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

DUI and DWI 75%

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

75%

Criminal Defense 15%

15%

Civil Rights 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always

Payment Methods

Cash
Check
Credit Card

Awards

2025 2024 2023

...

+ 9

2017 2016 2015

...

+ 3

Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 14 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2011

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

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Location

Law Office of Edward J. Sternisha, PLLC

(616) 512-0778

Mobile

(616) 984-4570

Fax

330 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

CallEdInstead.com

Get Directions

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Gallery

Online Presence

Other places you can find Edward online.

Edward Jacob Sternisha's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

123 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 24 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Lauren | November 04, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Call Ed Instead

When things didn't go as planned, I'm so happy that I decided to call Ed Instead! He went above and beyond his required lawyer duties to make sure that I felt confident, comfortable, and stayed well informed. He was quick to answer phone calls, emails, texts and provided well educated answers to any ...questions that popped up. He has many years of experience and it shows! Anyone who has been through the court system knows that it's not going to be a highlight of your life, and that can get you down in the dumps, but Ed always did his best to put a smile back on my face and let me know that he was here to support me, and that meant a lot to me. I'm thankful that I hired Ed as my lawyer and if you find yourself in a sticky situation, I would recommend calling Ed Instead :)

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Edward Sternisha

Replied last November 04, 2020

Thank you so much for the very kind review. It was my pleasure representing you and getting to know you. I appreciate you trusting me with your case and even under the circumstances, I am glad I got to know the real you. I know this case doesn't define you and I am confident you are going to do some great things. Please keep in touch. I'd love to know how things are going for you as you move forward. I wish you the best! - Ed

Posted by Anthony | July 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney

The Honest Attorney

Not your average attorney. To explain you can take your money to a high rated law firm and speak to a secretary or you can go to Ed and get a connection with the person who will be representing you and save. The most important thing is he’s a real person he will be straight forward and display ever...y option available to your situation. I met ed 3-4 years ago when I was troubled and even though I was down he would always bring out the best of the situation. He really just wants to help you. He works with your income but your the one responsible of the actions you took the money you spend will be worth it in the end no matter what the outcome is. Ed has a great attitude if you treat him good he will treat you even better. Does his homework and takes your issue to heart. Don’t think you will catch him in the office when there is work to be done. He’s out getting answers doing his own research to benefit you. If you want real representation go with Ed.

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Edward Sternisha

Replied last July 29, 2019

Anthony, I don't even know what to say. Thank you, not only for the kind words, but for recognizing how hard I try to find the best outcome while trying to connect personally with you. It has been my pleasure working with you and am so glad we won at the Michigan Court of Appeals. This win could not have been for a better person. I am so glad I got to know you. Thank you for allowing me to serve you. - Ed

Posted by anonymous | June 28, 2019

Obviously a Knowledgeable and Experienced Attorney

Edward provided sound legal advice and pointers. Questions to ask. Things to look out for. Clearly a knowledgeable attorney, and very helpful to boot.

Posted by Andrew | June 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

4th DUI Dismissed! A true miracle!

About 8 months ago I found myself in an extremely tough spot in life facing a 4th DUI charge in Kent County. Before meeting Ed, I had first reached out to 4 different attorneys in Grand Rapids and they all only offered damage control for my case- essentially just leading me to plead guilty and hope... for only a 3 or 4-month jail sentence. I had too much on the line to lose and couldn’t just settle that easily. I remember seeing Ed’s website and was drawn to his enthusiasm and overall knowledge of the justice system and really liked that he was a former private investigator and was detail orientated. I met with Ed for a one-hour consultation and quickly realized that he was the only one that could give me a chance to challenge this. From the very start it is very apparent that Ed is very knowledgeable and passionate about what he does and helping others. Ed is a very driven, enthusiastic, honest, and passionate person. Ed was able to achieve getting the breathalyzer results suppressed and ultimately getting the case dismissed- an outstanding performance and for me a true miracle! I am absolutely convinced that no other lawyer would have found the small police mistakes that he had found and built into a compelling case. Ed studied every second of each police cam and created a spectacular detailed motion to suppress document. And Ed absolutely delivered in the motion hearing! I can also say that when I walked alongside Ed in the courthouse, other lawyers often approach him to ask how in the world he got cases they heard about dismissed. And Ed’s messages back were usually along the lines of having to take the deep dive into the details and not give up easily. And this is what Ed did for me that others couldn’t or wouldn’t. He dissected every word of the police reports and didn’t stop there- he watched every second and documented every word/action/etc of each of the police videos. He has the knowledge and determination to do what’s best for his clients in order to truly deliver. Ed has saved me from enormous hardships in life from severe jail sentences to license revoking and job loss. In the end, Ed reduced a 4th OWI, assault-and-battery, and PBT refusal case into just a misdemeanor littering charge. Furthermore, in his own little ways he had helped me with my sobriety throughout the process. I thank God everyday that I had called Ed instead! Give yourself a chance like I did- and go with Ed!

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Posted by Melissa | May 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Make your best decision; hire Ed Sternisha to represent you.

Hiring Ed Sternisha was the best decision I made when facing a tough situation. He is compassionate, extremely knowledgeable, and hard working. He really works with you and he goes the extra mile to obtain the best possible outcome for his clients. I felt very secure with him representing me and I wa...s able to walk away with a careless driving violation due to his expertise. I never once regretted hiring him (and you won't either). Thank you so very much Ed!

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Edward Sternisha

Replied last May 14, 2018

Melissa, thank you very much for your nice review. I enjoyed getting to know you as well and am so happy I was able to get the criminal charges dismissed. You had a very unique case and I am glad it turned out well for you. I wish you the best! - Ed

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Edward Jacob Sternisha's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Edward

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

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 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 Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Other

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

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

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

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

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

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 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 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 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 Harris

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

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 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 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

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 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 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. 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."

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Michael Villar

Criminal defense lawyer

Pavol Fabian

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Norwood

Unknown lawyer

Melissa Freeman

Unknown lawyer

Aida Spahic

Licensing lawyer

Audra McClure

General practice lawyer

Andrew Rodenhouse

Criminal defense lawyer

Beth Simonton-Kramer

Unknown lawyer

Jeffrey O'Hara

Unknown lawyer

Casey Majestic

Unknown lawyer

Jason Baker

Unknown lawyer

Joel Helder

Unknown lawyer

Shawn Haff

Criminal defense lawyer

Jared Austin

Unknown lawyer

Leo Clarke

Unknown lawyer

David Casey

Unknown lawyer

Stephen Boehringer

Unknown lawyer

Gerald Stahl

Unknown lawyer

Rixon Rafter

Unknown lawyer

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

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Work Experience

2011 - Present

Principal, Law Office of Edward J. Sternisha, PLLC

2017 - 2023

Adjunct Professor, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

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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

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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)

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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

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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 Court of Appeals OWI - Speed Limit Win

2019

News Interview Roadside Drug Test Errors

2017

The Lawyers Show Roadside Saliva Drug Testing

2016

News Interview Illegal Speed Limits - 3

2016

News Interview Ambien Sleep Driving Part 2

2016

News Interview Ambien Sleep Driving Part 1

2016

News Interview OWI Charges Dismissed Affirmed

2016

News Interview Officer-Involved Fatal Shooting

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

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Publications

2025

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

2014

Softcover Print Book Pot Pie Ashtrays: Breaking the Cycle of Child Abuse

2014

Fox17 News News Interview

2011

Softcover Print Book Security Officer Training Manual: News Headlines & Review

2010

Softcover Print Book Start Your Own Business: A Simple Pocket Guide

2010

Softcover Print Book Understanding Legislative Term Limits

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Languages

English

See All Languages Spoken See Less Languages Spoken

Activity

2138

Legal Answers

Legal Guides

Top Contributor

Edward earned significant contribution points in 2017.

Legal Answers

Q&A

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

Q&A

What if?

22 Apr 2025

Q&A

Would Michigan purse me for a felony DUI out of state?

04 Mar 2025

See More Legal Answers

Legal Guides

Legal Guide

DO I HAVE TO TAKE A BREATH TEST IF ASKED BY THE POLICE?

28 Jun 2015

Legal Guide

LEGAL EDvice®: CAN MY FACEBOOK POSTS BE USED AGAINST ME?

10 Dec 2013