Navigating The Washtenaw County Criminal Justice System

Episode Summary

In this episode of Michigan Justice Chronicles, board-certified criminal trial attorney, Dan Geherin, discusses the intricacies of the Washtenaw County criminal justice system. With over 26 years of experience practicing in this region, Dan offers a unique insider perspective on navigating the complexities of local courts, police agencies, and the role of knowing the judges and prosecutors in the area. Dan highlights the challenges posed by Washtenaw County's diverse and growing population, its multiple police departments, and specialized courts like veterans, mental health, and sobriety courts. He also shares insights on how understanding the tendencies of local judges and prosecutors can make a significant difference in the outcome of cases.

 

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Michigan Justice Chronicles

00:05 – Overview of Dan Geherin’s background and experience in Washtenaw County

00:18 – Why Washtenaw County is Dan’s busiest county

02:18 – The role of universities in criminal cases

02:52 – Overview of police agencies in Washtenaw County

04:13 – Exploring the county’s court system and key divisions

05:34 – The number of judges and their impact on cases

06:41 – The importance of knowing the judges and prosecutors in Washtenaw County

07:56 – How relationships with prosecutors influence cases

09:04 – Specialized courts in Washtenaw County and differences from neighboring counties

10:53 – How jury pools can vary within Washtenaw County

13:05 – The value of knowing the local legal system when working out of county

13:55 – Common mistakes made by attorneys unfamiliar with Washtenaw County

14:12 – Dan’s connection to his community and commitment to his clients

 

About the Show
Michigan Justice Chronicles is a podcast hosted by board-certified criminal trial attorney Dan Geherin, who brings over two decades of experience in criminal law. The podcast provides an in-depth look at the Michigan criminal justice system, focusing on practical advice for navigating legal challenges and insights into local court dynamics.