JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process: Danny: The pre-sentencing process for me was stressful to
say the least. Having the threat of looming
prosecution was worse than the actual jail
sentence itself. The pre-sentencing process
really only consisted of speaking with my
attorney. I never met with or even saw the
prosecutor during the plea arrangements. I
accepted a plea deal prior to sentencing, and the
only formal process I was involved in was when it
came time to appear before the Judge to formally
accept the plea deal that my attorney and the
prosecutor worked out.
JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested. Danny: No, the police did not stop by for questioning,
but they did call my house. I told them to
contact my attorney if that had any questions for
me - which they did. My attorney advised me not
to say anything to the police without him present.
The Newaygo State Police Post completed their
investigation without my cooperation and never
once asked me any questions, however. They
advised my attorney that they had a warrant out
for my arrest once the case was passed on to the
Prosecutors Office, and I voluntarily went in to
the Newaygo State Police Post to post bond and to
be fingerprinted.
JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall. Danny: Court was not bad, but I can tell you it certainly
was not pleasant. For most of the appearances I
was required to show for, I merely sat in a
conference room with my attorney. I only had to
stand before the Jundge for a a minute or two each
time I appeared in court. (i.e. Arraignment, Pre-
Sentencing, and Sentencing.)
JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of? Danny: My original charges were Forgery (MCL 750.248) and
Uttering and Publishing (MCL.249). This was
regarding an altered document, not a financial
transaction device like you typically see with
these charges. I ended up being convicted of
Uttering and Publishing, but my plea deal arranged
that it would be for a 1 year misdemeanor instead
of the typical 14 year felony.