • Ingham County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
  • Chair
  • 2004 - Present
  • Ingham County Bar Association Briefs Committee
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • State Bar of Michigan Criminal Law Section
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
  • Liason to the President for Indigent Defense in Ingham County
  • 2001 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer DUI/Criminal
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyers
  • Thomsen Reuters
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyers
  • Thomson West Publishing
  • 2014
  • Certificate of Completion/Summer Session
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2013
  • Michigan Super Lawyer DUI/Criminal
  • Michigan Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Michigan Super Lawyer DUI/Criminal
  • Michigan Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • Sustaining Member
  • 2012
  • Certificate of Completion - Summer Session
  • NCDD
  • 2012
  • Ceritificate of Completion - forensic chromatography course
  • Axion Labs
  • 2012
  • Certificate of Appreciation -service: criml law section chair
  • Ingham County Bar Association
  • 2012
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • Ingham County Bar Association
  • 2012
  • Certificate of Completion Summer Session
  • NCDD
  • 2012
  • Certificate of Completion Forensic Chromatography
  • Axion Labs
  • 2012
  • Certificate of Completion/Summer Session
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • 2011
  • 1st Place in 40-44 year old age group "Pumpkin Trot" 5k Run
  • Heuga Center
  • 2010
  • Certification, DUI/SFST investigation
  • Anthony Corroto/NHTSA
  • 2009
  • Fellow of the State Bar of Michigan Foundation
  • State Bar of Michigan Foundation
  • 2009
  • Recognition for Speaking
  • Michigan Public Defense Task Force
  • 2009
  • Distinguished Panelist Holland Trial Symposium
  • Thomas M Cooley Law School
  • 2006
  • Distinguished Panelist Holland Trial Symposium
  • Michigan State University College of Law
  • 2006
  • 2d Place 35-39 Age Division
  • City of East Lansing Pumpkin Trot
  • 2006
  • 2d Place 2005 Turkey Trot in Lansing Michigan
  • Turkey Trot 5k Event
  • 2005
  • 1st Place 35-39 Age Division
  • Max's Race Inaugural 5k Event
  • 2005
  • Scholarship
  • Incorporated Society of Irish-American Lawyers
  • 1997
  • Dean's List
  • Thomas M Cooley Law School
  • 1996
  • Dean' List
  • Thomas M Cooley Law School
  • 1995
  • Golden Key
  • National Honor Society
  • 1993
  • Membershp
  • Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society
  • 1991
View all awards

Publications

  • Michigan OWI Book Update
  • Michigan OWI Handbook
  • 2013
  • Inside the Minds (Aspatore Books)
  • "Measuring Nothing" - Using Forensic Evidence in Criminal Cases
  • 2013
  • Ingham County Legal News
  • Why are We Still Guessing - Breath Testing in the State of Michigan
  • 2013
  • "Inside the Minds"
  • DUI Mathematics
  • 2012
  • Ingham County Bar Association BRIEFS
  • Criminal Law Update 2009
  • 2009
  • Thomsen Reuters Michigan DUI Manual
  • Michigan DUI Manual
  • 2009
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Thomas M Cooley Law School Litigation Skills Class
  • Forensic Science and Cross Examining Experts
  • 2011
  • Section Meeting
  • OWI and the revised Superdrunk law
  • 2011
  • Drunk Driving Defense Update
  • Retrograde Extrapolation in Drunk Driving Cases
  • 2011
  • Datamaster DMT Training
  • Communicating Scientific Evidence to Juries
  • 2011
  • Michigan Public Defense Taskforce
  • Reforming Indigent Defense
  • 2009
  • Luncheon Lecture Series for the Ingham County Bar Association
  • DUI update
  • 2009
  • Chemical Testing for Dummies
  • Chemical Breath and Blood Analysis in DUI
  • 2009
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (47)
Given (42)
Endorse Michael
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I met Mike a couple years ago when I began at the prosecutor's office. He was (and is) very professional and extremely knowledgeable. There is no question Mike is the go-to when it comes to OWI defense! I would send my family to him!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Mr. Nichols taught me everything I know about Drunk Driving defense. He is an excellent attorney and is always thinking about how to get the best possible outcome for his clients. I would absolutely recommend Mr. Nichols to anybody facing a Drunk Driving charge."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 28
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Mr. Nichols has taught me more about criminal defense and DUI law than I can convey in an endorsement. His understanding of the law and science in DUI cases is second to none. He is the best attorney I know."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike is an outstanding attorney. I have had the pleasure to refer cases to him with excellent results. He is very professional and dedicated to achieving the best result possible for his clients."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I was lucky enough to have Attorney Nichols as a law school professor. He is an expert in OWI law and literally wrote the book on this area of practice. If you are serious about fighting a drunk driving charge, I recommend Mike."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Michael . He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Co-worker
"Mr. Nichols knowledge of the science behind breath and blood testing is unparalleled."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"One of the leaders in drunk driving defense in the country. I endorse him."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Nichols is the most informed attorney in the area of driving under the influence."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike is truely a dedicated to his clients. He has handled several high profile cases in Michigan and has been an innovator in the field of DUI defense in Michigan. I have come to know Mike through my membership in the National College for DUI Defense where Mike has an excellent reputation. Mike has also helped advise me on several matters here in Pennsylvania. If charged with a DUI/DWI in Michigan you must hire this man because he will fight for you."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike has a great work ethic and a tremendous amount of experience. He will work hard and fight for every client to get the best resolve possible. I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I first met Michael at a Forensic Chromatography Course. I was impressed by his ability to cut through the clutter provided in blood toxicology reports and get right to the flaws in the tests. Anyone charged with a dwi would be lucky to have him."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I write this endorsement as I recently attended a criminal defense training seminar where Mike was presenting cutting edge arguments on the reliability of blood testing in Michigan. Not only is Mike Nichols one of the top DUI attorneys Michigan, he is willing to share his knowledge w/other defense attorneys so we can protect the rights of more Michigan citizens. I have personally consulted with Attorney Nichols on cases and his knowledge has always made a difference. Not only do I endorse Attorney Mike Nichols, but I am confident he can give any case a winning edge. If you are charged with a crime, I recommend Attorney Mike Nichols."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an intelligent, professional, competent attorney willing to go the extra distance for his clients. He is aggressive and dedicated. If you have been arrested and need qualified legal advice, call the man that wrote the book on defending your OWI/DUI charge."
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