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…
Should I Talk To The Police? This is a question that I am often asked, and in most cases the answer is no. After an arrest, or during the course of an investigation, a police officer or detective will make efforts to interview any witness or witnesses to a crime,…
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…
In Michigan, pursuant to Michigan Compiled Law 257.617, the driver of a vehicle who knows or who has reason to believe that he or she has been involved in an accident upon public or private property that is open to travel by the public shall remain there until the driver…
An article in the March 2012 Michigan Bar Journal, authored by retired Circuit Court Judge John Hammond, listed the 50 most frequently occurring felony offenses in Michigan. They are listed in order from the most common to the least common, however the list only reflects a fraction of the total…
In many instances a victim pursues a criminal case with vigor and determination to receive justice, and will stop at nothing to have his or her position heard and advanced. In Michigan a victim has an absolute right to be heard, informed, and consulted with as to the prosecution of the Defendant. A victim…
In Michigan there are several crimes related to credit card fraud, debit card fraud, and gift card fraud or point of sale fraud that are commonly prosecuted. The above mentioned items are also referred to in Michigan as financial transaction devices. Even the possession of someone else’s account number, credit card number, PIN (personal identification number), personal account, or business…