Before 10:30 on a Monday: Why Advocacy Matters

Relentless Advocacy, Real Results, Mike Steinberg, Macomb County Defense Attorney

Two Major Courtroom Victories Show Why Every Client Deserves Relentless, Equal Advocacy

I give thanks as I carry forward my powerful relationship with the Creator. Today—Monday—has already been a success.

In one case, I represent a woman charged with assault with intent to murder. The district court judge erred by refusing to permit me to review the eyewitnesses’ contact information, despite clear and directly applicable case law. In addition, the prosecuting attorney disclosed evidence that was highly unfavorable to the complainant.

Even better, based on my advocacy, my client’s bond was reduced from $100,000 cash or surety to a $100,000 bond with a 10% provision and additional conditions. My client has no prior history of contact with law enforcement. I believe this case will ultimately resolve favorably for her.

In a second case—one I have previously written about in connection with prosecuting people who are clearly mentally ill—the district court dismissed an arson charge that had been pending for several months.

My client was incompetent at the time of the original court proceedings, and it took considerable time to restore him to competency. While suffering from the effects of untreated schizophrenia, he made several damaging statements. I filed a brief arguing that those statements were unreliable. Frankly, what he said did not align with the physical evidence.

The court agreed. It found his statements unreliable and concluded that the government, through its fire investigator, had presented no credible evidence that the fire had been intentionally set.

All of this happened before 10:30 a.m. on a Monday—after I had been off for a week.

Some may categorize this as shameless self-promotion. I see it differently. I believe it is important for the public to have confidence in our legal system and in the attorneys who work within it. My colleagues achieve meaningful victories for their clients every day, and those successes deserve to be recognized.

The assault-with-intent-to-murder case is an MIDC/IDSO appointment through an entity independent of the court system. In essence, it is a publicly funded defense case. My level of advocacy does not change depending on whether a client privately retains me or receives publicly funded representation.

Of the more than 50 capital cases I have handled, many involved appointed representation. I am also tremendously proud to have participated in the reforms made to Michigan’s indigent defense system. I worked alongside great stakeholders throughout that process, all committed to improving the quality of representation available to those who could not afford to hire an attorney.

Every client deserves to be treated as a human being. Every client deserves meaningful advocacy. And every client deserves an attorney who is fully committed to the fight.

Many thanks.

When Mental Illness Is in Crisis, Prosecution Is Not Justice

When Mental Illness Is in Crisis, Prosecution Is Not Justice, Michael Steinberg

As some of my colleagues and opponents know, I take a very dim view of the government prosecuting individuals who are in the throes of a mental breakdown. Now, upfront, I have been cautious to assert this defense because many of my fellow defense attorneys dilute it by making the claim too often. Simply because someone has mental illness does not mean they are in the throes of it when their alleged crime was committed  

I am talking about it when the illness is active and obviously present. This calendar year alone, I now have three cases that have either resulted in minimal impact or been dismissed outright. One was where my client was in the middle of a psychiatric episode, and he allegedly spit on an EMT—charged with assault. He ended up being admitted to the hospital. That Case ended up with a minor misdemeanor that goes away after 6 months. The anguish of riding the case out for my client was crushing. I was not going to budge. We prevailed. 
 
The second case was that my client was actually in the psych unit but unstable. He was having religious delusions. In this state of mind, he supposedly damaged a water pipe in the ceiling by, out of nowhere (unprovoked), leaping up in the air and pulling a pipe down. The client ended up with a 10-day involuntary commitment. The case was ultimately dismissed on a witness issue, but I was confident I could prevail in trial. 
 
The third one was resolved with an offer on Friday. It is set for jury trial. My client has in the LEIN system an order adjudicating him legally incapacitated. His crime was allegedly assaulting a hospital worker. He, too, ended up with a 10-day involuntary stay. He was offered an excessive noise ticket. I had berated the prosecutor on the record for his failure to do the right thing. I reminded him of our State Supreme Court’s rule of ethics imposed on prosecutors to seek justice. Well, finally justice is served.   
 
I am hard-pressed to understand how the government could prosecute in these cases. The individuals allegedly harmed or damaged property; respectfully assume the risk. It is part of the job. These clients have to needlessly endure the heavy weight of being prosecuted. The anguish is real. Now some may say, they should be medicated. Sure. The problem is meds change. Some fail. And the medical system is ill-equipped to help these folks.   
 
I have dedicated my career to fighting for the mentally ill accused of crimes. Pressure, however, must be placed on those who authorize these charges.  
 
Happy Sunday 
 
Michael L “Miko” Steinberg, Esq.

35 Years Later: Still Honored to Stand Beside My Clients

35 Years-Practicing Law - Michael L Steinberg

Thirty-five years ago today, I officially opened my law office.

I was young, determined, and full of energy. Over the years, my passion has remained the same, but my perspective has evolved. I’m less aggressive, less arrogant, and I’ve learned that not every police officer is the enemy. Experience has a way of teaching humility.

What hasn’t changed is how deeply I love what I do.

Every day, I have the privilege of standing between my clients and the power of the government. I get to protect people’s rights, help them through some of the darkest moments of their lives, and make a difference in ways few professions allow.

I proudly wear the title of Attorney and Counselor. To me, every client is first and foremost a human being—not a case number. They deserve to be heard, respected, and treated with dignity.

I believe the best lawyers combine passion with compassion. Anyone who has worked with me knows they have direct access to me. I don’t hide behind staff or bureaucracy. I meet my clients with honesty, empathy, and genuine care.

Long before I became a lawyer, I decided I wanted to approach life and my work holistically. That meant not just fighting the legal battle in front of us, but understanding the deeper issues so we could work together to create a better path forward. That philosophy has been guided by my spiritual center and continues to shape how I practice law today.

As I reflect on these past 35 years, my heart is filled with gratitude.

To every client who trusted me, every friend and family member who supported me, and every colleague who walked alongside me—thank you. Your belief, encouragement, and friendship made this journey possible.

Even now, almost every day, I catch myself thinking, I can’t believe I get paid to do something I love this much.

For that, I am profoundly grateful.

Thank you.

Michael L. “Miko” Steinberg

AI in the Courtroom: Why One Veteran Criminal Defense Attorney Refuses to Trust It for Legal Research

Beware or AI in the court room
Fellow Lawyers and also the public. You need to be wary of AI. I use it to amass data or lead me in a direction, but WILL NOT use it for legal research or brief writing. Call me old school, but I worked my way through law school, as a clerk. Including a research assistant (basically a brief writer with supervision My case on appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court was the crim law written essay question for my winter 1990 Bar Exam) for the State Appellate Defender Office. I do my own research with use of electronic tools to get me to the case law. I still cut and paste the binding holding of the case research to create briefs. Proud to say some of my briefs in the trial court became the basis of appellate law. As a long-time member of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan I strongly encourage my fellow defenders to be leery of AI writing. You are bound to get it wrong and you will find yourself before the Attorney Grievance Commission
 

Why People Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer 20 Times

A recent social media post from a metropolitan Detroit criminal defense lawyer caught my attention.

The post read:

“If you call me multiple times in a row, especially if it’s like 20 times, it adds 2-3 extra business days to my response time. If I respond at all.”

Most people reacted to the statement itself.

What caught my attention was a response from a prospective client:

“Leave a voicemail ONCE or text. That’s it. I’ll get to it when I can. I have no secretary and I’m in court all day. This is why I schedule ALL calls. I no longer will speak to someone without scheduling it.”

And another comment:

“People have no boundaries.”

While many professionals may agree with the sentiment, criminal defense is different.

When someone calls a criminal defense attorney repeatedly, it’s usually not because they lack boundaries.

It’s because they’re scared.

Fear Changes Everything

Most people never expect to need a criminal defense lawyer.

Then one day:

  • They’re arrested.
  • Their child is arrested.
  • A detective calls asking questions.
  • A warrant is issued.
  • They receive notice of criminal charges.

Suddenly, their future feels uncertain.

They don’t know whether they’ll lose their job.

They don’t know whether they’ll go to jail.

They don’t know what happens next.

In those moments, people don’t think like consumers shopping for a service.

They think like human beings facing a crisis.

That’s why some people call multiple times.

Not because they’re rude.

Not because they’re entitled.

Because they’re terrified.

The Difference Compassion Makes

The best criminal defense attorneys understand that their clients aren’t just legal cases.

They’re people going through one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.

That’s one reason so many people throughout Michigan have trusted Mike L. Steinberg.

Mike understands that behind every phone call is a person looking for answers, guidance, and reassurance.

No attorney can answer every call instantly. Court appearances, client meetings, and legal emergencies make that impossible.

But clients consistently appreciate that Mike and his team make communication a priority.

Whether it’s a phone call, voicemail, or text message, people know their concerns matter.

Criminal Defense Is About More Than Law

Winning cases matters.

Experience matters.

Strategy matters.

But when someone is facing criminal charges, communication matters too.

People want to know someone is listening.

Someone cares.

Someone is prepared to help them navigate what may be the most difficult chapter of their lives.

That’s why the best criminal defense lawyers don’t just defend cases.

They defend people.

When You Need Help, You Need Someone Who Cares

If you’re facing criminal charges or believe you may be under investigation, the last thing you need is uncertainty.

You need answers.

You need guidance.

And you need an attorney who understands not only the legal challenges you’re facing, but also the fear and anxiety that come with them.

That’s the approach Mike L. Steinberg has taken throughout his career—combining aggressive legal representation with genuine concern for the people he serves.

Because when someone’s future is on the line, they’re not looking for a case number.

They’re looking for someone who will help them through it.

No Was Just Another Way to Yes

t is nice to get a boost in one’s career now and again. Yesterday, in front of a small class (I am thinking it was a high school senior elective course), a Circuit Judge introduced me as one of the best defense attorneys in the County.

Today, I got word from the administration that they will be dismissing a case. This is the right result I asked for in this dismissal at the district court level. The dismissal was denied there, after supervisory review. At the preliminary exam, the police witnesses were adamant about going forward, despite the true wrongdoer coming forward and admitting his crime. It was also denied at the Circuit Courtroom level.

My dad, Jerry, used to say, “No was just another way to yes.” Grateful to have remained tenacious and kept pushing. Justice is served, and a young man gets to go on and have a productive lawyer.
Note this was a MIDC-assigned case (there is no such thing as court-appointed anymore). This quiets the voices of “You work for nothing/I’m gonna get me a paid lawyer” and “You work for them.” Hmm, truth be told, I served on CDAM’s Committee on Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, which provided input on the creation of the Michigan Indigent Defense System. It radically altered how services are provided to indigents. My entire 36-year career has been devoted to public defense; despite the fact that I take on a few paying clients, I make no distinction whether my cases are assigned or paid. I have often said my zealous advocacy does not change regardless of how the case came to me.

Thank you, Creator, and thank you, colleagues, who do this sometimes thankless job, on a daily (weekends included) basis.

35 Years as a Lawyer

35 years ago today, I was Motioned in by Ron Bretz to become a member of the Michigan State Bar. I came to law school in Lansing MI (Cooley) with one purpose. To leave as a criminal defense attorney. If ever asked, I have often said I am living the ultimate “hippy” dream. I get paid to hold the government accountable and to fight for the Constitution.

I have dedicated my entire career to indigent defense (along with also representing parents and children in abuse and neglect cases) and as an elected board member of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of MI for over 2 decades, I have had a direct hand in reformation of the indigent defense system. Our crown jewel contributing to the creation of and having critical oversight of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission. Lawyers have resources as do our clients. Best regardless of charge, anyone accused of a crime has a lawyer at a bail hearing. As many will be enjoying a well earned time off for Memorial Day weekend, I will be at a courthouse (Sat) arraigning people countywide, who were arrested. I cannot not think of a better thing to do as we honor men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to our Country.

It has been a gift of the Creator to have had 1000s of clients on my public defense docket, along with many who paid for my services. I have never distinguished delivery of defense between those assigned and those paying. All get zealous advocacy with a holistic approach. The latter being that we will, together, explore the underlying causes/contributions of the behavior and develop strategies to address them. My personal journey of recovery is implemented but not imposed. Each client I have served is a human regardless of what they have been charged with.

I am so grateful that I have been entrusted with the lives of many people. The reviews that have been posted on my law office pages are reflective of that trust.

I have been blessed to meet some of the best colleagues in the world. Some are now sitting on benches throughout this great state. My life is better because of these folks

These are trying times for lawyers. There is regrettable action afoot to undermine the Constitution and the Rule of Law-the cornerstones of our democracy. Each day, I do a self check and ask myself, do I still have the fight in me. Each day, a resounding yes.

Creator, thank you for these 35 years as an attorney . . .

The Lawyers Oath

Conviction of the Whitmer Kidnap Plot Defendants

As a criminal defense lawyer of 32 years standing, I am here to say the actions of the Judge, in this case, were an assault on our Constitution and more of a threat to our democracy than the so-called actions of these men. The Judge limited cross-examination to an inexplicable time frame (the defense was allowed to cross-examine in the time period the prosecution used on direct). Conspiracies involving federal agents are complex and the reasons to doubt are bigger that the neat and erroneous package the government puts together in its case in chief. Second, the Court precluded the defense from calling witnesses. Enshrined in the 5th A, is the absolute right for the accused to present a defense. Last, there was a seriously suspect juror on the panel and the Court precluded the defense from being present as the court conducted its inquiry. Even the air of impropriety is enough to toss the juror. There was an alternate there, who heard the testimony. I am reminded the SCOTUS has instructed lower courts, that the law leans heavily to protect the accused’s rights. My money is on a reversal of the egregious actions of the trial court

And before, I hear but but but criminal. No, the Constitution protects all of us, regardless of accusations. We celebrate our judicial system. One where convictions are obtained free of improper judicial interference.

Criminal Records For Residents Of Michigan

Criminal Records For Residents Of Michigan

The State of Michigan keeps several different archives of information on criminal records. However, a minor problem is that majority of these sources of Michigan criminal records deal mostly with convictions. Criminal records for Michigan State do not necessarily warrant convictions. In fact, not all criminal records for Michigan result in convictions. And for this reason, databases maintained by the Michigan State Government may not be as comprehensive a source as we would like them to be. Therefore, it is advised that when you conduct a criminal records search, you do not use the state repository as your only source of information. There are also various other sources of Michigan criminal records that are rarely tapped into. These are the following:

State Police

As stated earlier, the most obvious choice for you to search for Michigan criminal records is the state repository. It is the Michigan State Police that maintains the official database of criminal history record information. Here you can find an archive of all Michigan criminal records of felonies or misdemeanors of a serious nature. The Michigan criminal records contained in the Michigan State Police database are actually fingerprint-based arrest records. By statute, law enforcement agencies and court clerks are required to create fingerprint cards for each record of arrest that are sent to the Michigan State Police. If the Michigan criminal records are not accompanied by fingerprint cards, then they will be included in the repository.

Department of Corrections

The Department of Corrections keeps a database of criminal records of everyone who has served time in prison. The Michigan criminal records stored here contain good details about the crime and the database even includes pictures of the criminal. The inclusion of photos are good for minimizing cases of mistaken identities wherein someone who is without a record may appear to have one because of names that are similar. The DOC database only contains criminal records of imprisonment and criminals who have been sentenced to prison do not show up here.

County Clerks of Court

Perhaps the most excellent way to verify whether a Michigan criminal action has been initiated against someone is to check whether there are criminal records of it in the Offices of the County Clerks of Court. Each court case is documented first by the Clerk of Court of the county where the case is to be heard. These documents are based on the information provided during the arrest incident.

Records of Arrests

Michigan criminal records of arrests at the county jail level are excellent sources, too, but they may not be as readily available as the others. However, there are some private sources that you can contract to legally provide you with these.