Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew L. Norwood is located in downtown Flint, directly across from the Genesee County local and state federal courts. This prime location allows him to act quickly and aggressively in representing his clients’ cases. Having a statewide practice gives Mr. Norwood the opportunity to defend clients all over the state of Michigan.
Matthew’s law practice is devoted exclusively to Michigan criminal law and driver’s license restoration. Matthew has been working in mid Michigan’s criminal court as a driver’s license attorney and a DUI lawyersince 2002. Whether you need a DUI attorney or other kind of criminal defense attorney in Flint, or anywhere else in Michigan, no one will work harder to restore your license or defend your constitutional rights than Matthew Norwood.
To contact Mr. Norwood immediately call 810-235-4639.
Practice Areas
Alcohol related offenses can range from misdemeanor to felony. Some misdemeanor charges include having open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, drunk and disorderly conduct and Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP). If convicted of one of these crimes, you typically face jail time up to 93 days, and fines up to $100. A minor convicted of alcohol related charges may have his or her license suspended. Even minor cases like these, however, can have far reaching effects on your life after a conviction hits your permanent record. A criminal defense attorney is essential to ensure the best outcome for you and your future.
Other alcohol related offenses include drinking and driving. The state if Michigan takes these charges very seriously and a conviction can have devastating effects on your daily life. Charges include Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), and Unlawful Bodily Alcohol Level (UBAL).
Alcohol is a highly regulated substance in America, and as a result, there are a lot of legal restrictions on its use. A few restrictions are minor, having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle is a misdemeanor. Being intoxicated in public can lead to a disorderly charge if the police believe your behavior is endangering people, or causing a public disturbance.
This misdemeanor is punishable by up to 90 days in jail. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to have any alcohol in their system or in their possession. In Michigan, a minor with alcohol in his or her system will be charged with MIP, Minor in Possession of Alcohol. Conviction can result in a suspended license and some fines. Any individual with prior alcohol convictions will face tougher penalties.
Some of the most common criminal charges in Michigan are alcohol related and driving offenses. An experienced lawyer can help you through the legal process and even have charges reduced or dropped. Matthew L. Norwood has years of experience helping people with alcohol related charges, and can build your defense to get you the best possible outcome.
Super Drunk
Michigan has an additional higher-blood-alcohol drunk driving offense which is technically called OWI High BAC found at MCLA 257.625(1)(c). It is also referred to as “Super Drunk.” It’s .17 BAC and above and it carries with it a one year license suspension, with restrictions available after the first 45 days so long as the person operates a motor vehicle with an interlock device. It also has a higher maximum jail sentence of 180 days, higher potential fine of $200 to $700.
Which one you are charged with will depend on the specific points of your case, but all of them can be very damaging.
Michigan law now requires automatic suspension or revocation of driver’s license for certain drinking and driving convictions. For most Americans, losing your license can mean losing your job and other essential obligations you need to survive. That’s why experienced legal representation is so important.
Matthew L. Norwood has experience as a criminal defense attorney representing people in Michigan charged with drinking and driving, with expertise in protecting people’s driving privileges. Attorney Norwood can build your defense to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your future.
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Attorney Matthew L. Norwood is experienced with criminal law cases. Being accused of a crime can be one of the most dramatic experiences of your life. If you are innocent this can be paralyzing. You don’t know what to do. Rest assured, my law office is here to help you and we are experience with criminal law. I deal with false accusations, lying witnesses, exaggerated charges and false identification every day. There are things that can be done to turn the tables in your favor. The first step is to call my law office before you do anything else.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, remember that an arrest is not a conviction. There are many things that can be done to keep the conviction off your record or to minimize the damage of a conviction. That is why you need an experienced, aggressive and reliable attorney. Don’t let an accusation today close doors in your future.
You may have been taught that you’re innocent until proven guilty, but after being accused you may feel like that is not true. That’s why you need the law offices of Matthew L. Norwood. I specialize in criminal defense and am dedicated to defending individuals like you that have been investigated or charged with state or federal criminal charges. Each client gets my full attention. Whether I can get your case dismissed or reduce the penalties against you, I can help.
Matt Norwood can help you with the following criminal and drivers’ license issues.
Vehicle Offenses
Criminal Offenses
Corrective Legal Cases
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Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has experience with drivers license restoration. Losing your drivers license is devastating to any individual. Your drivers license is a symbol of your freedom. You need your license to make a living, to get a job, to keep your job and to legally get you and your family from one place to another place.
Many times, losing your drivers license causes a downward spiral in your life. You lose your license, then your job. Then with no way to get to interviews and school, you feel like you’re stuck. You just want your life back, a chance to earn a living like everyone else. You want to be able to stop driving illegally, to stop worrying about getting pulled over and to stop having to look over your shoulder.
Your license means everything to you and I understand that. I have the experience and knowledge to successfully help you get your license back. Not only get your license back, but get your life back. I can help.
No matter why your license has been taken away, I can help. I am experienced in all areas of license restoration. I help individuals get their drivers licenses back everyday. I do not have to learn how to get your license back. I already know how.
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Learn more about alcohol related offenses.
Hunting is an important part of many Michigan residents’ lives. Every hunter has wonderful memories of hunting in Michigan’s great outdoors with family or friends. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood is experienced with firearm restoration cases.
Under Michigan law a felony will take away your ability to hunt with a firearm and in many hunters takes away a part of who they are. However, Michigan law also allows you to restore your ability to hunt with a firearm once again.
A person may get their right to carry a firearm restored two different ways. First, a person may get their felony conviction expunged. For more information click here.
Second, an individual may petition to the your counties local gun board to request your rights to carry a firearm are restored.
8.3t “Firearm” defined.
Sec. 3t.
The word “firearm”, except as otherwise specifically defined in the statutes, shall be construed to include any weapon from which a dangerous projectile may be propelled by using explosives, gas or air as a means of propulsion, except any smooth bore rifle or handgun designed and manufactured exclusively for propelling BB’s not exceeding .177 calibre by means of spring, gas or air.
History: Add. 1959, Act 189, Imd. Eff. July 22, 1959
© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan
A firearm is defined above. Include this in a section as what Michigan considers a firearm. Firearm includes muzzle loaders and black powder rifles.
Under MCL 28.424, a person may apply 5 years after all the following:
- the person has paid all their fines from the court.
- the person has served any jail time that was imposed by the court.
- the person has completed all terms of probation and parole that was imposed by the court.
If you have more than one criminal charge you may still have your firearm rights restored to you.
If you qualify contact this office to set up an appointment. The great outdoors awaits.
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Is your criminal record holding you back? A conviction for a crime you did years ago can act like a weight you may not need to drag around anymore. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood is experienced with expungements.
In today’s competitive employment field, getting a job or a promotion is harder than ever. A conviction for a crime that you committed years ago may unfortunately close doors and cut off opportunities to you. An expungement of your past mistake can help you stay competitive. In some cases a criminal record can keep you from government benefits. Contact Attorney Matthew L. Norwood to help you erase those past mistakes and keep you moving forward.
Expunging your criminal record means that your prior conviction for a felony or misdemeanor is set aside. If you have a conviction expunged, you are considered not to have been convicted for most purposes. You could legally tell employers that you have no criminal record. An expunged conviction should not show on a background check.
Both adult convictions and juvenile adjudications for misdemeanors and felonies may be expunged. However, an individual must meet specific requirements to be eligible for an expungement under MCL 780.621.
- You may only get an expungement if the conviction you are trying to expunge is the only conviction on your record. In certain circumstances there may be a possibility to get a prior conviction set aside so the only conviction remaining will be the crime we are attempting to expunge. Contact our office to discuss this possibility.
- You can get an expungement for up to two misdemeanors, but you can’t have more than two misdemeanors on your record.
- You can not get a felony or attempted felony expunged if that felony is punishable by life in prison.
- You can not get a conviction for criminal sexual conduct expunged.
- You can not get a conviction that is reportable to the secretary of state or a traffic offense expunged. This means drunk driving or impaired driving can not be expunged.
- You must wait five years since your case has been closed. That also means 5 years since discharged from probation or parole.
- If you were imprisoned you must wait five years from your release from incarceration to apply.
Call me at 810.235.4639 if you meet the requirements to get your conviction expunged and your life back on track.
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Michigan law covers a range of motor vehicle offenses, including several that involve drinking and driving, as well as leaving the scene of an accident, and others that involve dangerous or reckless driving. Matthew L .Norwood has years of experience successfully defending clients against motor vehicle offenses and can use his experience to help you.
An individual who is caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol faces three potential charges. These are Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), and Unlawful Bodily Alcohol Level (UBAL). In these cases, it is the duty of the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant drove a motor vehicle on a public road or highway, and was under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Matthew L. Norwood has experience representing clients fighting these charges, and can help you reduce or dismiss charges.
If an individual has been injured as a result of driving under the influence, the charge would then become OWVI Causing Serious Impairment of Body Function or OWVI Causing Death. The prosecution then must also prove that the defendant voluntarily decided to drive, knew that he or she was intoxicated, and that his or her operation of the vehicle was responsible for the injury or death of another. If convicted of injuring another person while driving while intoxicated, the defendant would face 5 years in prison or a fine between 1,000 and 5,000 dollars, or both. If convicted of causing death while driving while intoxicated, the defendant would face imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine between $2,500.00 and $10,000.00, or both.
Any individual convicted of driving under the influence within 7 years of another similar conviction will face tougher sentencing. Matthew L. Norwood has experience defending individuals charged with OWI, OWVI, UBAL, and injury charges and can help you get a reduced sentence or a lighter charge.
In Michigan, it is against the law to leave the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene of an accident that has caused death or bodily harm is a felony offense that involves serious prison time and huge fines. By law, you are required to leave the driver’s name and address, the vehicle owner’s name and address, and the vehicle registration. By law, you are also required to provide reasonable assistance in securing medical aid or reaching emergency responders for any injured person.
Felonious driving and reckless driving are serious charges under Michigan law. Felonious driving is defined as a person driving a vehicle in a negligent manner that willfully disregards the safety of others. Reckless driving is defined in a similar way, but it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in prison and a fine of up to $500.
Reckless driving is defined by the Michigan statute as driving on highways, roads, or other places open to the general public (including parking lots) with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. The consequences for these charges can include required license suspension, fines, insurance rate increases, and major points on your license, possibly culminating in a suspended or revoked license. Matthew L. Norwood has experience defending clients from motor vehicle offenses and can build your case to best resolve your traffic charges.
8b) Matthew L. Norwood is an experienced motor vehicle offense attorney and can help you resolve traffic tickets, moving violations, and other charges in the best manner possible. Moving violations like speeding, reckless or felonious driving, or leaving the scene of an accident are taken very seriously by the state of Michigan, which views such actions as dangers to others on public roads. As a result, a conviction from these charges often means huge fines, hikes in insurance rates, and major points added to your license. If you accrue up to 12 points your license will legally be suspended or revoked. Matthew L. Norwood has the knowledge and experience in Michigan courts to defend your rights and protect your driving privileges. He will develop your case to secure the best possible outcome.
Other motor vehicle offenses include drinking and driving charges. These break down into Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), and Unlawful Bodily Alcohol Level (UBAL), which can often result in the automatic suspension or revocation of your license. Attorney Norwood has extensive experience representing clients facing these charges and has successfully helped clients have the charges reduced or dismissed.
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