Edward Jacob Sternisha

PRO

Edward Jacob Sternisha

also known as "Ed Instead!", You Have The Right To "Call Ed Instead!"

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 14 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Grand Rapids, MI
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI

330 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Edward

Biography

TOP RATED Drunk Driving Defense - OWI / DUI / DWI You Have The Right To Call Ed Instead!®

TOP RATED Drunk Driving Attorney. FREE Consultation.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

DUI and DWI 100%

Drunk Driving charges CAN be fought and won...Even if you were over the limit! Ask how.

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 9
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2017 2016 2015
...
+ 3

Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 14 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2011

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Edward J. Sternisha, PLLC

330 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

CallEdInstead.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Edward online.

Edward Jacob Sternisha's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

119 Client Reviews

Posted by Tricia | November 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding Legal Representation — Case Dismissed

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 ...and respected. Because of their expertise and relentless effort, my charges were fully dismissed. This outcome has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, and I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate in my corner. If you need an attorney who is sharp, reliable, and truly fights for their clients, I highly recommend them. Their work made a life-changing difference for me, and I’m incredibly thankful.

Posted by Derek | September 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Honest and dependable

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...ould highly recommend him as an attorney.

Posted by Steve | May 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

OUI

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...e and understanding

Posted by anonymous | February 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

10 out of 10, would recommend!

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...ooking through the minor details, making sure there were alternative routes to go if anything went south. Ed’s training in law enforcement as a cop added to his knowledge in what to look for in order to help my case. Case dismissed thanks to Ed! Apart from his knowledge and experience in the field, he is genuinely a great person. Ed is family oriented, down to earth, and honest. I 10/10 recommend!

Edward Sternisha

Replied last February 13, 2025

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

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great to work with

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.

Edward Sternisha

Replied last January 17, 2025

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.

See All Client Reviews

Edward Jacob Sternisha's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Edward
Steven M. Gursten headshot
Steven Gursten

Business lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Aida Spahic headshot
Aida Spahic

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Matthew L. Norwood headshot
Matthew Norwood

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer for their knowledge and dedication."

Audra Rose McClure headshot
Audra McClure

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Casey Joseph Majestic Jr. headshot
Casey Majestic

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse Ed Sternisha. Ed is a competent, caring attorney who obtains the best results for his clients."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Edward. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

Shawn James Haff headshot
Shawn Haff

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Jamil Kamel Khuja headshot
Jamil Khuja

Unknown lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Sternisha is an excellent attorney. He gives sound advice and represents his clients well."

Robert E. Harris Jr. headshot
Robert Harris

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He gives good, practical, sound legal advice."

Gerald R Stahl headshot
Gerald Stahl

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Joshua Duane Jones headshot
Joshua Jones

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Other

"Attorney Sternisha provides great advice and insight into the law for his clients. Grade "A" Attorney!"

Kevin Bessant headshot
Kevin Bessant

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Christine Marie Heckler headshot
Christine Heckler

Unknown lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Rixon Charles Rafter III headshot
Rixon Rafter

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

J. Matthew Catchick Jr. headshot
J. Catchick

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Michael Villar headshot
Michael Villar

Criminal defense lawyer

Pavol Fabian headshot
Pavol Fabian

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew L. Norwood headshot
Matthew Norwood

Unknown lawyer

Melissa Freeman headshot
Melissa Freeman

Unknown lawyer

Aida Spahic headshot
Aida Spahic

Licensing lawyer

Audra Rose McClure headshot
Audra McClure

General practice lawyer

Andrew John Rodenhouse headshot
Andrew Rodenhouse

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey J. O'Hara headshot
Jeffrey O'Hara

Unknown lawyer

Casey Joseph Majestic Jr. headshot
Casey Majestic

Unknown lawyer

Jason Robert Baker headshot
Jason Baker

Unknown lawyer

Joel Brent Helder headshot
Joel Helder

Unknown lawyer

Shawn James Haff headshot
Shawn Haff

Criminal defense lawyer

Jared Clayton Austin headshot
Jared Austin

Unknown lawyer

Leo Clarke headshot
Leo Clarke

Unknown lawyer

David Gardner Casey headshot
David Casey

Unknown lawyer

Stephen R. Boehringer headshot
Stephen Boehringer

Unknown lawyer

Gerald R Stahl headshot
Gerald Stahl

Unknown lawyer

Rixon Charles Rafter III headshot
Rixon Rafter

Unknown lawyer

J. Matthew Catchick Jr. headshot
J. Catchick

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

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

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Principal, Law Office of Edward J. Sternisha, PLLC

2017 - 2023

Adjunct Professor, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Associations

2016 - Present

Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys

Board Member

2015 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

General Member

2014 - Present

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan

Member

2011 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

2011 - Present

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Member

2011 - Present

Ionia-Montcalm Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. M.C.

Operating While Visibly Impaired Dismissed

People v T.S., Jr.

Felony Case Dismissed!

People v E.K.

OWI Case Dismissed

People v O.B.

OWI Case Dismissed

J.H. v Secretary of State

Restricted License Granted

People v. A. J. (Fatal Crash Case)

NOT GUILTY!

People v V.H.

Drunk Driving Case Dismissed!

People v J.S.

Felony Reduced to Misdemeanor

People v F.J.O.

Drunk Driving and Implied Consent Refusal Dismissed!

People v J.D.

Drunk Driving Dismissed!

People v D.M.

Blood Test Results AND All Statements SUPPRESSED!

People v R.B.

Drunk Driving Dismissed!

People v T.D.

Drunk Driving Dismissed!

People v T.D.

Blood Test Results SUPPRESSED!

People v L.S.

Drunk Driving Dismissed!

People v C.J.

FELONY OWI CASE DISMISSED

People v. A.O.

Drunk Driving DISMISSED

People v. A.R.

Felony DUI Dismissed

People v J.W.

Not Guilty Jury Verdict

People v M.M.

Criminal Charges DISMISSED

People v C.D.

Drunk Driving CASE DISMISSED

People v. C.D.

Drunk Driving CASE DISMISSED

People v J.W.

Drunk Driving DISMISSED

People v. M.M.

Drunk Driving DISMISSED

People v. A.LB

Drunk Driving DISMISSED

People v. L.G.

DISMISSED

People v. H.B.

Drunk Driving DISMISSED

People v. M.S.

Drunk Driving DISMISSED

A.C. v. Secretary of State

Driver's License RESTORED

People v. J.W.

Misdemeanor instead of Felony

People v. A.C.

Drunk Driving DISMISSED

C.F. v. Secretary of State

Driver's License RESTORED

J.T. v. Secretary of State

Restricted License GRANTED

N.T. v Sec. of State

Restricted License GRANTED

People v. M.C.

Misdemeanor instead of Felony

People v. C.F.

Drunk Driving DISMISSED

People v. C.B.

Fines/Costs

People v. C.S.

Drunk Driving DISMISSED

People v. R.J.

Diversion

People v. A.H.

Reduced Charge

State v. A.B.

Dismissed

Sec. of State v. C.S.

No License Sanction

People v. A.B.

Fines/Costs

State v. S.W.

No License Sanction

People v. A.R.

CASE DISMISSED

People v. D.B-P

Super Drunk DISMISSED!

People v. C.C.

Reduced

People v. D.S

Case DISMISSED!

People v. N.A.

Diversion

People v. J.F.

Reduced Plea - No Jail

People v. K.B.

OWI DISMISSED for a Civil Infraction

City v. R.H.

Super Drunk DISMISSED

People v. K.H.

Reduced

GRPD v. K.B.

License REINSTATED

People v. M.M.

Reduced

People v. K.H.

Dismissed

People v. A.W.

Reduced charge

People v A.J.

Reduced

People v P.N.

Reduced

People v. J.N.

Fines/Costs

People v K.I.

Fines/Work Crew - No Jail

People v M.B.

Deferred Sentence

People v. G.B.

Reduced

D.B. v. T.P.

Dismissed

People v. R.L.

Reduced

People v. M. V.

J.S. v. State

Restricted License instead of Suspended License

People v. A.W.

Reduced/Dismissed

People v. Y.T.

Released from Custody

People v A.H.

Reduced

People v. J.S.

HYTA

People v. A.D.

HYTA

People v. M.E.

1 charge dismissed, other charge reduced.

People v. A.L.

Reduced Sentence

People v. D.H.

Reduced

People v G.V.

Reduced

People v. E.W.

Reduced

People v. R.V.

Civil Infraction

People v. F.D.

Dismissed

People v. S.G.

Dismissed

People v. C.B.

Reduced Charges

People v. J.C.

Reduced Charges

People v. W.W.

Dismissed

People v G.V.

Reduced Plea

People v. K.N.

Dismissed

People v. D.L.

NOT GUILTY

People v. J.B.

Dismissed

People v. D.L.

Dismissed

People v. J.B.

Not Guilty on most serious charge. Guilty on less serious charge.

A.M. vs R.B.

Dismissed

People v. S.M.

Nolle Prosequi (Dismissed)

People v. M.N

Not Guilty Jury Verdict

T.G. vs E.B.

Rescinded

People vs. M.M.

People vs C.S.

People vs T.N.

Nolle Prosequi (Dismissed)

People v D.S.

Dismissal

People vs. M.R.

Nolle Prosequi (Dismissal)

See More Legal Cases

Education

2025

Michigan State Police

Attended Conference - Forensic Science & Criminal Justice

2025

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference - Chemical Evidence & DUI Defense

2025

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference - SFST Certification

2024

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference - Breathalyzer Breakthrough

2023

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference - DUI Intake to Trial

2023

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference - Intoxilyzer 9000

2022

MIAOWIA

Attended Fall Conference - THC Lab Reports

2019

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference - Cannabis & Cars

2018

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference (Trial Skills)

2018

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference

2017

Harvard University Law School

Certificate of Completion

2017

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference

2017

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference

2016

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference

2016

MIAOWIA

Attended Conference

2015

CDAM

Certificate of Completion

2015

National College for DUI Defense

Attended Course

2010

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

American Red Cross

Certification

2004

University of Phoenix

BS - Bachelor of Science Degree

1994

American Institute for Paralegal Studies

Certificate

1992

Financial Services Institute

Certificate

1990

Macomb Community College

Certificate

1990

EMS Providers Institute

Certificate

1990

Grand Rapids Community College

Associates Degree

Speaking Engagements

2025

On Demand Seminar - Podcast Drunk Driving Update - 2025

2024

Evidential Breath Test Update: Intoxilyzer 9000 Michigan's New Breathalyzer

2019

News Interview Roadside Drug Test Errors

2017

The Lawyers Show Roadside Saliva Drug Testing

2016

News Interview Illegal Speed Limits - 3

2016

2016

2016

2016

2016

News Interview Police Body Cameras

2016

News Interview Illegal Speed Limits - 2

2016

News Interview Illegal Speed Limits - 1

2016

News Interview Reserve Police Officers

2016

Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys - DUI 123

Investigating Your OWI Cases

2015

Tribute to Officer & Veteran Deputy Paul Barquist

2014

The Lawyers Show Drunk/Drugged Driving

2014

Pot Pie Ashtrays book signing and discussion

Breaking the Cycle of Child Abuse

2014

News Interview Police Use of Dashcams

2014

Lecture to Criminal Justice students

The U.S. Constitution

2014

Constitution Day

The U.S. Consitution to GRPS 5th Graders

2014

Community Interview Criminal Defense & More

2013

Lowell Area Schools

March Is Reading Month

2013

House Oversight Committee Oppose 911 FOIA Bill

2013

Grand Rapids Public Schools

March Is Reading Month

2013

Elementary School Presentation

Abraham Lincoln

2013

Consitution Day

The U.S. Consitution to GRPS 5th Graders

2012

G.R. Public Schools Con-Law Day

The U.S.Constitution

Publications

2025

Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan) Michigan Drunk Driving Law and Practice - SFST's - Chapter 6

2014

Fox17 News News Interview

2010

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Edward earned significant contribution points in 2017.

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution