Michael Braun 23, was on his 3rd DWI, and had been mandated to AA before. It obviously had not worked for him, and he told the judge as much. He asked that he not be mandated to Alcoholics Anonymous this time stating ” “They’re not happy people,” Braun said. “They depress everyone around them.”
Priceless! Judge said he did NOT have to attend AA, unless of course his probation officer tells him to! What?!
Hey Michael, if that probation tells you that you have to go to AA, after the judge said you didnt, just e-mail us here at www.nadaytona.org and we will go to bat for you. You have a constitutional right to not be mandated to AA or NA without a non-religious option. Good going Michael for sticking up for yourself in court ! Help show the world AA is NOT the only way! Also you showed if you ask a judge to not go to AA, but other alcohol counseling, you might just get off the 12 step dogma train! More people need to start following your lead in court.
Felony DUI leads to jail sentence
Judge allows 23-year-old to serve time later
By TERRY SMITH Express Staff Writer
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A 23-year-old Shoshone man was sentenced April 23 to 30 days in jail for felony DUI. However, since Michael B. Braun has taken steps to stop drinking, Judge Robert J. Elgee ruled that he can serve his time later this summer so it won’t interfere with his busy spring construction work schedule.
Elgee gave Braun credit for five days already spent behind bars. The judge further ordered that Braun continue with alcohol counseling, serve three years probation, pay a $2,500 fine and lose his driver’s license for one year.
Elgee also gave Braun a withheld judgment, a provision that allows the conviction to be removed from his criminal record if he successfully completes probation.
Braun pleaded guilty to felony DUI in February.
He was charged with a felony following his arrest by Hailey police on Woodside Boulevard on the evening of June 25 because of two prior recent misdemeanor DUI convictions. According to Idaho court records, Braun was convicted of misdemeanor DUI in Blaine County in 2011 and in Twin Falls County in 2006.
“He’s 23 years old and this is his third DUI,” Fredback said. “He needs to stop drinking and maybe get new friends and change his life.”
Braun told the court that he has been attending alcohol counseling because “I do understand that I have been going down the wrong path.”
Elgee agreed to Braun’s request that he not be required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings after Braun complained that AA doesn’t seem to work for him.
“They’re not happy people,” Braun said. “They depress everyone around them.”
“It’s OK if you don’t like AA,” Elgee said. “It’s not for everybody. They’ve got some sad tales, but a lot of them have conquered what you have.”
Elgee nonetheless told Braun that he would be required to attend AA meetings if told to do so by his probation officer.
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com
This is spoken like a true 12 stepper who says that you have to find God to become sober. Wrong!
Don’t restrict help by name
By CHARLOTTE FRYE, Daytona Beach
June 12, 2012 12:05 AM
Posted in: Letters to the Editor
This letter is an answer to a May 29 letter on liberals and religion.
Our God is known by many names including “I AM.” For that reason, Alcoholics Anonymous and other organizations use the term “higher power,” to be sure every person who needs help is included. Their purpose is to help the alcoholics and drug addicts back from the hell they are suffering. To beat the addiction, they have to realize that they are out of control and need God to save them. These organizations have helped many people back to health, both liberal and conservatives. I suggest that the letter writer read Luke 6:37-38.
Michael Braun certainly nailed it on the head! At only 23 and on his 3rd DWI-he saw AA meetings were not for him. You would think he would of been scared to ask the judge for relief from 12 step hell, but he wanted out bad enough, and wanted real alcohol abuse solutions he stood up for what he felt was best for him and his constitutional right. It was good to see this judge be reasonable.
If you do not want to attend AA or NA meetings let your lawyer know, and see what other options are available in your area. http://www.smartrecovery.org actually has court accepted online meetings that is growing dramatically!
Also showing a court other improvements in your life like joining a hiking club, sports, going to the gym or other enjoyable pursuits that are healthy is helpful as well.