Lynn D'Orio, JD, PLC

17 Years of Experience: Helping You Reach Your Goals!,Powerful Advocate - Compassionate Representation

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Michigan and has no record of discipline from the Michigan bar association.*

Firm Overview

My practice is in two main areas: Criminal Defense and Family Law. In the Criminal Defense area, I represent adults and juveniles accused of committing a crime. The Family Law area is broader. It includes divorce and post-divorce issues such as custody, parenting time and change of domicile; allegations of child abuse and neglect; guardianships and conservatorships.

I am also an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School in Lansing and Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I teach Trial Skills.

Example cases

2008 - Wayne County, Michigan charge: First Degree Murder
This was a seven-day trial and the first degree murder charge was dismissed on a motion for directed verdict. The defendant was convicted of second degree murder. A motion for a new trial is pending.

People v. James Bellville, Washtenaw County
Mr. Bellville received a harsh sentence that put him in prison. I went to the Court of Appeals and won a re-sentencing which released him from prison.

People v M. Kyle, Washtenaw County 05-1736-FH
Mr. Kyle was charged with first degree home invasion, felony firearm and felony in possession of a firearm. After a preliminary examination, the home invasion charge was dismissed by the District Court Judge. The remaining gun charges were dismissed in the Circuit Court after I filed a motion to quash.

Lickfeldt v. MDOC
This case involved a plaintiff prisoner serving a string of consecutive sentences beginning with two 14-year maximums. This was followed by a five-year maximum for prison escape, and other subsequent sentences. Afterward, the plaintiff was entitled to termination of the initial 14-year maximum sentences that have chronologically passed. The original 14-year maximum terms she was serving at the time of her prison escape were terminated, and the trial court correctly ordered the Department of Corrections to terminate those sentences. The Department of Corrections may, but is not required to terminate any of the other sentences in its discretion after the minimum term has been served.

Main Office

Main
330 East Liberty PO Box 1047
Suite Suite 3D
Ann Arbor MI 48106

Phone

(734) 913-5660

Fax

(734) 913-5643

Websites

http://www.micriminaldefense.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

The initial consultation is $50 to $100 for one hour.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

A very small part of my practice is estate planning, typically for same-sex couples. I draft simple wills ($250 each), durable power of attorney for health care ($150 each), general power of attorney ($150 each) and other documents needed to protect non-traditional families.

Hourly Rates

$150 to $200 per hour.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

The bug bit me in law school, so to speak.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

We are a society of laws. If people do not educate themselves on the legal issues that affect them, they are cheating themselves. If you are represented by counsel, educating yourself should help you understand the process.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I have reviewed client-prepared documents in the past. I am not a transactional attorney, so there is a limit to what I can review.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I have consulted with clients who wanted to "do it themselves." Usually, cost is the problem. Typically, I will help a person with a do-it-yourself-divorce where there are no minor children and no issues regarding pensions or other large sums of money. I have also consulted with people who wanted to handle their own civil infraction cases. When a person's liberty, the security of minor children or a person's financial future are at stake, I do not recommend trying to navigate the legal system without an attorney.

Lynn D'Orio

• Baker College, Flint, Michigan
Adjunct Professor, March 2003 to June 2006
I taught Introduction to Corrections, Law and Corrections and Juvenile Corrections to students pursuing careers in corrections and law enforcement. I wrote the curriculum for the Law and Corrections class in January 2004.

See: www.baker.edu

• State Appellate Defender Office, Detroit, Michigan
Law Clerk, January 1992 to February 1993.

I researched and wrote appellate briefs for indigent criminal defendants. See: www.sado.org

As a sale representative, believe it or not, I was taught to listen. I can't believe how many people complain that their attorney never shuts up. My job is to find out what the problem is, then start talking. My experiences as an educator and teacher come through when I present a case to a jury. Arguing a case in court is something like teaching a lesson: Know the points you want to make and make them over and over again.

As aforementioned, I am adept at listening and devising solutions to the problems presented.

Personal interests:

I like laughing, cooking, gardening, and being with my friends and family.

License

Bar Number: P48042
Michigan , 1993

Education

Wayne State University School of Law
Juris Doctor , 1992
Detroit, MI
Rutgers University, Rutgers College
B.A. in Chemistry and Secondary Education , 1980
New Brunswick, NJ

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.