May people have questions when they receive a ticket in from a police officer or in the mail. The first question usually is how can the ticket be taken care of. When tickets are issued the officer will indicate the “Type” of ticket issued (…
In Michigan once a ticket for Retail Fraud (also known as shoplifting or retail theft) is issued, or a criminal charge is filed (or sworn to) at the district court, the first court date is known as the arraignment. There are several things that occur at an arraignment. First, the Defendant…
The Michigan Center for Forensic Psychiatry (also referred to as the Forensic Center) is located at 8303 Platt Road in Saline, Michigan 48176. The Forensic Center performs several functions for the State of Michigan. The Forensic Center conducts evaluations of both male and female Defendants that are charged with crimes…
As the close of the prosecution’s case, a Defendant can request the court for a directed verdict in his or her favor. What is a directed verdict? Michigan Court Rule 6.419 indicates that during a criminal trial the defense or the court on its own volition can consider after the…
On occasion, a person will be dissatisfied with the lawyer that represents them in criminal law proceedings. The reasons someone wants to obtain a new lawyer are various. Reasons to want to obtain a new lawyer include the following: my lawyer does not communicate with me (the lawyer does not…
One of the more difficult defenses to establish in Michigan is the insanity defense. To prove legal insanity the Defense must prove by a preponderance of the evidence (show that it is more probable than not true) that the Defendant was, at the time of the alleged offense, legally…
It is not uncommon for a minor to commit retail fraud (or shoplifting). The reasons for this include: peer pressure; greed; the feeling of invincibility; psychological reasons; etc.; etc. It is always upsetting for a parent to learn that their child got into trouble, and the range of emotions…
Carrying a concealed weapon in Michigan is a felony offense that carries up to 5 years in prison, up to $2500 in fines, possible probation/parole with conditions, and forfeiture of the weapon. A conviction for the same can affect your ability to lawfully purchase and/or possess firearms. This crime can…
Twelve Oaks Mall is a popular shopping destination due to its collection of great stores. Nordstrom, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, the Apple Store, and Lululemon Athletica, and Victoria’s Secret are a few of it’s most sought after destinations. One of the issues that Twelve Oaks and its merchants deal with…
Michigan has a regulatory scheme concerning firearms that places great limitations on how local governments are able to enforce alleged firearms violations. Michigan Compiled Law 123.1102 states that “[a] local unit of government shall not impose special taxation on, enact or enforce any ordinance or regulation pertaining to, or regulate…