Introduction

Most DUI defense attorneys approach a case by negotiating a plea bargain. Attorney Edward J. Sternisha, known to clients as “Ed,” takes a different path: he pursues dismissals and charge reductions even in cases where clients tested above the legal limit. Operating under the memorable brand “Call Ed Instead” from his office at 330 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, Sternisha brings a rare combination of credentials to drunk driving defense. He is both a former police officer and a licensed private investigator, giving him an understanding of DUI enforcement procedures that most defense attorneys do not possess.

Practice Areas

Attorney Sternisha’s practice is concentrated on DUI and OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) defense in Michigan. Rather than treating these as open-and-shut cases where the only question is the severity of the plea deal, he approaches each case as a full defense matter with multiple potential avenues for challenge.

Challenging Police Procedures. Sternisha’s background as a former police officer gives him detailed knowledge of how DUI stops and arrests are conducted, and more importantly, where officers deviate from required procedures. He thoroughly investigates police reports, looking for inconsistencies that can undermine the prosecution’s case. He examines whether the initial traffic stop was conducted with proper legal justification, whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly, and whether the arrest itself followed all procedural requirements.

Video Evidence Analysis. The attorney examines video evidence from dashcam and bodycam footage for inconsistencies between what officers documented in their reports and what the video actually shows. Discrepancies between written reports and visual evidence can be powerful tools in challenging the reliability of the prosecution’s case. Case success footage, including Supreme Court arguments, is available on the firm’s website.

BAC Test Challenges. Breathalyzer and blood alcohol content tests are not infallible. Sternisha contests BAC test procedures, challenging calibration records, administration protocols, and chain of custody issues that can render test results unreliable or inadmissible.

Cases Above the Legal Limit. A central tenet of Sternisha’s practice is the position that being over the legal limit does not automatically mean guilt. There are numerous procedural and evidentiary grounds on which a DUI case can be challenged regardless of the BAC reading. The attorney fights aggressively on these grounds rather than defaulting to plea negotiations.

Attorney Profiles

Edward J. Sternisha (Ed), Attorney. Ed Sternisha is the sole practitioner behind the “Call Ed Instead” brand. His professional background includes three distinct credentials that inform his defense work:

First, he served as a police officer, giving him firsthand experience with how law enforcement conducts DUI stops, administers field sobriety tests, and processes arrests. This background allows him to identify procedural errors and departures from standard protocol that other attorneys might overlook.

Second, he holds a license as a private investigator, which adds an investigative dimension to his legal practice. He does not simply review the evidence the prosecution presents. He conducts his own investigation of the facts surrounding each arrest.

Third, he has earned recognition from top-rated legal evaluation sites, including Avvo.com and SuperLawyers.com, reflecting peer and client assessments of his work. His case results include arguments before the Supreme Court, demonstrating his willingness to pursue cases through the highest levels of the appellate process.

Sternisha is available 24/7 for individuals facing drunk driving charges in West Michigan and can be reached at (616) 233-2255.

Location and Service Area

The Law Office of Edward J. Sternisha is located at 330 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The firm serves clients throughout West Michigan who are facing DUI and OWI charges.

Grand Rapids and its surrounding communities present a range of DUI enforcement patterns, from local police departments to state patrol operations on major highways. Sternisha’s practice covers cases arising across this varied enforcement landscape.

For more information, visit calledinstead.com

Client Focus

Attorney Sternisha positions his practice as an alternative to the standard DUI defense model. Where many attorneys treat a DUI charge as a matter to be resolved through negotiation, Sternisha’s approach begins with the assumption that the case can be fought on its merits. His former career in law enforcement gives him the ability to evaluate whether officers followed all required protocols during the stop, testing, and arrest process.

The firm provides 24/7 availability for individuals who have been arrested for drunk driving, recognizing that arrests often happen during evening and weekend hours and that early legal intervention can be critical. The administrative and criminal timelines in Michigan DUI cases move quickly, and delays in securing representation can result in missed opportunities to challenge the charges.

Sternisha’s emphasis on pursuing dismissals and reductions rather than automatic plea agreements reflects a philosophy that every client deserves a thorough evaluation of the evidence before any resolution is discussed. This applies even in cases where the initial evidence, such as a BAC reading above the legal limit, may appear damaging on the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a DUI charge be fought even if I blew over the legal limit?
Yes. Attorney Sternisha’s practice is built on the principle that a BAC reading above the legal limit does not automatically mean a conviction is inevitable. There are numerous grounds for challenging DUI charges, including improper police stops, flawed testing procedures, calibration errors in testing equipment, and procedural violations during the arrest.

What makes Attorney Sternisha’s background different from other DUI lawyers?
Edward Sternisha is a former police officer and a licensed private investigator, in addition to being a practicing attorney. This combination gives him direct knowledge of how DUI enforcement operates from the inside, allowing him to identify procedural errors and evidentiary weaknesses that attorneys without law enforcement experience might miss.

Is the firm available for emergencies outside business hours?
Yes. Attorney Sternisha offers 24/7 assistance for individuals facing drunk driving charges in West Michigan. DUI arrests frequently occur during evenings and weekends, and the firm is structured to respond during those times. Call (616) 233-2255 for immediate assistance.

What is the difference between DUI and OWI in Michigan?
Michigan uses the term OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) rather than DUI. The charges carry similar consequences, including potential license suspension, fines, and jail time. Attorney Sternisha handles all variations of impaired driving charges under Michigan law.

Has Attorney Sternisha argued cases at the appellate level?
Yes. His case history includes Supreme Court arguments, and video of his courtroom work is available on his website. This appellate experience demonstrates a willingness to pursue cases beyond the trial court level when the facts and law support further challenges.

Closing

Ed Sternisha’s path from police officer to private investigator to DUI defense attorney gives the “Call Ed Instead” practice a foundation that most defense firms cannot replicate. His insistence on fighting charges rather than defaulting to plea negotiations, combined with his ability to dissect police procedures from the perspective of someone who once carried them out, makes the firm a distinct option for anyone facing OWI charges in West Michigan. Reach the firm at (616) 233-2255 or visit calledinstead.com