News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Douglas Smith speaks to Judge Lora Greene on Friday at the 88th District Court in Montmorency County.

ATLANTA — Douglas Smith, 66, from Lewiston, was seen in court Friday at the 88th District Court in Montmorency County for a preliminary examination. That examination was adjourned and moved to a new date since Smith does not currently have an attorney.

Smith is charged with unlawful use of fire department/emergency medical services emblems, impersonating firefighter/emergency medical services personnel, possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony, and carrying a concealed weapon.

The crime occurred on Feb. 18 when a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer on patrol passed by what appeared to be a fire emergency vehicle driving recklessly at a high speed, according to an April 16 press release.

The vehicle had the words “Search and Rescue” on the side, a loud siren, and active red, white and blue emergency lights.

In Michigan, red and white emergency lights are used for emergency vehicles, while only law enforcement vehicles display blue lights.

The conservation officer initiated a traffic stop to ask the driver some questions. Smith was arrested on March 21, according to the press release.

Assistant Prosecutor Luke Kwiatkowski represented the people of the State of Michigan in the case with Judge Lora Greene presiding.

Smith asked to reschedule his preliminary examination in 30 days in order to find legal representation. Smith said his former legal counsel “backed out” of the case a couple days ago. Judge Greene clarified that the two mutually agreed to part ways.

Kwiatkowski said he had no objection to Smith’s request to obtain good legal counsel.

Judge Greene asked if there had been a waiver of time limits on the case yet. In felony cases, the defendant has the right to a preliminary examination within 21 days after their arraignment, unless the defendant chooses to waive that right.

There was one waiver of the time limit due to the law enforcement officer involved in the case being on paternity leave and unable to testify at the original preliminary examination date in April.

Smith agreed to waive the right to a preliminary examination in the required time frame again on Friday. His preliminary exam is now scheduled for 11 a.m. on Aug. 22.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.