A Fresh Start in Grand Traverse County - 86th District Court - Matt’s Journey After a Drunk Driving Charge

86th District Court - Grand Traverse County - Judge Stepka & Cooney

​Matt, a 42-year-old father of three from Traverse City, never thought he’d find himself facing a drunk driving charge. After a work party, Matt felt he was fine to drive home, but a routine traffic stop resulted in an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge. The entire experience left him overwhelmed—he feared losing his license, job, and the respect of his family and colleagues.

When Matt contacted attorney Jonathan Paul, he was expecting the worst. But from the first conversation, Jonathan put Matt at ease by leading with empathy and understanding. Jonathan recognized that Matt’s case was more than just a legal problem; it was a chance for Matt to regain control of his life. Rather than focusing on punishment, Jonathan took the time to understand Matt’s personal challenges, including the stress of balancing work and family.

Through careful negotiation, Jonathan was able to get Matt’s charges reduced, allowing him to avoid jail time and keep his driver’s license with minimal suspension. Jonathan’s compassionate approach didn’t end with the case. He also worked with Matt to find resources for better managing his stress and preventing future issues. Matt walked away from the experience not only with a second chance but with tools to improve his life.