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Michael J Nichols
A DUI-focused litigator who works on the cutting edge of attacks
The Nichols Law Firm, PLLC
3452 E Lake Lansing Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517-432-9000
Website: nicholslawyers.com



About Michael J Nichols
I have practiced law for nearly 25 years and in my 19th year I was honored with the Leo A. Farhat Award. The award is conferred by the Ingham County Bar Association (this coverage area is predominately Lansing and East Lansing). The ICBA grants the award to the lawyer who is voted as the outstanding lawyer of the year. It is an incredibly humbling and prestigious honor. I have tried hundreds of cases to a jury. I have also achieved dismissals, substantial reductions in short: results. This is NOT a promise or representation of expected results. I cannot promise results. I can promise a COMMITMENT to results and that is what we live every day at the Nichols Law Firm. I was the attorney who forced the Michigan State Police Lab and the Michigan State Police to develop and report uncertainty with their toxicological measurements (blood and breath) in People v Jabrocki and People v Stanhardt (co-counsel with Gary Springstead, esq). I am the author of the Michigan OWI Manual for lawyers by West Publishing. I have been an adjunct faculty member in OWI Law and Practice and Forensic Evidence at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. I graduated from WMU/Cooley in 1999 with 2 semesters on the Dean's List while I worked full-time as a reporter/anchor at WILX-TV and the Michigan Radio Networks as a contributor. I graduated with Honors from Michigan State University in 1993 with a major in Political Science/Pre-Law. I have been on the faculty for the NCDD; have spoken at several seminars. I am a sustaining member and former delegate for Michigan.
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Virtual Forensic Library

NCDD members have access to a comprehensive forensic library that provides invaluable information to be used when defending clients charged with DUI.
This library includes scientific articles on drug and alcohol intoxication, toxicology and pharmacology, methods of testing for blood alcohol content, field sobriety testing, potential errors that may occur during testing, accident reconstruction, expert testimony, and evidentiary rules. This valuable information can ensure that you provide a high quality defense to clients charged with DUI based on the circumstances of their case and the laws in their state.
FROM OUR BLOG
Interview With an Amicus
06/27/2025
Written by Michelle L. Behan Amicus Curiae (Latin for "Friend of the Court") refers to a brief that is filed by an interested, non-party to the matter under consideration. This is often done in cases where organizations and entities wish to provide the reviewing court with their point of view, be it social or public policy implications, or special interest agendas....
Keeping FSTs Out of a Trial
04/23/2025
Written by Neil Halttunen I want to address a common issue that DWI practitioners are facing, trying to keep FSTs out of a trial. One way is to take the position that FSTs are scientific evidence and make the prosecutor lay scientific foundation which they rarely can do. The HGN test was the result of several studies. See Generally Session 8 of...