Eric Mays Could Use Tips for Hiring New Attorney
Flint City Councilman Eric Mays was arrested late last year in November for alleged drunk driving and possession of marijuana. He was all set to go to trial last week but in a new development, his attorney, Frank J. Manley, filed a motion to withdraw as counsel and Special Prosecutor Michael Gildner didn’t object. 68th District Court Judge Nathaniel Perry signed off on it. Unless he hires another attorney, Mays will now represent himself in court.
According to police records, Mays was reported to police in the early hours of the morning on November 30th 2013. Apparently he was drunk and driving the wrong way down I-475 on four flat tires. Mays was arrested for operating while under the influence of alcohol (OUIL) and possession of marijuana. He was also cited for no proof of insurance and failure to submit to fingerprinting.
Mays was elected to Flint City Council last November, just a few weeks before his arrest. Less than a month passed before Flint Emergency Manager Darnell Earley, appearing with Mayor Dayne Walling, Council President Scott Kincaid and Vice President Bryant Nolden, publicly called for Mays’ resignation. Mays refused and the following week Earley issued an executive order limiting Mays’ actions and abilities as councilman.
After the pretrial hearing on Monday, April 28th, Mays spoke about his and Manley’s decision to part ways. “It was a mutual agreement. Frank has done an outstanding job. Now I have some decisions to make.” Manly also states that it was an amicable parting, but that he wasn’t satisfied with the offer made by the Special Prosecutor and Mays had chosen to legally represent himself. The trial is now set for 8:30 am, May 20 before Flint District Judge Nathaniel C. Perry III.
Mays has acted as his own attorney on a previous occasion at trial. Before he was a council member, he faced a charge tied to the disruption of a 2012 council hearing. On that occasion he was convicted.
While it is both legal and possible to represent oneself in court, it is rarely advisable. Especially not when the charges are serious and the outcome could affect your life in the long term. A good attorney has years of experience with the intricacies of state and federal law. A good attorney can offer insights and valuable advice that could make all the difference in how your case is dealt with. Unless you are dealing with small claims court, it is usually best to seek the aid of an experienced legal professional.
