$ 500-550 per hour
Michael J. Nichols
About Michael
Biography
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
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
99%
28 years | 500 cases
Criminal Defense
1%
28 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 26 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
The Nichols Law Firm, PLLC
3452 E Lake Lansing Road, East Lansing, MI, 48823
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Michael J. Nichols's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
141 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (141)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (78)
DUI & DWI (49)
Lawsuits & Disputes (23)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (5)
Administrative Law (4)
Drug Crime (4)
Litigation (4)
Car Accidents (3)
Child Custody (3)
Business (2)
Divorce & Separation (2)
Immigration (2)
Animal Law (1)
Constitutional (1)
Education (1)
Estate Planning (1)
Expungement (1)
Family (1)
Federal Crime (1)
Identity Theft (1)
Juvenile (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 37 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | October 31, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
"Best in the State"
I was referred to Mike by another attorney and longtime friend for a DUI arrest. I was told he was "the best in the state" and though I trusted my friend's opinion, I was not expecting anything special quite frankly. After my case's resolution, I am now able to ascertain and share that Mike Nichols ...
Posted by anonymous | August 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Extremely Proffessional
My experience with Mr. Nichols was very professional. He made me feel comfortable and was motivational throughout my entire experience. Straight forward and good recommendations on what I was going through. Would highly recommend!
Posted by Karolyn | July 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
A Life Saver
Mr. Nichols represented me on a criminal case recently. He and his team not only met standard goals of keeping me informed and understanding what step came next, they went beyond what was asked of them. They made me feel like I was a part of a family who had my back through this painstaking part of m...
Posted by anonymous | December 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Best in the Lansing Area
I cant say enough good things about Mike Nichols . He helped me every step of the way. He always responded rapidly to my text and phone calls. He explained everything. Mr Nichols is a an amazing lawyer very professional and yet very caring. I highly recommend him and his office to get the job done...
Posted by Jim | April 29, 2023 | 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 accessibl...
Michael J. Nichols's Lawyer Endorsements
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Michael . He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"Mr. Nichols knowledge of the science behind breath and blood testing is unparalleled."
"One of the leaders in drunk driving defense in the country. I endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Nichols is the most informed attorney in the area of driving under the influence."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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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Experience
Honors
2024
Super Lawyer DUI/Criminal, Super Lawyers Magazine
2024
Super Lawyers, Thomsen Reuters
2024
Super Lawyers, Thomson West Publishing
2013
Certificate of Completion/Summer Session, National College for DUI Defense
2013
Michigan Super Lawyer DUI/Criminal, Michigan Super Lawyers
2012
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
2011
Certificate of Completion/Summer Session, National College of DUI Defense
2010
1st Place in 40-44 year old age group "Pumpkin Trot" 5k Run, Heuga Center
2009
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
2006
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
2005
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
1997
Scholarship, Incorporated Society of Irish-American Lawyers
1996
Dean's List, Thomas M Cooley Law School
1995
Dean' List, Thomas M Cooley Law School
1993
Golden Key, National Honor Society
1991
Membershp, Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Adjunct Law Professor of DUI, Thomas M. Cooley Law Review
2010 - Present
Trial College - Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Faculty Member
2009 - Present
Managing Member, The Nichols Law Firm PLLC
2006 - Present
Attorney and Managing Member, The Nichols Law Firm PLLC
2004 - Present
Panel Attorney, Criminal Justice Act Panel Federal Defender
2012 - 2012
Adjunct Professor of Forensic Evidence, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2011 - 2011
Presenter, American Academy of Forensic Science
2011 - 2011
Speaker, Institute of Continuing Legal Education
2005 - 2006
Of Counsel, The Gallagher Law Firm PLLC
2000 - 2005
Attorney and Partner, The Reynolds Law Firm
1999 - 2000
Partner, Knot, Nichols and Meade, LLP
1998 - 1999
Clerk, Al Knot and Associates
Associations
2015 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersTask Force on Body Cameras
2015 - Present
State Bar of MichiganTask force on 21st Century Practice
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationFounder and Board Member
2012 - Present
Michigan Association of OWI AttorneysSecretary
2012 - Present
Michigan Association of OWI AttorneysSecretary and Founding Member
2012 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseState Delegate - Michigan
2012 - Present
Michigan Association of OWI AttorneysSecretary and Founder
2012 - Present
American Chemical SocietyMember
2012 - Present
Associate MemberAmerican Academy of Forensic Sciences
2011 - Present
Thomas M. Cooley Law SchoolAdjunct Law Professor
2011 - Present
Institute of Continuing Legal EducationFaculty Member - Drunk Driving Update
2009 - Present
State Bar of Michigan FoundationFellow
2008 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2008 - Present
Ingham County Bar Association, Bench-Bar CommitteeSpeaker
2008 - Present
Women's Center of Greater LansingFounding Father
2007 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2006 - Present
ScribesMember
2005 - Present
Bench Bar CommitteeMember and Criminal Law Panel Team Leader
2004 - Present
Ingham County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionCo-Chair and Speaker
2004 - Present
Ingham County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionChair
2001 - Present
Ingham County Bar Association Briefs CommitteeMember
2001 - Present
State Bar of Michigan Criminal Law SectionMember
2001 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganLiason to the President for Indigent Defense in Ingham County
Sample of 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
P v Anonymous
All charges dismissed!
People v JJJ
Blood Alcohol Estimate Excluded
East Lansing Police v Anonymous Client
Implied Consent Violation Dismissed
P v Anonymous
All Charges Dismissed
People v Anonymous
Dismissed after a hearing on a motion contesting the validity of the detention and arrest
People v Anonymous
Charges Dismissed
People v Anson
Not Guilty of OWI
P v Binyon
Dismissal of DUI Charges
P v Wood
Not Guilty
People v Floyd
Not Guilty
People v unnamed client
Dismissal
P v Miller
Not Guilty
P v Nettles Nickerson
Motion to Dismiss Pending
Cedarfest
Not Guilty of Riot Charge
P v Eding
Not Guilty of Felony
P v Pirzad
Not Guilty
People v Bulson
Not Guilty
People vs Steve Kinne
Not guilty.
Education
1999
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
JD
1993
Michigan State University
BS Political Science
N/A
National College DUI Defense
None
Speaking Engagements
2013
Annual Conference: American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Science in the Courtroom: A Matter of Perspective
2012
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan 2012 Fall Conference
Analyzing THC (Marijuana) in Human Blood and Forensic Limitations
2011
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
2009
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
2008
Luncheon Lecture Series
Client Control
Publications
2013
Michigan OWI Book Update
Michigan OWI Handbook
2013
Inside the Minds (Aspatore Books)
"Measuring Nothing" - Using Forensic Evidence in Criminal Cases
2013
Thompson Publishing Group/West
Michigan OWI Handbook
2013
Ingham County Legal News
Why are We Still Guessing - Breath Testing in the State of Michigan
2012
"Inside the Minds"
DUI Mathematics
2011
Michigan Legal News
Mens Rea
2009
Thomsen Reuters Michigan DUI Manual
Michigan DUI Manual
2009
2009
Ingham County Bar Association
Defining Operating in Michigan
2009
Ingham County Bar Association BRIEFS
Criminal Law Update 2009
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I was arrested for a 2nd owi in Michigan, is it possible to get a restricted license to and from work in lieu of the suspension
29 Dec 2013
Q&A
2 Drivers License Restoration Hearnigs both DENIED due to "The Lack of Supportting Eviedance".
18 Aug 2012
Q&A
I'm trying to move to Florida from Michigan for a job and I'm on probation for misdemeanor OWI. What's should I do?
04 Jun 2012
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
The Top 3 Mistakes that People Make when Stopped After Drinking
05 Aug 2009
Legal Guide
Choosing a Lawyer to Represent You in a Drunk Driving Case
05 Aug 2009