OUR PRACTICE AREASThe Law Offices of Libby Kelly Dill, PLLC offers experienced, courtroom-tested representation across a focused range of legal disciplines. Below you will find detailed descriptions of the primary areas of law in which our firm regularly practices. If you do not see your particular legal matter listed, please contact our office— we are happy to discuss your situation and direct you appropriately. | ⚖ Criminal Defense | As a former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Libby Kelly Dill brings invaluable insider knowledge to every criminal defense matter she handles. Our firm defends clients accused of crimes at every level of severity, protecting their constitutional rights from the first police contact through arraignment, pre-trial motions, trial, and sentencing. Specific criminal matters we handle include: - DUI / OWI (Operating While Intoxicated):We challenge the legality of traffic stops, the administration and calibration of breathalyzer and field sobriety tests, and the chain of custody for blood draws. A DUI conviction can carry license suspension, steep fines, and jail time — we work to minimize or eliminate these consequences.
- Traffic Violations: From speeding and reckless driving to driving on a suspended license, we help protect your driving record, your insurance rates, and your ability to get to work and care for your family.
- Felonies:Felony charges threaten your freedom, your reputation, and your future. We provide aggressive, detail-oriented defense for serious charges, scrutinizing the prosecution's evidence and building the strongest possible case on your behalf.
- Misdemeanors:Although often treated as “minor,” a misdemeanor conviction still results in a permanent criminal record. We treat every misdemeanor with the seriousness it deserves to protect your record and your opportunities.
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| ⚖ Probate & Estate Planning | Planning for the future and administering the affairs of a loved one who has passed away are among the most important and sensitive legal tasks a family will ever face. Our firm guides clients through both with compassion and meticulous attention to detail. Estate Planning:We prepare wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, and patient advocate designations (health care powers of attorney) tailored to your family's unique needs. A properly drafted estate plan ensures that your wishes are honored, your assets pass to the people you choose, and your loved ones are spared unnecessary confusion, expense, and conflict. Probate Administration: When a loved one passes away, the probate process governs the orderly transfer of their assets and the settlement of their debts. We assist personal representatives and heirs through every step of formal and informal probate, including inventories, accountings, creditor claims, and the final distribution of the estate. |
| ⚖ Appeals | An unfavorable verdict or ruling is not always the end of the road. The appellate process allows a higher court to review the proceedings of the trial court for legal error. If you believe that mistakes of law, improper jury instructions, evidentiary errors, or constitutional violations affected the outcome of your case, you may have grounds for an appeal. Appeals are governed by strict deadlines and procedural rules, and the window to file is often very short. It is critical to consult with our office as soon as possible after an adverse decision so that your appellate rights are fully preserved and protected. |
| ⚖ Appellate Practice | Appellate practice is a distinct discipline that demands skills different from those used at trial. Rather than presenting witnesses and evidence to a jury, appellate advocacy centers on persuasive legal writing, the careful analysis of the trial record, and oral argument before a panel of judges. Our firm prepares thorough appellate briefs, identifies and develops the strongest issues for review, cites controlling and persuasive authority, and presents focused oral arguments before the Michigan Court of Appeals and, where appropriate, the Michigan Supreme Court. We are committed to giving every client's appeal the rigorous, scholarly attention it requires. |
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