Please read the following review, but if you choose not to read the whole thing I want you to know this: every penny spent with Patrick Barone is worth its weight in gold. If you're in a tough situation and you need the best representation, I'd highly recommend Patrick. I interviewed the "best" lawyers around SE Michigan and was initially hesitant to spend so much money on a lawyer, but in hindsight, I made the perfect choice and do not regret it one bit.
I was arrested for drunk driving in Orchard Lake Michigan and my case ended up in the 48th District Court. This was my 2nd OWI. After speaking to many lawyers and doing some research on that court, I knew the odds were against me. I interviewed over ten lawyers and I ended up hiring Mr. Barone, and he eventually got my case entirely dismissed!
Here is what happened:
I got pulled over and I refused the breath test, and my blood test came back at a .136. My first few conversations with Patrick centered around making sure my life was in order. He recommended various "self-improvement modalities" in which his prior clients have had positive experiences from. I took him up on said recommendations and had my life back on track.
Meanwhile, the case was going through "the motions" (no pun intended). It went through pre-trails and adjournments for over 4 months. Nothing was particularly fruitful of these adjournments, I believe they were just standard operating procedure as a case like this evolves. During this time period, Patrick spent a considerable amount of time with me (Probably close to 8 hours just over the phone) discussing possible strategies for the case. Bottom line, they had a blood test with .136 on it. I felt doomed. At least I knew I had a good lawyer.
I struggled on deciding whether to plead guilty or go to trial (there are no deals made at the 48th district court). Patrick advised me on several different pros and cons of each choice. Ultimately, Patrick allowed me to ramble my opinion and think through the tough decision with him. He advised that due to the fact I struggled with the decision so much - that I should really go to trial, leaving nothing behind. That struck a chord with me. As it turns out, that decision was imperative.
As we were walking into the court to say we're going to trial, Patrick advised that I retain an expert witness, a Physicist. I was reluctant due to my ignorance of trial strategies, but ultimately conceded to his advice. Once again, as it turns out, that decision ended up being imperative later on.
During the days leading up to the trial, there we're certain "technical law" things that were said by the prosecutor. To explain the "technical law" things would be outside the scope of this review, but let's just say Patrick was very quick to point these out and the be strategically responsive and considerate on what "chess move" to make next. On the date of the trial, the prosecutor was not prepared to try the case. The prosecutor moved to dismiss my case, which I guess is fairly common if they're not ready to try the case at that time.
They ended up re-filing the case against me, and Patrick argued that it was against the law (double jeopardy) to try the case again. Another month passed of interviewing the prosecutor's and the Judge soliciting various information channels, including an immaculate written argument prepared by Patrick and another top-notch Appellate lawyer Patrick looped-in (Good thing he has a great network).
Judgement day arrived. Tensions were high. No one knew what was going to happen. We expected the Judge to have a written judgement that he would articulate to the court. I speculated this may take 5 minutes or so. The judgement was to rule whether or not the original dismissal was illegal, aka "Dismiss with or without prejudice".
The Judge came out. The case got called. The Judge spent approx. 30 minutes verbally presenting his written judgement. He quoted federal and state case law, and delineated detailed accounts of what happened on the days leading up to the original trial. The Judge ruled to dismiss with prejudice and the case was over. Wow.
After a little research believe this happens less than 1% of the time. Amazing. I walk off a free man never to look back. Looking back, if it weren't for the "slow play" approach of Patrick, the advice he gave me, the fact he suggested I go to trial, and the fact I should retain an expert - this never would have happened.
To the layman: Patrick's thoughtful approach and wise advice in my case let to a dismissal (with prejudice) based on a technicality that might have been overlooked by more inexperienced lawyers. I could not have asked for a better outcome.
As an aside, Patrick was also appealed my one-year license revocation due to refusing the breathalyzer. He was able to get me a "restricted license" easily. In fact, the Judge for the driving privileges called him "Professor Barone"!
In summary, Patrick is a well-seasoned expert. Retai read more
