Nichols Law Firm News

In The News

Entries for March 2009

Sunday, March 08, 2009
EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY IS EXCLUDED IN BLOW TO PROSECUTION’S CASE
A judge ruled that an expert witness in domestic violence could not testify at a felony trial of a Nichols Law Firm client. The domestic violence expert was offered by the prosecution to testify about so-called patterns of behavior by The Nichols Law Firm’s client. “It was a bold move by the judge in a trial that involved charges that were extremely serious” said Mike Nichols.
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Sunday, March 08, 2009
NICHOLS LAW FIRM BLOCKS ADMISSION OF BREATH TEST EVIDENCE IN FELONY CASE

The Nichols Law Firm blocked prosecutors from admitting critical evidence at a preliminary examination in a felony OWI case. Prosecutors sought to admit evidence of the breath alcohol reading by virtue of a “datamaster” breath alcohol instrument. “They were unable to meet the foundational requirements,” said attorney Mike Nichols. The judge sustained an objection against the admission of the datamaster. Nichols said, “we will go back to see if they can fix their problem and convince the judge that they can establish the reliability. If they can’t, the charges will have to be dismissed.”

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Sunday, March 08, 2009
THE SECOND CHANCE FOR THE DATAMASTER TO PROVE YOU GUILTY – WHY TAKE THE SECOND SAMPLE WHEN ONE SAMPLE AT THE POLICE STATION IS ALL THAT THE LAW REQUIRES?”
BAC DataMaster Issues
Once a subject who has agreed to take a chemical test on the BAC DataMaster provides a breath sample that the instrument accepts for analysis, he/she has met the statutory obligation pursuant to MCL 257.625c to submit to a chemical test. The subject may then decline a second test without being considered a “refusal.” A suspect who declines a second test would not be subject to the refusal procedures in MCL 257.625d through g.
If a subject’s sample analysis shows INVALID SAMPLE or INTERFERENCE DETECTED, the subject may be requested to provide another sample, but he/she is not legally obligated to do so. Seek a warrant for blood, if appropriate, but do not complete the DI-93 Report of Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test form or destroy the subject’s license.
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The Nichols Law Firm, PLLC represents clients throughout Mid Michigan and South Central Michigan including the cities of Lansing, Owosso, Haslett, Okemos, Grand Ledge, Mason, Charlotte, Portland, St. Johns, Battle Creek, Howell, Brighton, Williamston, Ithaca, Jackson, Flint, Grand Blanc, Breckenridge, Carson City, Shepard, St. Louis, Alma, Pine River Township, and Sumner Township.

Ingham County • Livingston County • Clinton County • Shiawassee County • Jackson County • Eaton County • Gratiot County

The information contained in this web site is neither legal advice nor is it intended to be legal advice. The information contained in this web site is general information designed to give the reader a basic understanding of some legal concepts about what we do in these areas.

3452 East Lake Lansing Road
East Lansing, MI
48823-1511
(517) 432-9000

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