Today I was retained by a mother of two who now lives out of state, but found herself charged with a misdemeanor in Oakland County. She contacted me to see what I could do on her misdemeanor in Oakland County, and informed me that she has two small children with a third on the way. She was very concerned about coming to Michigan for court, and the possibility of going to jail.
While I can never guarantee an outcome on a criminal case, especially in Oakland County, I assured her that the judge would certainly consider her pregnancy when deciding whether or not she would go to jail. Most importantly I had to keep reminding her that she is innocent right now until proven guilty or until we decide to accept some sort of deal from the prosecutor, and know her sentence from the judge. So here is the game plan I gave her:
- We're going to obtain all the police reports and evidence against her
- We're going to review how strong the Oakland County prosecutor's case really is
- I'm going to call the prosecutor to discuss the case, and see what the status of any plea offers look like, while maintaining a full force game plan to defeat the case or have it dismissed
- Call the court to see whether or not the court will allow a plea by mail if it came down to it
- Once speaking to the prosecutor, the client and I will decide whether or not we want to explore a plea deal where I can speak to the judge and get a Cobbs agreement (promise from the judge) that my client would not go to jail if she considered pleading guilty
- If we decide that the case can be defeated at trial, we will discuss whether or not we're going to do a bench or a jury trial - each has it's own benefits.
Many courts around Michigan don't allow plea by mails unless there are extraordinary circumstances. It appears that my client may have a unique situation that might merit consideration.
If we decide to conduct a trial, she would have to come to Court. If we decide to accept some sort of favorable deal, I am going to attempt to take care of the case for her without having to come to Michigan.
As a former prosecutor in Michigan, I fully examine all possible strengths and weaknesses of the case and give me clients real options to consider. If you're interested in discussing your case with me, give me a call at
248-924-9458 or email me at jonathan@michiganlawgrad.com
While I can never guarantee an outcome on a criminal case, especially in Oakland County, I assured her that the judge would certainly consider her pregnancy when deciding whether or not she would go to jail. Most importantly I had to keep reminding her that she is innocent right now until proven guilty or until we decide to accept some sort of deal from the prosecutor, and know her sentence from the judge. So here is the game plan I gave her:
- We're going to obtain all the police reports and evidence against her
- We're going to review how strong the Oakland County prosecutor's case really is
- I'm going to call the prosecutor to discuss the case, and see what the status of any plea offers look like, while maintaining a full force game plan to defeat the case or have it dismissed
- Call the court to see whether or not the court will allow a plea by mail if it came down to it
- Once speaking to the prosecutor, the client and I will decide whether or not we want to explore a plea deal where I can speak to the judge and get a Cobbs agreement (promise from the judge) that my client would not go to jail if she considered pleading guilty
- If we decide that the case can be defeated at trial, we will discuss whether or not we're going to do a bench or a jury trial - each has it's own benefits.
Many courts around Michigan don't allow plea by mails unless there are extraordinary circumstances. It appears that my client may have a unique situation that might merit consideration.
If we decide to conduct a trial, she would have to come to Court. If we decide to accept some sort of favorable deal, I am going to attempt to take care of the case for her without having to come to Michigan.
As a former prosecutor in Michigan, I fully examine all possible strengths and weaknesses of the case and give me clients real options to consider. If you're interested in discussing your case with me, give me a call at
248-924-9458 or email me at jonathan@michiganlawgrad.com