When faced with drunk driving charges in Lapeer County, Michigan, the fear of the unknown often outweighs the offense itself. Navigating through the labyrinth of legal proceedings at the 71A District Court under Honorable Laura Cheger Barnard can seem daunting. However, with the right legal guidance and a proactive approach, you can not only face these charges head-on but also turn this experience into a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
My clients usually approach me under two circumstances – either pre-arraignment or post-arraignment. Regardless of where you stand in your case, there are certain steps we can take together to portray a positive image before the judge.
If you've not yet been arraigned, I often suggest implementing some bond conditions in anticipation of what the judge may order. Demonstrating compliance and responsibility early in the process can influence the judge's perception in your favor. If you've already been arraigned, we will meticulously follow the set conditions and even add proactive elements when necessary.
In drunk driving cases in Michigan, judges are required by law to consider the defendant's risk of flight and potential risk of harm to the public while setting the bond. Most DUI defendants do not pose a flight risk, but there's always a concern regarding the consumption of alcohol or drugs while out on bond. The last thing a judge wants to see is a defendant getting another DUI while awaiting trial.
Implementing bond conditions that require you to abstain from alcohol or drugs and monitoring this abstinence can alleviate the judge’s concern about public safety. Moreover, these steps can justify a personal or nominal bond when the risk of flight is negligible.
In assessing the appropriate bond, the judge will consider factors such as your prior criminal record, court attendance history, substance abuse history, mental condition, seriousness of the offense, employment and financial history, availability of responsible community members to vouch for you, your ties to the community, and any other facts that may impact the risk of nonappearance or danger to the public.
The most common bond condition in drunk driving cases is alcohol testing. If such testing hasn't already been ordered, I encourage my clients to engage in proactive alcohol testing. This step helps make a positive impression on the key players in your case and proves your commitment to sobriety.
For my professional clients, we often set up alternative testing schedules that accommodate their routines while still aligning with the judge's objectives.
Remember, a drunk driving charge doesn't have to define your future. With the right approach and legal guidance, you can navigate through this challenge, demonstrating not only your willingness to adhere to the law but also your commitment to personal growth and transformation.
My clients usually approach me under two circumstances – either pre-arraignment or post-arraignment. Regardless of where you stand in your case, there are certain steps we can take together to portray a positive image before the judge.
If you've not yet been arraigned, I often suggest implementing some bond conditions in anticipation of what the judge may order. Demonstrating compliance and responsibility early in the process can influence the judge's perception in your favor. If you've already been arraigned, we will meticulously follow the set conditions and even add proactive elements when necessary.
In drunk driving cases in Michigan, judges are required by law to consider the defendant's risk of flight and potential risk of harm to the public while setting the bond. Most DUI defendants do not pose a flight risk, but there's always a concern regarding the consumption of alcohol or drugs while out on bond. The last thing a judge wants to see is a defendant getting another DUI while awaiting trial.
Implementing bond conditions that require you to abstain from alcohol or drugs and monitoring this abstinence can alleviate the judge’s concern about public safety. Moreover, these steps can justify a personal or nominal bond when the risk of flight is negligible.
In assessing the appropriate bond, the judge will consider factors such as your prior criminal record, court attendance history, substance abuse history, mental condition, seriousness of the offense, employment and financial history, availability of responsible community members to vouch for you, your ties to the community, and any other facts that may impact the risk of nonappearance or danger to the public.
The most common bond condition in drunk driving cases is alcohol testing. If such testing hasn't already been ordered, I encourage my clients to engage in proactive alcohol testing. This step helps make a positive impression on the key players in your case and proves your commitment to sobriety.
For my professional clients, we often set up alternative testing schedules that accommodate their routines while still aligning with the judge's objectives.
Remember, a drunk driving charge doesn't have to define your future. With the right approach and legal guidance, you can navigate through this challenge, demonstrating not only your willingness to adhere to the law but also your commitment to personal growth and transformation.
