The Hidden Advantage of Hiring a Local Attorney in Washtenaw County

Legal trouble in Washtenaw County? Don’t overlook the power of local experience. From the 22nd Circuit Court to the three district courts—14A, 14B, and 15th—this region’s criminal justice system is unlike any other.

Not only does it have more police agencies than most counties its size, but Washtenaw also enforces stricter policies for offenses like domestic violence and DUI. Unlike neighboring counties, you could be arrested on a warrant without prior notice.

 

That’s where a local attorney makes all the difference. Someone like Dan Geherin, who has practiced here for decades, brings something others can't: relationships with judges and prosecutors, familiarity with each courtroom’s rhythm, and an understanding of jury behavior across different towns.

 

Whether you're eligible for a specialized court program or facing a felony charge, knowing the right people—and the right approach—can make or break your case.

Read more on our website!

 

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan for Help

 

If you or someone you know is facing legal challenges, contact our criminal defense attorney in Washtenaw County to learn more about how we can help you navigate the process. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

Why Every Criminal Case in Washtenaw County Is Unique

If you're facing a criminal charge in Washtenaw County, it’s important to understand that no two cases are handled the same.
With over a dozen active police agencies and a divided court system, your experience will vary based on where your case is investigated, which judge is assigned, and even which part of the county your jury is drawn from.

The difference between a successful outcome and a missed opportunity often comes down to local knowledge. Judges have different approaches to justice. Prosecutors have different thresholds for plea bargains. And Washtenaw’s progressive courts—including mental health and sobriety courts—offer specialized options you might not find elsewhere.

 

Attorney Dan Geherin, a Washtenaw native, understands the subtle dynamics at play. “You need someone who knows the landscape—who can navigate the unspoken rules,” Dan says.

 

The bottom line? If you’re dealing with a legal issue in Washtenaw County, find a lawyer who lives and breathes the local system. That experience could change everything.

Read more on our website!

 

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan for Help

 

If you or someone you know is facing legal challenges, contact our criminal defense attorney in Washtenaw County to learn more about how we can help you navigate the process. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

How to Appeal a Revoked Michigan Driver’s License

Losing your Michigan driver’s license due to revocation can be overwhelming, but there is a way forward. The state provides an appeal process for individuals seeking reinstatement—but be prepared, as it’s a rigorous and highly detailed process.

The Revocation Appeal Process

 

If your license has been revoked, you must request a hearing with the Michigan Department of State’s Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD). This hearing is your opportunity to prove that you have addressed the reasons for your revocation and that you are now a responsible driver.

 
What You Need to Win Your Appeal

 

Reinstating a revoked license isn’t easy—the burden of proof is on you. Here’s what’s required:

✅ Substance abuse evaluation – If your revocation was due to a DUI, you must provide a professional assessment proving you are no longer a risk.
✅ Personal references – Letters from family, employers, or community members confirming your sobriety and responsible behavior.
✅ Consistent, clear testimony – Any inconsistency in your statements can lead to denial.

 

Read more on our website!

 

Why Legal Representation Matters

 

Most people who attempt the appeals process on their own fail. The requirements are strict, and even a small mistake can result in a denial—forcing you to wait another year before reapplying. An experienced licensing lawyer in Ann Arbor can help you prepare the strongest case possible, increasing your chances of success.

 

We specialize in license appeals and have helped countless Michigan residents regain their driving privileges. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you get back on the road legally and with confidence!

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

Michigan Driver’s License Suspensions vs. Revocations—What’s the Difference?

Losing your Michigan driver’s license can be a major disruption, affecting your job, family responsibilities, and daily routine. But before you can regain your driving privileges, it’s important to understand whether your license has been suspended or revoked, as the process for reinstatement varies significantly.

Suspensions: Temporary Loss with a Clear End Date

 

A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid for a specific period. Once the suspension ends, you typically need to pay a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. Suspensions often result from:

 

• Accumulating too many traffic violations
• Failing to pay fines or child support
• Certain medical conditions
• Refusing a breath test (leading to a one-year suspension)

 

Revocations: A More Severe Penalty

 

A revocation is more serious—your license is not just temporarily suspended but completely terminated. You must prove to the state that you deserve reinstatement, which involves:

 

• A formal hearing with the Michigan Department of State
• Submitting extensive documentation (e.g., substance abuse evaluations)
• Providing witness statements to demonstrate responsible behavior

 

Common reasons for revocation include multiple DUI offenses or serious traffic incidents causing injury or death. Unlike suspensions, revocations don’t have a set expiration date—restoring your license requires proving you’re fit to drive again.

 

Read more on our website!

 

Contact a Licensing Lawyer in Ann Arbor for Help!

 

If your license has been revoked or suspended, a licensing lawyer in Ann Arbor can help make all the difference. We specialize in helping Michigan drivers regain their driving privileges. Contact us today to learn about your options and take the first step toward reinstatement!

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

Unraveling the Past: Familial DNA in the Idaho Murder Case

The University of Idaho murder case saw a pivotal breakthrough with the use of familial DNA, a technique that has revolutionized criminal investigations. Investigators recovered a male DNA sample from a knife sheath found at the crime scene. Unable to find a match in criminal databases, they turned to publicly available genealogical databases.

This method allowed investigators to trace family connections and identify a relative of the suspect, ultimately leading them to Brian Kohberger. The use of ancestry DNA in this case highlights its potential to solve cold cases and bring justice to victims.

 

However, this method is not without its critics. Concerns about privacy and the potential for misinterpretation of genetic links are valid. Some argue that accessing publicly available DNA data infringes on individual rights, while others worry about the possibility of wrongful accusations.

 

Despite these concerns, the strength of DNA evidence is undeniable. In this case, the presence of Kohberger’s DNA at the crime scene, particularly on the knife sheath, provides a powerful piece of evidence for the prosecution. As the trial progresses, the defense is expected to challenge the validity of this evidence, but DNA has historically been difficult to refute.

 

The use of familial DNA in the Idaho murder case marks a significant milestone in forensic science, demonstrating its transformative power in criminal investigations. As technology advances, the ethical and legal implications of these methods will continue to be debated, shaping the future of justice."

 

Learn more about high-tech forensic techniques in identifying and linking the suspect to the University of Idaho college murder case here.

 

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan for Help

 

If you or someone you know is facing legal challenges, contact our criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor to learn more about how we can help you navigate the process. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

The Digital Trail: Cell Phone Forensics in the Idaho Murders

In the tragic University of Idaho murder case, cell phone forensics has taken center stage, offering a chilling glimpse into the suspect’s movements. When a phone is powered on, it leaves a digital trail, connecting to nearby cell towers and revealing its location over time. In this case, Brian Kohberger’s phone was tracked near the crime scene multiple times, both before and after the horrific events. However, the most striking piece of evidence is the anomaly: on the night of the murders, Kohberger’s phone was turned off. 

This deviation from his usual behavior raises significant questions. Was it a deliberate attempt to evade tracking? Investigators believe so, and this anomaly has become a critical point in the prosecution's case.

 

Despite its power, cell phone evidence is not without its limitations. Defense attorneys frequently challenge its accuracy, arguing that it only provides a general location, not a precise one. This inherent ambiguity underscores the need for corroborating evidence. However, the cumulative effect of this data, combined with other forensic findings, creates a compelling narrative for the prosecution.

 

The use of cell phone location mapping in this case highlights the double-edged sword of modern technology. While it provides invaluable tools for law enforcement, it also raises complex questions about privacy and the interpretation of digital footprints. As the trial unfolds, the strength and validity of this evidence will be closely scrutinized, shaping the future of digital forensics in criminal investigations.

 

Learn more about high-tech forensic techniques in identifying and linking the suspect to the University of Idaho college murder case here.

 

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan for Help

 

If you or someone you know is facing legal challenges, contact our criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor to learn more about how we can help you navigate the process. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

Navigating the PPO Process in Michigan

Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) are legal tools designed to protect individuals from harassment or violence. In Michigan, we have two types: domestic and non-domestic. Domestic PPOs, typically used in cases involving intimate relationships, are often easier to obtain. Non-domestic PPOs, for situations like neighbor disputes, require a higher burden of proof. While a PPO itself isn't a physical barrier, it's a legally binding order. Violating a PPO can result in serious consequences, including contempt of court charges and new criminal charges. Whether you're seeking a PPO or defending against one, understanding the process and the implications is vital.

Learn more about domestic violence and PPOs cases in Michigan here.

 

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney  in Michigan for Help Navigating Your Personal Protection Order Case

 

If you or someone you know is facing these legal challenges, contact our criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor to learn more about how we can help you navigate the process. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.