WASHTENAW COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT AND ANN ARBOR DISTRICT COURT

The Washtenaw County Judge offers you a court appointed attorney. RUN!

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You have been charged with a crime and appear in front of a Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge and they offer a court appointed attorney to you. For the unknowing public, you think "I will save a lot of money and still have an attorney, what a deal". However, you are setting yourself up for a potentially very bad outcome. The court appointed attorneys are paid by the Washtenaw County Circuit Court and, as a result, they have to keep the judges happy or lose future appointments. The Washtenaw County Prosecutors and Judges want everyone to just take a bad plea bargain, get the conviction and close the case. Essentially, the court appointed attorneys are there to hold your hand to walk and talk you through a quick plea bargain, even if you are innocent. Don't fall for the trap! You need a retained attorney who knows the law and will fight to protect your rights and prove your innocence.

What to do at your arraignment?

The Washtenaw County Judge offers you a court appointed attorney. RUN!

The most important thing to do is plead not guilty! Next, the Washtenaw County Circuit Court or Ann Arbor District Court Judge determines if you will be released from jail while the case is pending and, if you are released, how much money you will have to post as well as the conditions of release. You should absolutely have an attorney to advocate on your behalf for favorable conditions for your release from jail on bond.