Getting the prosecutor on your side on day one of a DUI case in Michigan

When charged with drunk driving in Michigan, you're going to feel like the world is against you, and you're being judged by everyone.  You're not wrong.  A DUI arrest carries a very negative first impression with the judge, prosecutor, police, probation and the community.

When your case starts, the only thing these key players know about you are the facts of your case; if an accident is involved or a BAC close to or more than double the legal limit, the impression is even worse.  For 99 percent of cases in Michigan, this is a lasting impression that most defendants never escape.  My clients are different.

On day one, my clients are proactive, and put a number of key steps into place at the very beginning of the case.  Yes, the same first impressions form with my clients, but that first impression is soon changed into a "true impression" when I get the prosecutor and judge to not only see what's in front of them from this case, but who my client has been in the past, and what they are going in the present to show growth, and turn the case into a learning experience.

Most people view the prosecutor, and sometimes the judge as the enemy or at the very least "the other side" - this is the WRONG approach.  As a former prosecutor both in New York City and here in Michigan, I view the prosecutor as a major asset in my client's case.  Win over the prosecutor, and new doors open for a positive outcome for your case.  The prosecutor is the one who controls what you're charged with, and controls what can be offered in terms of dismissals and reductions.  

Most defense attorneys take a weapons up approach with the prosecutor, which both annoys and frustrates the prosecutor.  There's a list of defense lawyers that prosecutors dislike for being overly aggressive no matter the situation.  I've had prosecutors tell me various times, "that guy" or "that woman" referring to another defense attorney; the prosecutor is NOT going to go the extra mile for them and their client.  

There is a time to be aggressive, but it's not day one.  Even when contesting the charges, things should NEVER get personal between defense lawyer and prosecutor, but many defense lawyers do this, and it's stupid.  They are not helping their client by "going to war" with the prosecution.  

I've worked out 1000's of great deals with prosecutors because I started the conversation about their kids, their vacations, their interests in life, rather than punching them in the nose on day one. If you want a lawyer to burn the courtroom down, that's not me.  

If you're arrested for a DUI in Michigan, it's likely there's some blame to go around or you would not have been arrested - yes we might get your case dismissed, win at trial or another great outcome, but there's always something to learn from this situation.  We need to come into court humble and open to this being a learning experience.  My clients change the perception of their case on day one, and at the end of the case, no matter the outcome, they are a better human being for having gone through the case.  

I'd rather get a great result for my client, and have the judge and prosecutor praise my client's efforts than dirty looks to be thrown around, and everyone to be on edge about the case.  The best results come when both sides work together.  I make my clients exceptional, and they earn the same exceptional results.