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Washtenaw County Drunk Driving
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Washtenaw County cases are difficult cases.
It's not that the judges are tough, although a couple of them can be quite difficult. Most Washtenaw County judges are smart, perceptive judges. A couple are quite liberal, and a few are very conservative. Jail on a first offense is rare, but an alcohol tether is occasionally ordered in Washtenaw County, especially when there is an accident or a high BrAC (breath alcohol content). Be aware, however, that a few of the judges will look to see whether a motorist has prior convictions outside the ten year mark. But it's not the judges that make Washtenaw County cases difficult.
Many drunk driving cases are handled by the county prosecutors in Washtenaw. These prosecutors are not terribly unreasonable, but they tend to strictly follow guidelines. A few of these prosecuting attorneys are very knowledgeable in drunk driving cases. But it's not the prosecuting attorneys that make Washtenaw County cases difficult.
The police officers throughout Washtenaw County tend to be fair. They are still police officers, nonetheless, but a motorist is more likely to run into police officers with an agenda in other counties. At least a few officers have received advanced training in drunk driving detection. But it's not the police officers that make Washtenaw County cases difficult.
Washtenaw County cases are difficult because patrol car video equipment is lacking throughout most of the county. Booking room videos are equally unavailable. While Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan police cars have audio and video equipment, it's outrageous to think that county and local officials rarely have this equipment. As a result, the best exculpatory evidence is often times lacking.
The lack of video equipment makes Washtenaw County cases difficult to review, but it also exposes those cases to weaknesses. The officer's recollection and perception is limited. Critical facts might be forgotten before trial.
It's also a terribly unwise decision on behalf of these local and county officials to not employ the use of video equipment. Police officers are taught and trained that the first rule in any traffic matter is officer safety. Video equipment has been employed across the country in order to promote officer safety. By depriving motorists of some of the best exculpatory evidence, the county and local officials have also deprived themselves of at least one important facet to improving officer safety.
