Two Major Courtroom Victories Show Why Every Client Deserves Relentless, Equal Advocacy
I give thanks as I carry forward my powerful relationship with the Creator. Today—Monday—has already been a success.
In one case, I represent a woman charged with assault with intent to murder. The district court judge erred by refusing to permit me to review the eyewitnesses’ contact information, despite clear and directly applicable case law. In addition, the prosecuting attorney disclosed evidence that was highly unfavorable to the complainant.
Even better, based on my advocacy, my client’s bond was reduced from $100,000 cash or surety to a $100,000 bond with a 10% provision and additional conditions. My client has no prior history of contact with law enforcement. I believe this case will ultimately resolve favorably for her.
In a second case—one I have previously written about in connection with prosecuting people who are clearly mentally ill—the district court dismissed an arson charge that had been pending for several months.
My client was incompetent at the time of the original court proceedings, and it took considerable time to restore him to competency. While suffering from the effects of untreated schizophrenia, he made several damaging statements. I filed a brief arguing that those statements were unreliable. Frankly, what he said did not align with the physical evidence.
The court agreed. It found his statements unreliable and concluded that the government, through its fire investigator, had presented no credible evidence that the fire had been intentionally set.
All of this happened before 10:30 a.m. on a Monday—after I had been off for a week.
Some may categorize this as shameless self-promotion. I see it differently. I believe it is important for the public to have confidence in our legal system and in the attorneys who work within it. My colleagues achieve meaningful victories for their clients every day, and those successes deserve to be recognized.
The assault-with-intent-to-murder case is an MIDC/IDSO appointment through an entity independent of the court system. In essence, it is a publicly funded defense case. My level of advocacy does not change depending on whether a client privately retains me or receives publicly funded representation.
Of the more than 50 capital cases I have handled, many involved appointed representation. I am also tremendously proud to have participated in the reforms made to Michigan’s indigent defense system. I worked alongside great stakeholders throughout that process, all committed to improving the quality of representation available to those who could not afford to hire an attorney.
Every client deserves to be treated as a human being. Every client deserves meaningful advocacy. And every client deserves an attorney who is fully committed to the fight.
Many thanks.
