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- Michael Nichols
About Michael
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.
Practice areas
- 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.
23 years, 500 cases
- 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.
23 years, 500 cases
Languages spoken
English
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Contact
The Nichols Law Firm, PLLC
3452 E Lake Lansing Road
East Lansing, MI, 48823
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| MI | Active And In Good Standing | 1999 | 05/24/2021 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Thompson Publishing Group/West | Michigan OWI Handbook | 2013 |
| "Inside the Minds" | DUI Mathematics | 2012 |
| Michigan Legal News | Mens Rea | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Ingham County Bar Association BRIEFS | Criminal Law Update 2009 | 2009 |
| BRIEFS | "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superdrunk." An overview on new legislation that affects criminal defense | 2009 |
| Ingham County Bar Association | Defining Operating in Michigan | 2009 |
| Thomsen Reuters Michigan DUI Manual | Michigan DUI Manual | 2009 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas M. Cooley Law School | JD | 1999 |
| Michigan State University | BS Political Science | 1993 |
| National College DUI Defense | None | N/A |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Conference: American Academy of Forensic Sciences | Science in the Courtroom: A Matter of Perspective | 2013 |
| Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan 2012 Fall Conference | Analyzing THC (Marijuana) in Human Blood and Forensic Limitations | 2012 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mock Trial Board Meeting | Practicing DUI | 2009 |
| Michigan Public Defense Taskforce | Reforming Indigent Defense | 2009 |
| Luncheon Lecture Series for the Ingham County Bar Association | DUI update | 2009 |
| Luncheon Lecture | "Preparing Your Client for Trial" | 2009 |
| Chemical Testing for Dummies | Chemical Breath and Blood Analysis in DUI | 2009 |
| Luncheon Lecture Series | Client Control | 2008 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| P v Anonymous | Dismissal |
| P v Anonymous | The client was allowed to plead to Reckless Driving Under Advisement |
| P v Anonymous | Not Guilty |
| P v Anonymous | All charges dismissed! |
| People v JJJ | Blood Alcohol Estimate Excluded |
| P v Eding | Not Guilty of Felony |
|---|---|
| East Lansing Police v Anonymous Client | Implied Consent Violation Dismissed |
| P v Binyon | Dismissal of DUI Charges |
| P v Wood | Not Guilty |
| People v unnamed client | Dismissal |
| People vs Steve Kinne | Not guilty. |
| People v Bulson | Not Guilty |
| P v Anonymous | All Charges Dismissed |
| Cedarfest | Not Guilty of Riot Charge |
| P v Pirzad | Not Guilty |
| P v Nettles Nickerson | Motion to Dismiss Pending |
| P v Miller | Not Guilty |
| People v Floyd | Not Guilty |
| People v Anson | Not Guilty of OWI |
| People v Anonymous | Charges Dismissed |
| People v Anonymous | Dismissed after a hearing on a motion contesting the validity of the detention and arrest |
Criminal felony
Posted by anonymous
Thu Mar 18 2021
LifeSaver
Posted by anonymous
Mon Mar 08 2021
DUI
Posted by Brogan
Fri Jan 29 2021
Professional and effective
Posted by anonymous
Fri Jan 29 2021
Exceptional Attorney
Posted by Elena
Mon Jan 25 2021
Dismissed
Posted by Dino
Wed Oct 07 2020
Excellent Attorney
Posted by Delaney
Sun Sep 13 2020
Great for Executive Order violation
Posted by Justin
Mon Aug 17 2020
Michael J. Nichols
Posted by Chris
Fri Aug 14 2020
Outstanding Attorney
Posted by anonymous
Mon Jul 06 2020
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Attorney endorsements
(46)William Livingston, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 18, 2016
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.
Seth Bierlein, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 28, 2015
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.
Joseph Lavigne, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 9, 2015
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.
I endorse this lawyer.
I endorse this lawyer.
Brent Riley, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 8, 2014
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.
Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Michael . He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
John O'Brien, Criminal defense Attorney on May 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community.
Joshua Covert, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 4, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
Mr. Nichols knowledge of the science behind breath and blood testing is unparalleled.
Neil Rockind, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
One of the leaders in drunk driving defense in the country. I endorse him.
Patrick Cole, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 27, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Nichols is the most informed attorney in the area of driving under the influence.
Scott Grabel, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Brian Manchester, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 17, 2013
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.
Jared Austin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 21, 2013
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.
John Collins, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 10, 2012
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.
Rhonda Ives, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 11, 2012
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.
Nathan Dineen, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 20, 2012
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.
I endorse this lawyer.
Cost
- Hourly Rates$250-$350/hour
- Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.Always
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