Former Michigan Prosecutor | Jonathan Andrew Paul
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Ann Arbor Open Container | Former Prosecutor

5 Steps to Take Immediately After Receiving a Tailgate Offense

1. Take a deep breath; there is nothing you can do in the moment, go enjoy the game or the rest of your night; if its late, go to bed.  If you wish to take touch with an attorney, send me an email jonathan@michiganlawgrad.com or text/call me 248-924-9458.  You can send me a copy of the ticket; get that off your plate.  If you're a family member of the person ticketed, please email and call me, we will get a copy of the ticket later in the day. 

2. Once you regroup that evening or the next day, you will see a text reply or email reply letting you know that your case is manageable and everything is going to be OK.  You are where 100's of my clients have been in the past, and every single one of them had a favorable result if they followed my plan.  We will discuss next steps to work together. 

3.  In the coming days, once we are working together, I will give you a few proactive steps to take on your own time to improve your case, and help me help you figure out a great outcome.

4.  Our goal is to keep you from having a criminal record; that is a possible; it's also possible to have you excused from court, or to join court via zoom. 

5. This case does not need to have long-term consequences on your life; you're successful, and having a criminal record over an isolated moment in time is not equitable.  Believe in common sense; lean in on telling your story; this case will not define you.  ​Why our firm helps clients every single football season​
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​Our firm focuses on the client's journey, and how he/she finds themselves on the wrong side of the law.  We lead with empathy and understanding; our clients are not criminals, but rather good hearted, caring folks who respect the law, and want to be held in high regard. We work with a diverse pool of clients; our clients are our partners, and together we put forth a proactive approach to every case.   During football season in Ann Arbor, I have worked with 100's of students, alumni, fans, residents, non-residents of Michigan, even international clients.  Every client was able to handle their case with me no matter if they were from the area, or outside the area; we make it work. 

While I am a former NYC and Michigan prosecutor, and have been practicing criminal defense for more than a decade, I don't like using the "criminal" label with my clients.  My clients don't have anything to hide; they are more frightened and embarrassed, and worried about an uncertain future.  They are concerned that they made a terrible "first impression" with the police, prosecutor, judge, and court system; it can be gut wrenching to feel "stuck"; you can't change what happened, and sitting around, and worrying only makes things worse. 

My goal is to empower each client to make a "true impression" and understand and demonstrate how they ended up on the wrong side of the law, and provide them the tools to SHOW rather than TELL what they can learn from their incident, and where they are going in the future.   Nothing feels better as an attorney than to hear a prosecutor and judge praise my client for stepping up, and taking control of their own situation.  

My clients do amazing in the criminal justice system, because they are mere visitors; having the right exit strategy is the key to navigating the most challenging moment in your life.  You only get to handle your case once, how do you want to approach it? 

If you're a parent or family member reading this, I know your first thought is disappointment, but lets look at this as a learning opportunity.  We will sort this case out, get a good result, and they will learn from this, and move forward with an important life experience. ​
Representing clients in Ann Arbor, Canton, Brighton, Howell, Saline, Adrian, Taylor, Plymouth, Northville, Westland, Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Towsnhip, Warren, Sterling Heights, Farmington, Pontiac, Romulus, Lansing, Novi, South Lyon, Southfield, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Troy, Rochester, Jackson, East Lansing, Garden City, Livonia, Dearborn, Detroit, St Clair Shores, Hazel Park, Ferndale, Madison Heights, Waterford, Milford, Shelby Township Clarkston, Oak Park, Berkley, Fraser, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township and others throughout Washtenaw, Wayne, Monroe, Jackson,  Macomb, Ingham, Lenawee, Livingston, Oakland County & Northern Michigan 

Representing clients faced with DUI/drunk driving, retail fraud, possession of marijuana, domestic violence, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, fake ID, open container  and other misdemeanor and felony charges. 

Evening & Weekend Service Available Call Me: 248-924-9458

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Michigan Defense Attorney Jonathan Paul - Former New York & Michigan Prosecutor