What to do if you are arrested at a Michigan Wolverines football game?
The first thing to do is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney that works on these case in Ann Arbor. There are several different police agencies at University of Michigan Football games and depending on who you deal with, that can make a difference what happens.
For instance, if you are arrested with a beer in your hand by Ann Arbor Police, then you might get charged with a misdemeanor called open intoxicants, in other words, drinking in public. In this situation, I may be able to help you avoid a criminal conviction without probation or court oversight depending on the circumstances. If you are arrested by UMPD, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department, or Michigan State Police, then you would be charged with either alcohol on the highway or disorderly drunk. The difference is that you are no longer dealing with the City of Ann Arbor, now you are dealing with the State of Michigan. Washtenaw County Prosecutors are very strict and have many polices that make it difficult to avoid things like probation.
The point is that by trying to do this alone or with an attorney that doesn’t regularly practice in Ann Arbor, you are putting yourself at risk. Some convictions might be permanent and impact your career and life.
Other than hiring a local attorney for arrests while going to a U of M football game, what other advice do you have?
Don’t be scared into hiring any specific lawyer. If a lawyer is telling you that you will go to jail if you don’t hire them right away, then that should be a red flag. Attorneys are supposed to counsel you and let you know what you can reasonably expect, not scare you into hiring them. Most arrests that come from U of M football games are not the kind where people go to jail for long periods of time. Many result in fines, some result in probation, but very few are the kind that need urgent attention the day you are issued the misdemeanor in Ann Arbor. For instance, there are some attorneys that directly target U of M fans and spectators. If you call those attorneys, they will tell you that you have to hire them right away. The reality is that the courts are closed on weekends, nights and holidays, so they can’t do anything for you anyway. You are much better off speaking with a lawyer once you get your self in order with a fresh mind.
If you are arrested, or know someone who was arrested on football Saturday at the University of Michigan Wolverines football game, have them call me. I will speak about your case for free and help you understand the process and what to expect. I have an office in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and am in the courts on a regular basis.
