Charlie Langton
My road to FOX 2 just didn't happen overnight. It's actually taken quite a long time with lots of twists and turns, hard work and a little bit of luck.
My real job is an attorney. I have been practicing law for nearly 25 years, have my own law firm, and have tried many cases in multiple areas of law. Some people might call me an ambulance chaser, as I handle a lot of car accidents, workers' compensation cases, slips and falls and dog bites. Basically when somebody gets injured, that's when they call me.
I have also represented many criminal cases and actually find the criminal cases to be more interesting than the civil cases. Criminals just have so many more stories to tell.
The law has always been a part of my family. My father was an attorney until his retirement about 15 years ago. I remember, as a little kid, watching him spread out an entire file after dinner, going over the legal issues or arguing with him about the facts of the case. Obviously, joining the debate team at Notre Dame High School seemed to be a natural for me. It wasn't until college that I slightly changed my interests.
I was a theater major at Kalamazoo College. I won the Best Supporting Actor award for my role as the dirty old man in William Inge's play, "Picnic." It obviously took a lot of hard work to portray that role.After graduating from the Detroit College of Law, I wanted to combine my legal training with my performing interests. When I was asked to host the Macomb County Bar Association's cable television program, I knew I was up to the challenge. I had the opportunity to get one-on-one interviews with people like Rosa Parks, Johnnie Cochran, Charlton Heston, and even Barney the Dinosaur. I wanted to make broadcasting more than just a hobby. So, after ten years of practicing law, I enrolled at Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts.After graduating number one in my Specs class, I was offered a job at WYUR-AM 1310 hosting a political-legal talk show from noon to one, Monday through Friday.
Although the ratings were pretty good, the station eventually folded. I then went to WXYT-AM 1270 where I hosted a talk show Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 at night. It was at that time I knew that a career in broadcasting was definitely in my blood.
While I was on the radio, somebody at FOX 2 News heard me and thought I would make a good legal analyst. I eventually became a regular daily commentator during the Stephen Grant murder case in Macomb County. It was about that time that Kwame Kilpatrick's dirty deeds became public and I was called upon for legal commentating. I have to say that to some extent, I owe my television career to the former mayor of Detroit.
I have enjoyed some success in broadcasting. I won four Emmys and three Wade McCree Jr. awards for excellence in legal journalism presented by the State Bar of Michigan. I have been honored by the Macomb County Bar Association for outstanding service and have been asked to speak at various legal and charitable events, as well as moderate numerous political debates.
What you may not know about me is that I helped designed the Michigan quarter, am a big collector of Michigan art, a huge Beatles fan, attended the Detroit Tigers fantasy camp and can't get enough of chocolate milk shakes!
I am also honored to serve as a trustee at the Michigan State University College of Law.I love being part of the FOX 2 team. The people here are professional and thoroughly entertaining, and I can't wait for my next assignment.
Charlie handles many roles: FOX 2 legal analyst; a reporter; weekend morning anchor and also co-hosts "Let It Rip", "Let It Rip Weekend" and "Let it Rip On the Road."
The latest from Charlie Langton
A deadly crash, hazmat crews, and a busted median among the carnage on metro Detroit highways after rain
The slippery conditions were too tough to navigate for many who were on the road Thursday, causing dozens of wrecks, including one fatal crash.
With Crumbleys sentenced, what Oxford has learned about guns
It's been over two years since a 15-year-old pulled a gun out of his backpack in the bathroom stall at Oxford High School. He'll spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty. His parents will also spend time in prison – up to 15 years – after being convicted in individual cases on involuntary manslaughter charges.
James, Jennifer Crumbley sentenced to 10-15 years for Oxford High School shooting
James and Jennifer Crumbley were both ordered to spend 10-15 years in prison for their roles in the Oxford High School shooting.
James and Jennifer Crumbley sentencing: How to watch live
James and Jennifer Crumbley will be sentenced together on Tuesday, April 9.
Crumbley parents sentencing is nearing - with many factors for the judge to weigh
In one memo, James Crumbley's threats toward the prosecutor are listed. In another memo, Jennifer Crumbley asks to stay at her attorney's guest home.
Ex-Oakland County Sheriff deputy recorded family member in sexual way, state police say
Joseph Fornier, 46, had potentially recorded a family member inappropriately for years before a complaint tipped off Michigan State Police. By then, he had already been fired from the sheriff's office for not complying with an internal review.
5 shot after fight over parking spot at Detroit club
A fight over a parking spot at Chicago Blu'z Bar & Grill led to five people being shot in the parking lot of the Detroit club.
Father of man in Madison Heights murder-suicide house fire claims he was never violent
A hunting knife was found which may have been the murder weapon, and a gas can was recovered. Police believe that he was renting the house and the woman was visiting at the time of the attack.
Private security hired in Wayne County courthouses amid deputy shortage
Under a new $4.9 million contract approved by the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, private and armed security guards from Allied Universal will fill approximately 50 vacant deputy positions.
Wyandotte man severely injured after firework mishap inside home
The man suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries Sunday night when an explosion went off in his home. Police said he was building fireworks at the time.