How lies and crimes almost cost Wayne County judge candidate (R) his legal career

Daniel Mercier is seeking voters' trust as a candidate for Wayne County Probate Court Judge, despite being disbarred for withholding damning information from the Michigan Bar Association.

According to court records and Attorney Grievance Commission filings reviewed by the Free Press, Mercier had his license to practice law suspended for three years for withholding this information from an application with the bar association: He had once been charged with alcohol-based assault and battery in Grosse Pointe Park, and, engaged in careless driving in Birmingham, according to court records.

Mercier's attorneys, meanwhile, maintain he is a changed man, and, have sought to explain why he withheld that information:

"Mr. Mercier was embarrassed by the incident, ashamed of his alcoholism, and did not want it to reflect poorly on his character or fitness to practice law," Mercier's lawyers wrote in a 2018 court filing that sought to get him reinstated.

Mercier is among four candidates running for two positions as Wayne County Probate Court Judge this November. His campaign website states "Daniel's experience makes him uniquely qualified for the open position of Wayne County Probate Judge, Juvenile Division," a role that would put him in charge of the affairs of minors if elected.



https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2024/10/24/lies-crimes-disbarment-wayne-county-judge-candidate-daniel-mercier/75624562007/