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Law Enforcement Does not Show Up to DUI Case

There are many commonly held misconceptions when it comes to drunk and drugged driving cases. For instance, many Michigan drivers believe that if the arresting officer does not show up to court or trial, their case will automatically be thrown out. While there is a possibility that the case will be dismissed if the cop fails to appear in court, it is not guaranteed. In fact, the judge's decision will be based on several factors, not just the presence of the police.

When Is the Officer Needed?

In order for the state to properly establish a case against you, it needs to provide credible witnesses. The number one witness in any impaired driving case is generally going to be the law enforcement officer who arrested you. Therefore, the state relies on the arresting officer to show up and testify. However, the officer is only needed in court for motions where his or her testimony is required and for the trial, if one is held.

For instance, no testimony is heard at your first court appearance, called the arraignment. Therefore, the arresting officer is not required to appear, and the case will not be thrown out if he or she is not present at the arraignment.

Is the Judge Pro-Police or Pro-Process?

Some judges are extremely sympathetic toward law enforcement and will give officers several chances to appear for trial. Other judges are more concerned about the defendant's right to a speedy trial and will not continue a case simply because the officer failed to appear. Every judge is different and has his or her own particular preferences and rationale.

Why Did the Officer Fail to Appear?

Another factor many judges will consider is the reason for the officer's absence. For instance, if the officer missed court due to injury or illness, the judge may be more inclined to give him or her a second chance to appear. On the other hand, if the officer had no good excuse for missing court, the judge may decide to dismiss the case.

Arguing for Dismissal

There are many good reasons for having an experienced OWI defense attorney by your side when your court date comes. If the arresting officer fails to appear, your attorney can argue for dismissal by pointing out the weaknesses in the state's case, and a skilled attorney may be able to have the charge reduced or dismissed before the case even goes to trial.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.