Several years ago there was a call in Michigan and throughout the United States to reform the Court appointed attorney and public defender system. Since the economic meltdown that resulted in a lower tax base for local, state, and Federal governments, that call has largely been forgotten. Even without the…
In Michigan Welfare Fraud can have several possible criminal consequences: It is a crime under MCL 400.60 for a person to make a false statement, false representation, false impersonation, or otherwise to commit a fraud (or aid and abet in the commission of a fraud) to obtain assistance or relief which…
Gross Indecency basically involves a sexual act between 2 or more persons in a public place, or in a location where a member of the public could have been exposed to or viewed the sexual act. Locations such as a rest stop, a public bathroom, a public park, and in a private…
There are a number of criminal offenses in Michigan related to Animal Fighting, Animal Neglect and Animal Cruelty. An “animal” is broadly defined by Michigan law as a vertebrate other than a human. Hence, these crimes can involve just about any type of animal. Animal Fighting Offenses Any of the following offenses…
In Michigan, a person who assaults an individual without a weapon and inflicts serious or aggravated injury, without intending to commit murder or to inflict great bodily harm less than murder, can be charged with a misdemeanor offense called Aggravated Assault. Aggravated Assault is a misdemeanor offense that carries a…
Circuit Courts in Michigan have jurisdiction over the following types of matters under state law: 1. Arraignments for criminal high misdemeanor and felony cases. A Circuit Court Judge has the power to modify or revoke an existing bond when warranted. 2. Criminal high misdemeanor court proceedings including pleas and trials in which the…
Can A Police Officer Arrest Me Without Evidence? A determination needs to be made by a police officer that there is probable cause in order to make an arrest. Probable (or reasonable) cause for an arrest exists when the facts are sufficient to cause a fair minded person of average…
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Michigan, pursuant to MCL 333.7451 and MCL 333.7455(1), is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or a fine of not more than $5,000, or both. Sale of Drug Paraphernalia by a person 18 years old or older to someone under…
District Courts in Michigan have jurisdiction over the following types of matters under state and local law: 1. Arraignments and setting of bond for criminal misdemeanor and felony cases, the acceptance of bonds; 2. Criminal misdemeanor cases in which the punishment does not exceed 1 year in the county jail; 3. Criminal…
Hiring a criminal defense attorney for legal representation for yourself, a family member, or a friend for a criminal arrest or criminal allegation sometimes is very difficult, especially when extradition occurs. Although a Defendant can challenge the extradition at a hearing, by and large the only issue when someone is extradited from Michigan is whether or not…