Criminal and Civil Law Collide: Lessons from the Monroe Boat Club Tragedy

The tragic accident at Monroe Boat Club this past spring serves as a case study on the intersection of criminal and civil liability. A woman, who allegedly consumed alcohol before crashing into a birthday party, is facing criminal charges including OWI causing death and second-degree murder. However, the legal implications don’t stop at criminal prosecution.

In addition, the victims’ families are likely to pursue civil actions. Wrongful death lawsuits could target not only the driver but also the boat club under Michigan’s dram shop liability law, which holds bars accountable for over-serving intoxicated patrons. There may also be claims against the event space for failing to ensure proper safety measures.

This case reveals how civil and criminal justice systems operate in tandem. A criminal conviction often strengthens civil claims, offering a clear pathway to holding the responsible parties accountable. This intersection of justice will be closely watched as it unfolds, offering critical lessons for both law practitioners and the public.

Learn more about the Monroe Boat Club tragedy here.

 

Contact Geherin Law Group for Washtenaw County Criminal Defense

 

If you’re being investigated or charged with a criminal case in Washtenaw County, and want a firm with 25+ years of targeted Washtenaw County experience, please contact Dan and his firm at GLG Michigan immediately.  We’re available 24/7, and we’ll help put you at ease, form a plan to handle your case, and fight aggressively to restore your reputation and protect your freedom.  Schedule your consultation online here, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780. We’re acutely committed to providing personal attention, personal options, and personal justice to every single client we represent.  

 

GLG Michigan:  To Us, Washtenaw County Criminal Defense is Personal.    

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

The Monroe Boat Club Tragedy: A Sobering Intersection of Criminal and Civil Law

The Monroe Boat Club tragedy—a heartbreaking event where a car driven by a 66-year-old woman crashed into a child’s birthday party, killing two and injuring several—raises profound legal questions. This case involves both criminal prosecution and civil litigation, highlighting the intertwined nature of these areas of law.

On the criminal side, the driver faces charges of OWI causing death and second-degree murder. These charges reflect the reckless disregard for human life, especially when alcohol is involved. However, the legal story doesn’t end there. The victims' families will likely file wrongful death lawsuits, not only against the driver but also potentially the boat club and the event space.

In Michigan, "dram shop liability" laws allow victims to hold establishments accountable if they overserve alcohol to someone who later causes harm. As the case unfolds, it will demonstrate how criminal convictions can play a pivotal role in civil cases, particularly when both seek justice for devastating losses.

Learn more about the Monroe Boat Club tragedy here.

 

Contact Geherin Law Group for Washtenaw County Criminal Defense

 

If you’re being investigated or charged with a criminal case in Washtenaw County, and want a firm with 25+ years of targeted Washtenaw County experience, please contact Dan and his firm at GLG Michigan immediately.  We’re available 24/7, and we’ll help put you at ease, form a plan to handle your case, and fight aggressively to restore your reputation and protect your freedom.  Schedule your consultation online here, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780. We’re acutely committed to providing personal attention, personal options, and personal justice to every single client we represent.  

 

GLG Michigan:  To Us, Washtenaw County Criminal Defense is Personal.    

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

Criminal Defense Attorney, Dan Geherin Discusses Memorable Juvenile Cases

 

“I often recall an early case that stands out vividly in my memory. As a young attorney, I was hired by the parents of an 8-year-old girl who was facing criminal charges. Just the sight of her—barely three feet tall and maybe 100 pounds soaking wet—was striking. It was a surreal experience to represent someone so young. The case was deeply unsettling, but ultimately, we had it dismissed due to her age and other factors. It's a case that always reminds me of the potential overreach of the legal system and the lasting impact it can have on a child's life. I can only imagine how that young girl, scared out of her mind, will remember that day.

Over the years, I've represented juveniles involved in various situations. Some were caught up as getaway drivers for older relatives or fell into trouble due to bad influences. Others faced serious charges that we fought hard to keep out of adult court, with some success. While some cases remain under the public radar, they still significantly impact the juvenile justice system.

Interestingly, I've found that most of the juveniles I've represented over 25 years never reappear in the system. This is a positive sign, indicating that the system, for the most part, is successfully rehabilitating these young clients. Unlike many repeat offenders in the adult system, it's rare for me to see these juvenile clients again, which suggests that the interventions and rehabilitative efforts are making a difference.”

Contact Geherin Law Group for Washtenaw County Criminal Defense

 

If you’re being investigated or charged with a criminal case in Washtenaw County, and want a firm with 25+ years of targeted Washtenaw County experience, please contact Dan and his firm at GLG Michigan immediately.  We’re available 24/7, and we’ll help put you at ease, form a plan to handle your case, and fight aggressively to restore your reputation and protect your freedom.  Schedule your consultation online here, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780. We’re acutely committed to providing personal attention, personal options, and personal justice to every single client we represent.  

 

GLG Michigan:  To Us, Washtenaw County Criminal Defense is Personal.    

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

How is representing juveniles different for you?

When representing a juvenile facing a life sentence, it’s not only emotionally difficult but also procedurally complex. For adults convicted of first-degree murder, the outcome is straightforward: life without parole. Juveniles, however, face additional considerations. In cases like these, a Miller hearing is conducted to assess whether a life sentence without parole is appropriate, taking into account the juvenile's potential for rehabilitation and the fact that their brain is still developing.

Representing juveniles in such serious cases involves navigating unique factors, such as the role of their parents, ethical considerations, and specialized legal procedures that differ from those in adult cases. It requires balancing the need for public safety with the possibility of redemption and rehabilitation for the young offender.

What are some of the more common offenses committed by juveniles in Michigan? How does the system typically address these offenses?

 

Juvenile offenses typically fall into four main categories, each representing a significant area of concern:

• Substance Abuse: This includes underage drinking, marijuana use, and other prohibited substances. Many juveniles face delinquency charges for possession, use, or related offenses like drinking and driving.
• Driving Offenses: Young drivers, often inexperienced, can face issues such as texting while driving, drinking and driving, or even causing serious accidents. These incidents can lead to charges of negligent homicide or reckless driving resulting in injury.
• Sexual Offenses: This category covers a range of issues from sexting and sexual harassment to sexual assault. These offenses are prevalent among juveniles and college students, leading to specialized court dockets for handling such cases with dedicated resources for treatment and counseling.
• Property and Theft Offenses: Common infractions include vandalism, shoplifting, and property damage. These offenses often arise from conflicts between peers or impulsive behavior.

While these four areas cover the majority of juvenile cases, there are also more serious, less frequent offenses such as murder or serious sexual conduct. These rare cases, though less common, are significant and complex.

Contact Geherin Law Group for Washtenaw County Criminal Defense

 

If you’re being investigated or charged with a criminal case in Washtenaw County, and want a firm with 25+ years of targeted Washtenaw County experience, please contact Dan and his firm at GLG Michigan immediately.  We’re available 24/7, and we’ll help put you at ease, form a plan to handle your case, and fight aggressively to restore your reputation and protect your freedom.  Schedule your consultation online here, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780. We’re acutely committed to providing personal attention, personal options, and personal justice to every single client we represent.  

 

GLG Michigan:  To Us, Washtenaw County Criminal Defense is Personal.    

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

The Role of Expert Witnesses

Witnesses play a  pivotal role in criminal defense. Defense attorneys often rely on a network of trusted experts to challenge prosecution evidence effectively. Finding credible experts and securing their testimony becomes crucial in presenting a compelling defense narrative.

For a look inside high profile cases with criminal defense attorney, Dan Geherin, read further here.

 

Contact Geherin Law Group for Washtenaw County Criminal Defense

 

If you’re being investigated or charged with a criminal case in Washtenaw County, and want a firm with 25+ years of targeted Washtenaw County experience, please contact Dan and his firm at GLG Michigan immediately.  We’re available 24/7, and we’ll help put you at ease, form a plan to handle your case, and fight aggressively to restore your reputation and protect your freedom.  Schedule your consultation online here, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780. We’re acutely committed to providing personal attention, personal options, and personal justice to every single client we represent.  

 

GLG Michigan:  To Us, Washtenaw County Criminal Defense is Personal.    

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

Challenges and Strategies in High-Profile Defense

In the latest podcast, Dan Geherin sheds light on the challenges faced in defending clients under intense public scrutiny. He emphasizes the importance of strategic silence, restricting client interactions with the media and law enforcement to prevent potential misinterpretation or mishandling of sensitive information.

In the case of a wrongfully accused man, Dan's strategy involved shielding his client from further interrogation, leveraging private investigators to gather exculpatory evidence, and advocating for a fair assessment of Ken's innocence despite initial bias from law enforcement.

 

For a look inside high profile cases with criminal defense attorney, Dan Geherin, read further here.

 

Contact Geherin Law Group for Washtenaw County Criminal Defense

 

If you’re being investigated or charged with a criminal case in Washtenaw County, and want a firm with 25+ years of targeted Washtenaw County experience, please contact Dan and his firm at GLG Michigan immediately.  We’re available 24/7, and we’ll help put you at ease, form a plan to handle your case, and fight aggressively to restore your reputation and protect your freedom.  Schedule your consultation online here, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780. We’re acutely committed to providing personal attention, personal options, and personal justice to every single client we represent.  

 

GLG Michigan:  To Us, Washtenaw County Criminal Defense is Personal.    

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

Dan Geherin Has Built a Reputation and Established Professional Milestones

Throughout his career, Geherin has handled high-profile cases that garner public attention and scrutiny. Despite the pressures, he remains steadfast in upholding ethical standards and ensuring due process for his clients, whether they are prominent figures or individuals facing complex legal challenges.

Geherin's reputation as a respected attorney is bolstered by client testimonials, board certification as a criminal trial attorney, and peer recognition through accolades like the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. These distinctions underscore his dedication to excellence and ethical advocacy within Michigan's legal community.

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

 

Contact Geherin Law Group for Washtenaw County Criminal Defense

 

If you’re being investigated or charged with a criminal case in Washtenaw County, and want a firm with 25+ years of targeted Washtenaw County experience, please contact Dan and his firm at GLG Michigan immediately.  We’re available 24/7, and we’ll help put you at ease, form a plan to handle your case, and fight aggressively to restore your reputation and protect your freedom.  Schedule your consultation online here, or call 24/7 (734) 263-2780. We’re acutely committed to providing personal attention, personal options, and personal justice to every single client we represent.  

 

GLG Michigan:  To Us, Washtenaw County Criminal Defense is Personal.