AI in the Courtroom: Why One Veteran Criminal Defense Attorney Refuses to Trust It for Legal Research

Beware of AI in court
Fellow Lawyers and also the public. You need to be wary of AI. I use it to amass data or lead me in a direction, but WILL NOT use it for legal research or brief writing. Call me old school, but I worked my way through law school, as a clerk. Including a research assistant (basically a brief writer with supervision My case on appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court was the crim law written essay question for my winter 1990 Bar Exam) for the State Appellate Defender Office. I do my own research with use of electronic tools to get me to the case law. I still cut and paste the binding holding of the case research to create briefs. Proud to say some of my briefs in the trial court became the basis of appellate law. As a long-time member of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan I strongly encourage my fellow defenders to be leery of AI writing. You are bound to get it wrong, and you will find yourself before the Attorney Grievance Commission
 

Why People Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer 20 Times

Why people call a Criminal Defense Lawyer 20 time

A recent social media post from a metropolitan Detroit criminal defense lawyer caught my attention.

The post read:

“If you call me multiple times in a row, especially if it’s like 20 times, it adds 2-3 extra business days to my response time. If I respond at all.”

Most people reacted to the statement itself.

What caught my attention was a response from a prospective client:

“Leave a voicemail ONCE or text. That’s it. I’ll get to it when I can. I have no secretary and I’m in court all day. This is why I schedule ALL calls. I no longer will speak to someone without scheduling it.”

And another comment:

“People have no boundaries.”

While many professionals may agree with the sentiment, criminal defense is different.

When someone calls a criminal defense attorney repeatedly, it’s usually not because they lack boundaries.

It’s because they’re scared.

Fear Changes Everything

Most people never expect to need a criminal defense lawyer.

Then one day:

  • They’re arrested.
  • Their child is arrested.
  • A detective calls asking questions.
  • A warrant is issued.
  • They receive notice of criminal charges.

Suddenly, their future feels uncertain.

They don’t know whether they’ll lose their job.

They don’t know whether they’ll go to jail.

They don’t know what happens next.

In those moments, people don’t think like consumers shopping for a service.

They think like human beings facing a crisis.

That’s why some people call multiple times.

Not because they’re rude.

Not because they’re entitled.

Because they’re terrified.

The Difference Compassion Makes

The best criminal defense attorneys understand that their clients aren’t just legal cases.

They’re people going through one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.

That’s one reason so many people throughout Michigan have trusted Mike L. Steinberg.

Mike understands that behind every phone call is a person looking for answers, guidance, and reassurance.

No attorney can answer every call instantly. Court appearances, client meetings, and legal emergencies make that impossible.

But clients consistently appreciate that Mike and his team make communication a priority.

Whether it’s a phone call, voicemail, or text message, people know their concerns matter.

Criminal Defense Is About More Than Law

Winning cases matters.

Experience matters.

Strategy matters.

But when someone is facing criminal charges, communication matters too.

People want to know someone is listening.

Someone cares.

Someone is prepared to help them navigate what may be the most difficult chapter of their lives.

That’s why the best criminal defense lawyers don’t just defend cases.

They defend people.

When You Need Help, You Need Someone Who Cares

If you’re facing criminal charges or believe you may be under investigation, the last thing you need is uncertainty.

You need answers.

You need guidance.

And you need an attorney who understands not only the legal challenges you’re facing, but also the fear and anxiety that come with them.

That’s the approach Mike L. Steinberg has taken throughout his career—combining aggressive legal representation with genuine concern for the people he serves.

Because when someone’s future is on the line, they’re not looking for a case number.

They’re looking for someone who will help them through it.