Chris Easthope
Former 15th District Court Judge Chris Easthope represents clients in felony, misdemeanor and juvenile cases throughout Michigan.
Chris combines his 25+ years of legal experience and personal commitment as a judge and an attorney to every case to achieve excellent results for his clients.
Chri was elected to the 15th Judicial District Court bench, serving from January 1st, 2009 through December 31st, 2015. He presided over criminal and traffic cases, including felony preliminary exams and Minor in Possession (MIP) dockets. His dockets included 7 years of jury and non-jury trials as well as thousands of pretrial and preliminary hearings.
Former 15th District Court Judge Chris Easthope represents clients in felony, misdemeanor and juvenile cases throughout Michigan.
Chris Easthope combines his 25+ years of legal experience and personal commitment as a judge and an attorney to every case to achieve excellent results for his clients.
Chris was elected to the 15th Judicial District Court bench, serving from January 1st, 2009 through December 31st, 2015. He presided over criminal and traffic cases, including felony preliminary exams and Minor in Possession (MIP) dockets. His dockets included 7 years of jury and non-jury trials as well as thousands of pretrial and preliminary hearings.
In October 2012, Easthope started the Washtenaw County Veteran’s Treatment Court to serve the particularized needs of the increasing Veteran population appearing in criminal courts. Veteran’s Court works to help coordinate mental health and substance abuse services as well as housing and other family needs while holding the participant accountable for their actions.
In July 2014, Chris started the first Mental Health Treatment Court in the County of Washtenaw. He oversaw a large docket of participants who were on either Felony or Misdemeanor probation with specialized needs. The Court provided a structured, accountable environment that also recognized that the special needs of those suffering from a mental illness cannot always be served by a traditional court setting. The court specialized in offering mental health services, housing and employment assistance while holding the offender responsible for their crime.
Before being elected Judge, Chris Easthope served the citizens of Ann Arbor as a member of City Council and as the Mayor Pro Tem from 2000-2008. He also operated the Law Office of Christopher Easthope. He formerly practiced law for the firm of Roberts & Freatman.
Chris Easthope is a member of the State Bar Association, the Washtenaw County Bar Association, a former member of the Michigan District Judges’ Association and the American Judges’ Association where he was a member of the Board of Governors’.
Chris Easthope received his Bachelor of Arts in 1990 from Western Michigan University and his Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1995.
What Our Clients Say
Former Ann Arbor District Court Judge back in private practice. Emphasis on Criminal Defense and general Civil Litigation. 20 years of experience as an Attorney and Judge.
