David J. Chiappelli joined the firm in September, 1999
soon after he passed the Michigan Bar Exam. He prepared for his career in law by
attending both Michigan State University and a private school in upstate New
York, Elmira College earning a Bachelor Degree in Psychology. Mr. Chiappelli
then went on to attend the Detroit College of Law in Detroit, Michigan where he
earned his Juris Doctor degree.
Prior to his entry into the practice of law, Mr. Chiappelli was quite involved
in the sports field and while attending Michigan State University playing
varsity ice hockey winning a number of league championships and culminating in
to a national championship in 1985 -1986. He then proceeded to attend Elmira
College, again participating in the varsity ice hockey program and earning a
national championship with this team as well. He has been recognized on the
academic and athletic elite honor roll and nominated academic all American in
his sport.
Mr. Chiappelli, at the conclusion of his collegiate academic career, had the
opportunity to proceed on to play professional ice hockey in Germany where he
both lived and played. He had the option to assist in the role of
clerk/interpreter in the law offices of German attorney Joseph Beisenkotter as
well as create a Conversational English Program within the city in which he
played, becoming fluent in both conversational German and German studies.
Upon his return to the United States, Mr. Chiappelli gained employment with
Hamstein Publishing, Inc. out of Austin, TX and became their contract and
copyright administrator. He reviewed contracts and drafting song writer and
publishing agreements coordinated with legal counsel as well as copyright
protection rights that were filed in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Chiappelli returned to the State of Michigan where he began his law school
endeavor and served as a Circuit Court Clerk to the Honorable Edward Sosnick of
the 6th Judicial Court. He had the opportunity to observe courtroom procedures
and legal proceedings long before becoming licensed to practice law. He
subsequently had the opportunity to work for the Chief Judge, the Honorable
William E. Bolle of the 52/4 District Court in Troy at the District Court level.
Throughout the remainder of his law school studies, he assisted in the procedure
and handling of landlord/tenant civil suits and District Court level criminal
cases as an addition to his prior knowledge of Circuit Court procedure and
jurisdiction practice.
After passing the bar exam, he became a licensed practitioner concentrating his
practice in the area of criminal law including misdemeanors and felonies. Mr.
Chiappelli has amassed great expertise and exceptional knowledge in the areas of
drunk driving and companion issues, license restoration, drug related offenses,
traffic offenses and major felonies. He has completed a multitude of cases
within the jurisdiction of both the district and circuit courts including but
not limited to the district, probate and circuit courts in the tri-county and
surrounding areas. He is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association and the
State Bar of Michigan.
Mr. Chiappelli is known as the area expert on drivers license
restorations and appeals with the Michigan Department of State – Drivers License
Appeal Division for those whose licenses have been suspended, revoked or denied
due to criminal activity, improper driving alcohol or for other reasons. Mr.
Chiappelli has become a well known expert in the field of handling drunk driving
cases in the Courts of Southeast Michigan. His experience is unmatched.
