Michael J. Balian | Criminal Defense Attorney

Each case makes a difference is each client's life. The difference I make is with the attention I give to my clients and how the outcome helps them. I had an OWI case where the prosecutor took over 22 months to bring the charges. By the time we had our first pre-trial, over 24 months had passed. The Judge suppressed the blood results and we were able to resolve the case with a civil infraction. That outcome made a big difference in my client's life. I had another OWI matter where my client had a high BAC. I was able to get it reduced to an impaired driving and 6 months non-reporting probation. That had a big impact on my client's life.

I built a successful practice through hard work, attention to details, being responsive to my clients and many, manty referrals from previous clients and other attorneys.

Look for experience. You don't want a doctor's first operation to be on you and neither do you want an attorney handling a matter where you're their first client.

Local knowledge goes a long way into knowing everything a court and prosecutors are going to do. It gives me insight on how to handle a case.

I will provide some information in a phone consultation, but the best way to understand a client and his or her case is with meeting him or her in person.

I would need the date of the incident, the charges that were issues, where it occurred and my client's version of the events.

I have been practicing for 30 years. There is nothing that surprises me. On occasion I may be amazed, but never surprised.

I appreciate a client thanking me for the work I've done. That they appreciate me fighting for them.

I enjoy running. I've trekked three mountains in the past 4 years, including Kilimanjaro, the Andes and Mt. Ararat. I like to travel, which goes without saying. I also like to play golf.

I am involved in my community through various charity organizations. I also edited the Traffic Benchbook for the Michigan Judicial Institute.

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