In Michigan, pursuant to MCL 762.11 and MCL 762.13, individuals from the age of 17 until their 21st birthday who are convicted of a crime may be eligible for Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) to avoid a public record of conviction. For individuals that are at least 21 years old,…
In Michigan Courts, substance abuse assessments often are ordered by Circuit Court and District Court Judges prior to sentencing a Defendant. The assements usually consist of interviews, drug testing, and diagnostic testing. The sentencing Judge is required by Michigan law to order a substance abuse assessment in drinking and driving cases. The sentencing Judge…
If you receive a traffic ticket in Michigan, there are consequences beyond paying the scheduled fine for the offense. If the traffic ticket appears on your driving record it can impact your insurance rates, your ability to continue to drive (if you get too many points), your employment (if your…
In Michigan, a person facing prison may shorten their incarceration if they are placed in and successfully complete the MDOC SAI Prisoner Boot Camp. Both men and women are candidates for the program. The first portion of the program is ninety (90) days in length, during which the inmate participates in strenuous physical…
If you cannot afford a lawyer, you are entitled to have the Court appoint a lawyer to represent you in any criminal proceeding where the Court may incarcerated you. A appointed lawyer does not necessarily mean a free lawyer – the Court, more often than not, orders the Defendant to…
In Michigan, A Defendant who is charged with a felony or a high court misdemeanor (an offense that carries a maximum sentence of greater than 1 year) has a right to a preliminary examination. A preliminary examination is a hearing in front of a District Court Judge to determine if…
Nobody likes having to testify in Court. It is a nervous experience, especially if you are accused of some sort of wrong doing, or if a friend or family member is so accused and you are in Court concerning the accusation. If there is a possibility that the answer could…
The purpose behind the setting of bond or bail is to ensure that the Defendant appears at future Court dates, and to protect society from danger. Courts, when they set a bond can consider: personal bonds (which means that no money has to be paid for the Defendant to remain…