Traverse City DUI - 86th District Court
Drunk Driving Survival Guide
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If charged with a misdemeanor DUI in Grand Traverse City the case will be heard by Judge Robert Cooney and Michael S. Stepka who handle the drunk driving cases at the 86th District Court. The prosecuting attorney is Noelle Moeggenberg and the County Sheriff is Thomas Bensley.
The most common police departments are Michigan State Police, Grand Traverse Sheriff's Department and Traverse City Police Department. When charged with a drunk driving offense in Michigan, you're fighting for your survival. Your freedom, license, career, family reputation and your future are on the line. If charged with a misdemeanor DUI the charge will either be Impaired Driving, Operating While Intoxicated, Super Drunk, Operating With Presence of Drugs or Minor BAC Zero Tolerance, Child Endangerment or with a prior, OWI 2nd Offense or 3rd Offense which would be a felony. When charged with a drunk driving offense in Michigan, you're fighting for your survival. Your freedom, license, career, family reputation and your future are on the line. I am the author the Michigan DUI Playbook. For a comprehensive website on drunk driving: www.michiganduiplaybook.com Facing a drunk driving charge can be a daunting experience. However, having an attorney who uses the power of empathy and compassion can make a world of difference in the outcome of your case. In Michigan, drunk driving charges can result in serious consequences, including fines, jail time, license suspension, and more. Here's how an attorney can use empathy and compassion to help you in your drunk driving case: Understanding the Client's Perspective: A skilled attorney will take the time to understand their client's perspective. This includes listening to their side of the story, understanding the circumstances surrounding the drunk driving charge, and taking into account the client's feelings about the situation. By understanding the client's perspective, an attorney can better tailor their defense strategy to the client's specific needs and goals. Reducing the Stigma of a Drunk Driving Charge: A drunk driving charge can be stigmatizing and embarrassing. However, an attorney who uses empathy and compassion can help reduce that stigma. By treating the client with respect and empathy, an attorney can help the client feel less ashamed and more willing to actively participate in their defense. Finding Solutions that Work for the Client: An attorney who uses empathy and compassion will work to find solutions that work for the client. This includes exploring alternative sentencing options such as rehabilitation programs, community service, or other alternatives to jail time. By doing so, an attorney can help the client avoid the harsh consequences of a drunk driving conviction. Building Trust with the Client: Empathy and compassion can also help an attorney build trust with their client. When a client feels that their attorney truly cares about their well-being, they are more likely to be forthcoming about their situation and more willing to work together to find the best possible outcome. Providing Emotional Support: A drunk driving charge can be an emotional rollercoaster for the client. An attorney who uses empathy and compassion can provide emotional support to their client throughout the legal process. This includes being available to answer questions, providing reassurance, and helping the client navigate the complex legal system. An attorney who uses empathy and compassion can make a world of difference in a drunk driving case in Michigan. By understanding the client's perspective, reducing the stigma of a drunk driving charge, finding solutions that work for the client, building trust, and providing emotional support, an attorney can help their client achieve the best possible outcome. |
Judge Michael Stepka & Robert Cooney
86th District Court
Antrim County Building 205 Cayuga Bellaire, MI 49615 
Former NYC & Michigan Prosecutor
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Most people who walk into my office don’t see themselves as “criminals.”
They’re parents. Professionals. Students. Business owners. Caregivers. Neighbors. People who made a mistake — sometimes under pressure, sometimes in a moment they wish they could rewind — and now find themselves facing the most stressful chapter of their lives.
The criminal justice system, however, doesn’t see context right away. It sees a police report. A charge. A case number.
That disconnect creates what I call a visibility gap — the gap between who a person truly is and how they appear to the system at first glance.
My job is to bridge that gap.
Not with excuses. Not with spin. But with a proactive, intentional plan that allows my clients to show the court who they are, what they’ve learned, and where they’re headed.
The First Impression Problem
Most clients come to me terrified that they made the worst first impression imaginable.
And here’s the hard truth: you don’t get to redo that first moment.
But you do get the opportunity to make a true impression.
That’s where our work begins.
Seeing the Person, Not the Label
I don’t label my clients as criminals.
As a criminologist and defense attorney, I study why good people make bad choices — and more importantly, how systems, stressors, environments, and human psychology intersect in moments that lead to legal trouble.
My clients are often frightened, embarrassed, and deeply worried about their future. They’re not hiding. They’re not proud of what happened. They want to be held in high regard again — by their family, their employer, and the court.
We lead with empathy because shame shuts people down. Growth requires honesty, clarity, and direction.
Your Strengths Still Matter — Even Here
Before someone ever meets the criminal justice system, they already have a life.
They have values. Relationships. Careers. Responsibilities. Skills. Community ties. Personal standards.
Those strengths don’t disappear just because a charge exists.
The problem is that the system doesn’t automatically see them.
So we make them visible — ethically, strategically, and authentically.
We do this by identifying what already matters in your life and building a proactive plan that aligns with who you are and where you’re going.
From Reaction to Proactive Control
Waiting and worrying feels powerless. It’s also rarely effective.
Our approach is proactive by design. Together, we work through:
This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about growth that can be shown, not just promised.
Judges and prosecutors don’t want speeches. They want evidence that something has changed.
Coaching as a Legal Advantage
I view my role as both attorney and coach.
Coaching is the art of facilitating learning, development, and performance during a challenging moment. That’s exactly what a criminal case is — a high-stakes moment where decisions matter and self-awareness can change outcomes.
Through coaching, clients:
The goal is to close the gap between potential and current reality — not just legally, but personally.
Why Good People Make Bad Choices: A Human Lens
Every case is different. Sometimes one explanation fits. Sometimes none do. Often, it’s a mix.
Understanding these patterns helps us build a plan that fits you, not a stereotype.
Routine Activity Theory
Developed by Lawrence E. Cohen and Marcus Felson, this theory explains how circumstances create opportunity.
A lack of safeguards. A bad environment. No exit strategy.
Drunk driving, shoplifting, and impulsive decisions often happen when opportunity meets vulnerability — not because someone set out to break the law.
Social Learning Theory
Popularized by Albert Bandura and expanded in criminology by Ronald Akers, this theory looks at how behavior is learned through environment and reinforcement.
People don’t act in a vacuum. Peer influence matters — especially in moments involving alcohol, conflict, or pressure.
Self-Control Theory
Developed by Michael R. Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi, this theory focuses on impulsivity and short-term thinking.
Many offenses aren’t about character — they’re about a failure to pause in a critical moment.
Labeling Theory
Advanced by Howard Becker, this theory warns against defining people by their worst act.
Once someone is labeled, that label can shape future behavior and outcomes. We work actively to prevent that identity from taking hold.
Social Bond Theory
Also developed by Travis Hirschi, this theory emphasizes the power of family, work, and community ties.
Strong bonds protect people. Weak or strained bonds increase risk — which is why rebuilding connection is often part of the solution.
Behavioral Economics
Led by thinkers like Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, this field explains why smart people make irrational choices.
Overconfidence. Present bias. Poor risk assessment.
Understanding these biases helps prevent repeat mistakes.
Peer Influence and Social Norms
Research by Solomon Asch and Stanley Milgram shows how social pressure shapes behavior.
Many cases involve group dynamics — not malicious intent.
Strain Theory
Introduced by Robert K. Merton, this theory explains how pressure and blocked opportunities lead to poor decisions.
Financial stress, emotional strain, and exhaustion matter.
Rational Choice Theory
Rooted in the work of Cesare Beccaria and modernized by Derek Cornish and Ronald Clarke, this theory looks at cost-benefit thinking.
Many offenses are calculated — just badly calculated.
Neutralization Theory
Developed by Gresham Sykes and David Matza, this theory explains how people temporarily justify behavior they know is wrong.
Recognizing these mental shortcuts helps clients take ownership and move forward.
Making a True Impression
Courts don’t just punish — they evaluate.
When a judge or prosecutor sees a client who understands their behavior, has taken responsibility, and is actively working to prevent repeat mistakes, the conversation changes.
There is nothing better than hearing a prosecutor or judge acknowledge that a client has stepped up and taken control of their situation.
That doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens through preparation, intention, and guidance.
You’re a Visitor — Have an Exit Strategy
My clients don’t belong in the criminal justice system. They are visitors.
And like any difficult place you don’t plan to stay, you need an exit strategy.
You only get one chance to handle your case.
How you approach it matters.
If you’re facing charges and want more than damage control — if you want clarity, dignity, and a path forward — we’ll walk that road together.
Not as criminals.
As people ready to reclaim their story.
Call Me: 248-924-9458
Email Me: [email protected]
They’re parents. Professionals. Students. Business owners. Caregivers. Neighbors. People who made a mistake — sometimes under pressure, sometimes in a moment they wish they could rewind — and now find themselves facing the most stressful chapter of their lives.
The criminal justice system, however, doesn’t see context right away. It sees a police report. A charge. A case number.
That disconnect creates what I call a visibility gap — the gap between who a person truly is and how they appear to the system at first glance.
My job is to bridge that gap.
Not with excuses. Not with spin. But with a proactive, intentional plan that allows my clients to show the court who they are, what they’ve learned, and where they’re headed.
The First Impression Problem
Most clients come to me terrified that they made the worst first impression imaginable.
- An officer saw them at their lowest.
- A prosecutor received a report written on a bad night.
- A judge hasn’t met them yet — but the file already tells a story.
And here’s the hard truth: you don’t get to redo that first moment.
But you do get the opportunity to make a true impression.
That’s where our work begins.
Seeing the Person, Not the Label
I don’t label my clients as criminals.
As a criminologist and defense attorney, I study why good people make bad choices — and more importantly, how systems, stressors, environments, and human psychology intersect in moments that lead to legal trouble.
My clients are often frightened, embarrassed, and deeply worried about their future. They’re not hiding. They’re not proud of what happened. They want to be held in high regard again — by their family, their employer, and the court.
We lead with empathy because shame shuts people down. Growth requires honesty, clarity, and direction.
Your Strengths Still Matter — Even Here
Before someone ever meets the criminal justice system, they already have a life.
They have values. Relationships. Careers. Responsibilities. Skills. Community ties. Personal standards.
Those strengths don’t disappear just because a charge exists.
The problem is that the system doesn’t automatically see them.
So we make them visible — ethically, strategically, and authentically.
We do this by identifying what already matters in your life and building a proactive plan that aligns with who you are and where you’re going.
From Reaction to Proactive Control
Waiting and worrying feels powerless. It’s also rarely effective.
Our approach is proactive by design. Together, we work through:
- Understanding how you arrived at this moment
- Identifying patterns, pressures, or blind spots
- Addressing risk factors directly and responsibly
- Demonstrating insight, accountability, and forward motion
This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about growth that can be shown, not just promised.
Judges and prosecutors don’t want speeches. They want evidence that something has changed.
Coaching as a Legal Advantage
I view my role as both attorney and coach.
Coaching is the art of facilitating learning, development, and performance during a challenging moment. That’s exactly what a criminal case is — a high-stakes moment where decisions matter and self-awareness can change outcomes.
Through coaching, clients:
- Gain clarity instead of panic
- Understand choices instead of feeling stuck
- Replace defensiveness with responsibility
- Turn a legal crisis into a turning point
The goal is to close the gap between potential and current reality — not just legally, but personally.
Why Good People Make Bad Choices: A Human Lens
Every case is different. Sometimes one explanation fits. Sometimes none do. Often, it’s a mix.
Understanding these patterns helps us build a plan that fits you, not a stereotype.
Routine Activity Theory
Developed by Lawrence E. Cohen and Marcus Felson, this theory explains how circumstances create opportunity.
A lack of safeguards. A bad environment. No exit strategy.
Drunk driving, shoplifting, and impulsive decisions often happen when opportunity meets vulnerability — not because someone set out to break the law.
Social Learning Theory
Popularized by Albert Bandura and expanded in criminology by Ronald Akers, this theory looks at how behavior is learned through environment and reinforcement.
People don’t act in a vacuum. Peer influence matters — especially in moments involving alcohol, conflict, or pressure.
Self-Control Theory
Developed by Michael R. Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi, this theory focuses on impulsivity and short-term thinking.
Many offenses aren’t about character — they’re about a failure to pause in a critical moment.
Labeling Theory
Advanced by Howard Becker, this theory warns against defining people by their worst act.
Once someone is labeled, that label can shape future behavior and outcomes. We work actively to prevent that identity from taking hold.
Social Bond Theory
Also developed by Travis Hirschi, this theory emphasizes the power of family, work, and community ties.
Strong bonds protect people. Weak or strained bonds increase risk — which is why rebuilding connection is often part of the solution.
Behavioral Economics
Led by thinkers like Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, this field explains why smart people make irrational choices.
Overconfidence. Present bias. Poor risk assessment.
Understanding these biases helps prevent repeat mistakes.
Peer Influence and Social Norms
Research by Solomon Asch and Stanley Milgram shows how social pressure shapes behavior.
Many cases involve group dynamics — not malicious intent.
Strain Theory
Introduced by Robert K. Merton, this theory explains how pressure and blocked opportunities lead to poor decisions.
Financial stress, emotional strain, and exhaustion matter.
Rational Choice Theory
Rooted in the work of Cesare Beccaria and modernized by Derek Cornish and Ronald Clarke, this theory looks at cost-benefit thinking.
Many offenses are calculated — just badly calculated.
Neutralization Theory
Developed by Gresham Sykes and David Matza, this theory explains how people temporarily justify behavior they know is wrong.
Recognizing these mental shortcuts helps clients take ownership and move forward.
Making a True Impression
Courts don’t just punish — they evaluate.
When a judge or prosecutor sees a client who understands their behavior, has taken responsibility, and is actively working to prevent repeat mistakes, the conversation changes.
There is nothing better than hearing a prosecutor or judge acknowledge that a client has stepped up and taken control of their situation.
That doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens through preparation, intention, and guidance.
You’re a Visitor — Have an Exit Strategy
My clients don’t belong in the criminal justice system. They are visitors.
And like any difficult place you don’t plan to stay, you need an exit strategy.
You only get one chance to handle your case.
How you approach it matters.
If you’re facing charges and want more than damage control — if you want clarity, dignity, and a path forward — we’ll walk that road together.
Not as criminals.
As people ready to reclaim their story.
Call Me: 248-924-9458
Email Me: [email protected]
