Patrick T. Barone

I am the Founding and Managing Partner of the Barone Defense Firm. For over three decades, I have focused solely on defending individuals in Michigan accused of operating while intoxicated (OWI), including cases involving injury or death. My work revolves around protecting drivers facing alcohol- and drug-related charges, and obtaining the best possible outcome for each client. I authored Defending Drinking Drivers, a widely respected legal treatise on DUI litigation that is relied upon by defense attorneys and cited by judges across the country, and have written 4 other books and multiple chapters on various aspects of criminal law and trial practice. Beyond this, I have published more than 150 articles on topics such as forensic toxicology and sentencing advocacy. My writing reflects the depth of my practice and my dedication to advancing the science and law behind impaired driving defense. My approach to DUI defense combines innovative trial strategies with a focus on client-centered advocacy. As a board-certified Trainer, Educator, and Practitioner of Psychodrama, I use this methodology to craft compelling, emotionally impactful courtroom narratives. I also teach trial skills and legal storytelling as a faculty member of the CDAM Summer Trial College, where I work with other Michigan attorneys to refine their craft. Recently, I have dedicated myself to exploring how AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into criminal defense practice. Through my Substack and various legal publications, I offer practical insights into how generative AI can be used to enhance outcomes while upholding professional responsibility. My belief is that technology should complement, not replace, the creativity, judgment, and storytelling crucial to DUI defense.