Thomas Smith | Holland Criminal Defense Lawyer

We conducted a jury trial in a criminal sexual conduct case that, if unsuccessful, would have sent the client to prison for at least 25 years. Fortunately, the jury returned a not-guilty verdict and the client was set free. We trusted our client and let a jury decide his fate, to his everlasting appreciation. We have successfully obtained full driving privileges for clients who have had their driving privileges revoked for many years. And we have successfully expunged or set aside criminal convictions for clients, which removed many barriers for them educationally, vocationally, and in life.

From experience at working at a law firm that was very respected and well run. We frequently tell law students that they should seriously consider not setting up a law practice right after getting out of law school. There is simply too much to know to effectively and professionally run a respected law office/firm. You must know the law, how to run a business, how to deal with clients, how to deal with opposing counsel, judges, court staff, and how to conduct yourself in a courtroom and examine witnesses, craft persuasive arguments, and win cases, et cetera. It is a whole lot to know, and most law schools do not teach many of these things. You must also be candid and forthright about admitting what you do not know and to seek expert advice on those issues--by, for example, employing a CPA to do your accounting and taxes, by asking other lawyers and court staff questions that you do not know the answer to. And by listening and seeing how other respected attorneys run their law practices. We have a saying: When you are ready to learn, the teacher will appear.

Clients should look for a lawyer who can be trusted, who will communicate often and effectively, who has much experience in the type of law to be covered, including the courts, and who you can get along with. The attorney-client relationship is just that--a relationship. And like any relationship that is successful, the people need to get along, communicate, and like respect each other.

Local knowledge is many times crucial to a case. It includes knowing, in criminal cases, the prosecutors and who to negotiate with, the judges and court staff, and how the courts operate, and sentencing or punishment practices of the courts.

We can help the caller understand the type of case, the court involved, including the judge, the prosecutors, some options, and potential avenues for success.

The type of legal matter, the court involved, the next hearing date, and the facts underlying the legal matter. Also potentially important is the age of the caller and criminal history, if any.

We communicate frequently and try to fully answer our concerns of clients. We have been involved in the criminal law for approximately 30 years and have gained tremendous insight into how criminal cases are successfully handled.

Our most rewarding aspect is obtaining what the client desires as an outcome--and removing obstacles or impediments to a successful future in school, work, or in life. For instance, if we can avoid a criminal conviction for the client--or help the client have drivers license privileges restored--we feel rewarded. We also feel rewarded by being a sentinel on the system, as we like to say, keeping prosecutors, and law enforcement from abusing their power.

Reading, running, vacationing, and being with family.

We try to stay active in the community in which we live and work--by cleaning up the neighborhood and helping others when the opportunities exist.

• Member | Michigan State Bar
  Member | Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
  Member | Marine Corps Association

• U.S. Marine Corps, Captain, Judge Advocate, 1988-1995, 1988 (Officer Candidate School), 1992 (The Basic School; Naval Justice School), 1992-1995 (Fleet Marine Force)

• NOT GUILTY CSC-1ST (25-YEAR MINIMUM) - Van Buren County
  Our client was charged with sexual penetrating a young child. Following a week-long Jury Trial, our client was found not guilty and did not have to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison.

• NOT GUILTY MALICIOUS DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY - Ottawa County
  Our client was charged with MDOP of his ex-girlfriend’s residence. Following a Jury Trial, our client was found not guilty.

• NOT GUILTY ASSAULT & BATTERY - Ottawa County
  Our client was charged with kissing an underage girl on the lips at a soccer game. Following a Jury Trial, our client was found not guilty.

• Author:
  On Marine Culture (2018)
  Sexual Assault Benchbook, Michigan Supreme Court (2002)
  New Magistrate Traffic Adjudication Manual, Michigan Supreme Court (2003)
  Monograph: Preliminary Examinations (Revised Edition), Michigan Supreme Court (2003)
  Monograph: Issuance of Complaints & Arrest Warrants/Issuance of Search Warrants (Revised Edition), Michigan Supreme Court (2003)
  Scientific Evidence Guide Update by Federal Judicial Center, Michigan Supreme Court Report (August 2001)
  The Frustrating Effects of Hills on Small Arms Marksmanship, Marine Corps Gazette (June 1999)
  Waving Good-Bye to Juveniles, Ingham County Briefs (April 1998)
  Professional Reading for the Profession of Violence, Marine Corps Gazette (April 1992)
  Disarming America, Michigan Out-of-Doors (January 1990)
  Hilly Hunting, Michigan Out-of-Doors (December 1989)
  Lifting the Veil—The War in Afghanistan, In Brief (October 1988)
  
  Editor:
  Guide to Vehicle Immobilization, Michigan Supreme Court (2002)
  Monograph: Pretrial Motions (Revised Edition), Michigan Supreme Court (2001)

• Avvo | Thomas Smith
• Thomas Smith