Navigating the Washtenaw County Criminal Justice System

With a growing population, Washtenaw County has a significant number of criminal cases. Major cities like Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, and Chelsea continue to grow, bringing more people into the criminal justice system.

Police Agencies in Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County is served by at least 11 to 12 active police agencies, each responsible for different jurisdictions. The combination of these numerous agencies creates a complex and often confusing web of jurisdictional issues, making it important for anyone involved in a legal case in Washtenaw County to understand which agency is responsible for investigating a crime.

Court Systems in Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County has two major divisions within its court system. The 22nd Circuit Court handles serious criminal cases, felonies, major civil cases, and family law matters. It is divided into various departments with multiple judges handling different types of cases.

The county also has three district courts: 14A, 14B, and 15th District Court. These district courts are further divided into geographic regions, and each division has its own judge and court facility. With so many divisions and judges, navigating the court system can be difficult if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Different judges may have vastly different approaches to handling cases, making local knowledge essential.

The Role of Judges in the Justice System

The diversity in judges—who vary in their backgrounds, preferences, and legal philosophies—makes familiarity with the local judicial landscape crucial. Having local knowledge about each judge’s tendencies can be a significant advantage when preparing a case. A local attorney can provide valuable insight into how different judges might handle a case, which can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Building a Case: The Importance of Local Knowledge

The value of knowing the local judges and prosecutors cannot be overstated. Attorney Dan Geherin often works with attorneys who are unfamiliar with Washtenaw County and its unique system, offering them guidance on local practices and judicial tendencies. Having a deep understanding of how judges and prosecutors operate, along with relationships built over years, can provide a crucial edge when it comes to negotiations or trial strategy.

Building trust with local prosecutors also plays a key role. The ability to pick up the phone and call a prosecutor who knows and trusts you can make a big difference in resolving a case. When an outsider without these relationships steps into the system, they may struggle to navigate the complexities of the local court culture. 

Specialized Courts and Policies in Washtenaw County

One key difference between Washtenaw County and neighboring counties is the availability of specialized courts. Due to its progressive nature, the county has developed programs like veterans court, mental health court, and multiple sobriety courts. These courts offer alternatives to traditional criminal justice processes for individuals who meet specific criteria. Having familiarity with these specialized programs can be essential for individuals facing certain types of charges, as they may provide opportunities for diversion or rehabilitation.

Washtenaw County’s policies are sometimes stricter than those in nearby counties. For example, domestic violence and drunk driving cases are often treated more harshly. One notable difference is the way warrants are handled. In Washtenaw County, people may be arrested for outstanding warrants without any prior notification, unlike in other counties where defendants typically receive notice before an arrest. 

Jury Pools and Predicting Outcomes

Another challenge in Washtenaw County is understanding the local jury pool. The county has a wide range of demographics, and individuals from different parts of the county—such as the more rural, conservative areas of Chelsea and Dexter versus the more progressive city of Ann Arbor—may have very different views on criminal cases. A deep understanding of these dynamics can help attorneys predict how a jury may respond to certain types of evidence or arguments.

Knowing these local nuances and how they might affect a case is critical. If you don’t understand the jury pool or the prevailing attitudes in different parts of the county, it can lead to misjudgments in strategy or expectations. Dan’s experience in practicing primarily in Washtenaw County allows him to navigate these differences effectively, ensuring the best possible outcome for his clients.

The Value of Experience in Washtenaw County

Having spent most of his career in Washtenaw County, Dan values the experience and knowledge he brings to his practice. This local expertise is a significant advantage in understanding the intricacies of the justice system here, including the local court procedures, relationships with prosecutors, and the quirks of individual judges.

Although Dan occasionally works outside of Washtenaw County, he always feels the difference in working in unfamiliar territories. Coming back to Washtenaw County, where he is known and trusted, reminds him of the importance of experience and local connections when navigating the justice system. 

A Community-Focused Approach to Legal Practice

Dan’s connection to Washtenaw County goes beyond just professional expertise. Growing up in Ypsilanti and spending most of his career in Ann Arbor, he feels a personal responsibility to help people in his community. Whether representing clients he knows personally or helping those who live in the area, there is a sense of pride in serving the local community. The dedication to providing the best possible legal representation is something Dan takes seriously, and it is evident in his firm’s reputation and track record of success.

Contact an Washtenaw County Criminal Defense Attorney Today!

Navigating the criminal justice system in Washtenaw County requires a deep understanding of its unique structure, from the many police agencies to the complex court system and specialized programs. Local knowledge and relationships with judges and prosecutors play a critical role in building a successful case. For those facing criminal charges, having a criminal defense attorney in Washtenaw County who is familiar with the local system can make all the difference.

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.