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also known as "Ed Instead!", You Have The Right To "Call Ed Instead!"
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Ed is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
In addition to being licensed as an attorney, Ed is also licensed in the following areas:
In addition to being licensed as an attorney, Ed also holds the following certifications:
Edward is also an author of 4 books:
1
Practice Area
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
Always
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Mobile
Fax
330 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
CallEdInstead.com
Other places you can find Edward online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 119 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Tricia | November 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I am beyond grateful for the exceptional representation I received. From day one, my attorney showed unmatched professionalism, confidence, and dedication. They took the time to understand every detail of my situation, kept me informed throughout the entire process, and always made me feel supported ...
Posted by Derek | September 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Ed was very good at communicating and being able to explain the law to me. He was very honest with me about worst and best case scenarios. He never beat around the bush or sugar coated my situation, while never promising anything he couldn’t deliver. In the end I got the result I was looking for. I w...
Posted by Steve | May 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Ed was great. I appreciated that he took the time, patience and walked me thru the process. I didn’t know who to contact and had never had the need for an attorney. He kept me informed of what the process was, explained what to anticipate and expect. I am very thankful and grateful for his knowledg...
Posted by anonymous | February 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Ed is outstanding! His communication is above and beyond. He made sure to update me every step of the way and explain to me what was happening. Ed looked at every single detail and did his thorough research on everything he thought had a chance of helping with my case. He spent a great deal of time l...
Thank you so much for your very nice comments. I really enjoyed getting to know you. Even though it took several months, I'm glad I was able to get your case dismissed and get your life back to you. Thank you!!! Ed
Posted by Julie | January 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Ed was great to work with. In such a terrible moment in my life, he really helped and made me feel at ease. He knows his stuff and was a huge asset to my case.
Thank you, Julie! I really enjoyed getting to know you. I wish you the very best and hope 2025 is a great year for you.
"I do not give peer endorsements on AVVO often (even when I am asked). And I have never met or talked with Edward Sternisha. The reason I felt compelled this morning to write this endorsement is that I have been repeatedly impressed with the thought, intellect, and creativity that Mr. Sternisha puts into his answers on a variety of subjects. I have been reading these responses for months. They consistently reflect a detailed first-class legal mind, as well as enthusiasm and energy, caring and a willingness to help people. I have put Mr. Sternisha’s name in my drawer, and I look forward to the opportunity to refer to him."
"I proudly endorse this lawyer. Ed is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his work. Whenever I have questions regarding DUI related matters, I contact Ed. He has the answers! In addition to being a great lawyer, he truly is a wonderful person."
"Want an attorney that will leave no rock unturned? Than you better call Ed. He will fight for you and look at every angle possible. Recently, he found an angle to fight for his client and was very successful and the case was dismissed. I trust Ed to get you the best result possible."
"Ed Sternisha is a very fine attorney with a reputation as someone who will fight tooth and nail for his clients. I happily endorse him."
"I endorse Ed Sternisha. Ed is a competent, caring attorney who obtains the best results for his clients."
"Ed is a passionate, caring, smart and aggressive lawyer. I admire the investigative skills Ed has developed throughout his life and the way he uses these skills to help his clients. Ed will do what is best for his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial. If a good settlement is what your case calls for, Ed will get you a good deal with the local prosecutors. Because of the reasons above, I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Edward is an up and coming Lawyer in Western Michigan. I would not hesitate to recommend him on any criminal matter."
"Mr. Sternisha is an extremely talented attorney who provides great advice. Even though I have been practicing for 24 years and I am a former judge and magistrate, I learn from him every day. I would recommend him to anyone in his area."
"Attorney Sternisha provides great advice and insight into the law for his clients. Grade "A" Attorney!"
"Attorney Edward J. Sternisha has shown a solid commitment to helping persons facing criminal charges and has provided sound legal advice within the Avvo community which speaks to his professionalism and dedication as a Criminal Lawyer. I highly endorse Attorney Edward J. Sternisha."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Sternisha has repeatedly demonstrated that he is intelligent, articulate, and compassionate. Plus, he brings a wide breadth of personal experience and practical knowledge to the application of the law."
"Ed provides no-nonsense, straight forward and practical guidance to Avvo askers. The fact that he takes time out of his practice to answer questions of real people with real problems without thought of compensation is testament to his desire to help others. His answers display keen awareness of the processes and procedures that define our legal system. Were I in trouble in Michigan, I would not hesitate to contact Ed Sternisha. I endorse this attorney."
"I strongly recommend Mr. Sternisha. His knowledge of the law and his dedication to his clients makes him the perfect choice to defend your rights. A top-notch attorney."
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
Client's Choice - DUI, Avvo
2016
Top Contributor - DUI, Avvo
2016
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2015
Top Contributor, Avvo
2014
Top Contributor - DUI, Avvo
2013
Client's Choice - Criminal Defense, Avvo
2012
Hillman Advocacy Program Certificate, US District Court -Western Dist.of Michigan
2009
Public Sector Law Clinic, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2011 - Present
Principal, Law Office of Edward J. Sternisha, PLLC
2017 - 2023
Adjunct Professor, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2016 - Present
Michigan Association of OWI AttorneysBoard Member
2015 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseGeneral Member
2014 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganMember
2011 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
2011 - Present
Grand Rapids Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Ionia-Montcalm Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Operating While Visibly Impaired Dismissed
Felony Case Dismissed!
OWI Case Dismissed
OWI Case Dismissed
Restricted License Granted
NOT GUILTY!
Drunk Driving Case Dismissed!
Felony Reduced to Misdemeanor
Drunk Driving and Implied Consent Refusal Dismissed!
Drunk Driving Dismissed!
Blood Test Results AND All Statements SUPPRESSED!
Drunk Driving Dismissed!
Drunk Driving Dismissed!
Blood Test Results SUPPRESSED!
Drunk Driving Dismissed!
FELONY OWI CASE DISMISSED
Drunk Driving DISMISSED
Felony DUI Dismissed
Not Guilty Jury Verdict
Criminal Charges DISMISSED
Drunk Driving CASE DISMISSED
Drunk Driving CASE DISMISSED
Drunk Driving DISMISSED
Drunk Driving DISMISSED
Drunk Driving DISMISSED
DISMISSED
Drunk Driving DISMISSED
Drunk Driving DISMISSED
Driver's License RESTORED
Misdemeanor instead of Felony
Drunk Driving DISMISSED
Driver's License RESTORED
Restricted License GRANTED
Restricted License GRANTED
Misdemeanor instead of Felony
Drunk Driving DISMISSED
Fines/Costs
Drunk Driving DISMISSED
Diversion
Reduced Charge
Dismissed
No License Sanction
Fines/Costs
No License Sanction
CASE DISMISSED
Super Drunk DISMISSED!
Reduced
Case DISMISSED!
Diversion
Reduced Plea - No Jail
OWI DISMISSED for a Civil Infraction
Super Drunk DISMISSED
Reduced
License REINSTATED
Reduced
Dismissed
Reduced charge
Reduced
Reduced
Fines/Costs
Fines/Work Crew - No Jail
Deferred Sentence
Reduced
Dismissed
Reduced
Restricted License instead of Suspended License
Reduced/Dismissed
Released from Custody
Reduced
HYTA
HYTA
1 charge dismissed, other charge reduced.
Reduced Sentence
Reduced
Reduced
Reduced
Civil Infraction
Dismissed
Dismissed
Reduced Charges
Reduced Charges
Dismissed
Reduced Plea
Dismissed
NOT GUILTY
Dismissed
Dismissed
Not Guilty on most serious charge. Guilty on less serious charge.
Dismissed
Nolle Prosequi (Dismissed)
Not Guilty Jury Verdict
Rescinded
Nolle Prosequi (Dismissed)
Dismissal
Nolle Prosequi (Dismissal)
2025
Attended Conference - Forensic Science & Criminal Justice
2025
Attended Conference - Chemical Evidence & DUI Defense
2025
Attended Conference - SFST Certification
2024
Attended Conference - Breathalyzer Breakthrough
2023
Attended Conference - DUI Intake to Trial
2023
Attended Conference - Intoxilyzer 9000
2022
Attended Fall Conference - THC Lab Reports
2019
Attended Conference - Cannabis & Cars
2018
Attended Conference (Trial Skills)
2018
Attended Conference
2017
Certificate of Completion
2017
Attended Conference
2017
Attended Conference
2016
Attended Conference
2016
Attended Conference
2015
Certificate of Completion
2015
Attended Course
2010
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
Certification
2004
BS - Bachelor of Science Degree
1994
Certificate
1992
Certificate
1990
Certificate
1990
Certificate
1990
Associates Degree
2025
2024
2019
2019
2017
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
Investigating Your OWI Cases
2015
2014
2014
Breaking the Cycle of Child Abuse
2014
2014
The U.S. Constitution
2014
The U.S. Consitution to GRPS 5th Graders
2014
2013
March Is Reading Month
2013
2013
March Is Reading Month
2013
Abraham Lincoln
2013
The U.S. Consitution to GRPS 5th Graders
2012
The U.S.Constitution
2025
2014
2014
2011
2010
2010
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Edward earned significant contribution points in 2017.
Can I argue for a dismal for a dui arrest that happened in November of 2021, just now being arraigned? If so, please explain
21 Jul 2025
What if?
22 Apr 2025
Would Michigan purse me for a felony DUI out of state?
04 Mar 2025