Crimes

October 25, 2017

Michigan juvenile prosecuted as an adult

In Michigan, pursuant to MCL 712A.2(a)(1) the family court has jurisdiction for criminal prosecutions of minors under the age of 17; persons 17 years and older are considered to be adults for criminal law purposes.

criminal-300x200
However, there are certain serious offenses juvenile offenses that allow for the automatic jurisdiction of the adult court if committed by a juvenile who is 14 years or older and less than 17 years old pursuant to MCL 600.606. These offenses are: Arson of dwelling/building (MCL 750.72); Assault with Intent to commit Murder (MCL 750.83); Assault with intent to Maim (MCL 750.86); Assault with intent to Rob (MCL 750.89); Attempted Murder (MCL 750.91); First Degree Murder (MCL 750.316); Second Degree Murder (MCL 750.317); Kidnapping (MCL 750.349); First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (MCL 750.520b); Armed Robbery (MCL 750.529); Carjacking (MCL 750.529a); and Bank Robbery (MCL 750.531). Also, the juvenile is treated as an adult for Assault GBH (MCL 750.84) and Home Invasion (MCL 750.110a) if the juvenile was armed with a dangerous weapon at the time of the offense. Escape from a juvenile facility under MCL 750.186a can be the basis of automatic waiver, depending on the juvenile’s classification level. Certain drug manufacture/delivery offenses (MCL 333.7401(2)(a))(1) and Possession of larger quantities of controlled substances (MCL 333.7403(2)(a)(1)) will result in jurisdiction with the adult justice system. The procedure when a juvenile is charged as an adult for one of these serious offenses is called an automatic waiver.

For other offenses in which the alleged crime occurred when the accused was under the age of 17, but at the time of prosecution is over the age of 17 years, there is a process for that. The family court conducts a waiver hearing. See MCL 712A.3(1); MCL 712A.4(1), MCR 3.950(A) – (C).

October 24, 2017

Hiring the Best Local Criminal Lawyer

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

There are times when a person may have an advantage hiring a local criminal lawyer, and other times when an outside is probably needed.

Criminal-Trial-300x200
When should I hire a local criminal defense lawyer:

When cost is an issue, a local lawyer may charge a lesser rate because there is not as great of a distance for the lawyer to travel. Hence, the time and expense of commuting to court can be factored into the fee the lawyer charges;

October 12, 2017

Criminal convictions, nurses, and other licensed health care professionals in Michigan

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

Michigan Compiled Law 333.16243(1)(c) permits the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to request and receive from Courts information concerning a felony or misdemeanor conviction against a nurse. Pursuant to MCL 769.16a(7) the Court is required to report within 21 days a convictions related to the legal delivery, possession, or use of alcohol or a controlled substance. This applies to any health care professional who is licensed or registered in Michigan including doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, chiropractors, pathologists, therapists, etc.

In Michigan there are laws that are intended to protected patients in health care facilities. Even if the offense is not related to employment, there are certain convictions that act as a permanent bar to employment in a health care facility and other convictions that act as a temporary bar to employment in a health care facility.

Michigan Compiled Law 333.20173a prevents a “covered facility” (nursing homes, hospices, home health agency, county medical care facility, home of the aged, hospital with swing bed services) from employing, independently contracting, or granting clinical privileges to persons as follows:

October 3, 2017

Hiring the Best Retail Fraud Lawyer

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

probation-violation
Most people have never had to go through the experience of hiring a lawyer. When arrested for retail fraud, sometimes it is difficult to determine the next step to take. Obviously a lawyer is a top priority, but the question becomes which lawyer to hire. Finding and choosing a lawyer can seem overwhelming, especially when dealing with the emotions and uncertainty of having to contend with a shoplifting allegation that may have been rightfully or wrongfully brought. The following list may be helpful:

First, consider the location of where the offense is alleged to occur. In many instances it is a good idea to hire a lawyer who is familiar with the Judges and prosecutors that you will eventually need to contend with. The proximity of the lawyer’s office to the courthouse is often a good sign that the lawyer frequently appears at the courthouse. The familiarity the lawyer has with the prosecution and the Judges often provides the lawyer with the right insight to negotiate a great resolution for a fair resolution and sentence (if a conviction occurs).

Second, consider the reputation and experience of the lawyer. Even though the lawyer may practice in front of certain Judges or have cases with certain prosecutors it does not necessarily mean that the lawyer is good at what he or she does. Online reviews from law related sights such as www.avvo.com is a good place to start. The length of time a lawyer has practiced can affect the result you obtain. A younger lawyer may be eager and energetic, but lack the skills and abilities that a seasoned lawyer has. Experience often matters.

September 21, 2017

Troy Ticket

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

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 ( usually in the middle portion of the ticket). The choices under “Type” include the following “C/I” (civil infraction); “Misd” (misdemeanor); “Fel” (felony); “Warn” (warning); “Fug” (fugitive); and “Waiv” (Waivable).

“Warn” (warnings) are just that. They do not require any further action on behalf of the person issued the ticket

“C/I” (civil infraction) can be handled by either paying the ticket before the appearance date that is indicated on the ticket. The person issued the ticket has the opinion to challenge the ticket at a hearing. Many people who receive moving violations (for example: speeding; disobey traffic control device, etc.) choose to challenge the ticket to try and avoid points and to try and avoid having the ticket appear on the person’s driving record. The person issued the ticket can elect to schedule a formal or informal hearing with the court. Formal hearings often occur when the person issued the ticket hires a lawyer to contest the ticket (which is often a smart decision). At a formal hearing the ticket can either be contested in front of the Judge or the parties reach a resolution of the ticket (which on many occasions involves a reduction). Informal hearings involve only the person issued the ticket, the police officer who issued the ticket, and a magistrate. Informal hearings often place the person who was issued the ticket at a disadvantage because the magistrate likely has a regular familiar relationship with the police officer, the person issued the ticket more likely than not has no relationship with the court, and the District Court relies upon the money it collects from tickets as part of its operating budget. Hence, the chance of prevailing at a informal hearing in many courts is low.

September 4, 2017

Retail Fraud Arraignment

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

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.

Criminal-Trial-300x200
First, the Defendant is advised of the charge and potential penalty. When it comes to Retail Fraud, there are a few potential charges that a Defendant could face:

Retail Fraud ordinance violation. This offense involves an alleged theft, or attempted theft, of merchandise from a store offered for sale while the store is open for business. The maximum allowable sentence for this offense is 93 days in jail. Ordinance violations are prosecuted by a city/township/village, or a lawyer/law firm that represents a city/township/village.

August 22, 2017

Michigan Center for Forensic Psychiatry

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

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.

Unknown-1
The Forensic Center conducts evaluations of both male and female Defendants that are charged with crimes that are allegedly mentally ill. The court with jurisdiction over the Defendant will make a referral for a forensic evaluation upon a motion made by the Defense, the Prosecution, or the Court itself. For persons not in custody, paperwork is usually sent to the Defendant’s lawyer indicating the date and time of the evaluation, and the Defendant is responsible to provide his or her own transportation to the Forensic Center. For persons in custody, transportation is arranged by the jail. Evaluations usually take a couple hours and involve compiling background information, diagnostic testing, and an interview. The Forensic Center will also obtain releases from the Defendant to acquire records from hospitals, clinics, jails, courts, and other locations where the Defendant may have received treatment in the past to assist in the determination made.

Evaluations of Defendants involve two possible issues: Competency to Stand Trial, and Criminal Responsibility (also called legal insanity). Sometimes referrals are made for both issues.

August 16, 2017

What is a Motion for Directed Verdict in a Criminal Trial?

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

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 prosecution rests or after the close of all evidence whether or not the evidence is sufficient to support a conviction. The standard that the trial Court uses in this determination is to consider whether or not, in the light most favorable to the prosecution, that a rational Judge or jury could find beyond a reasonable doubt that the Defendant is guilty. See People v Smith-Anthony, 494 Mich 669 (2013). Hence, if this standard is met, there is a judgment entered in favor of the Defendant without any Judge or jury deliberations.

In a way it seems unfair, because the evidence is considered in the light most favorable to the prosecution even though the Defendant is “presumed innocent”. Needless to say, these motions are infrequently granted.

I had a jury trial several years ago where my client was charged with assault and battery. The proof that the prosecution introduced at trial was a hearsay statement (admitted over objection by the Judge as an excited utterance) from the daughter of the complaining witness that the complaining witness yelled from another room that her boyfriend “David spit on me”. The complaining witness did not appear at the trial to testify. In my motion for directed verdict I told the Court that the offense of assault and battery required proof beyond a reasonable doubt of intent. There are instances where you may speak with someone and spit unintentionally comes from the other person’s mouth (when I was a child there was an expression “say it, don’t spray it”). The jury in this case would have to speculate, or guess, whether or not the alleged spitting was intentional or accidental which is improper.

August 14, 2017

Can I fire my court appointed lawyer?

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

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 return phone calls, emails, and/or text messages); my lawyer does not adequately address my questions; my lawyer will not provide me with discovery materials; my lawyer will not file motions that I think are appropriate; my lawyer does not fight on my behalf; my lawyer is not on my side; there has been a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship; the lawyer has a conflict of interest; etc., etc.. With all the stress of facing a criminal charge or charges, the public defender may set your level of frustration at an all time high.

Unknown
One of the main disadvantages of having a public defender is that the representation you receive is the luck (or un-luck) of the draw. Generally, the Defendant has no choice in terms of the public defender assigned to the case. The lawyer may or may not provide great representation. The lawyer may or may not care about the result you obtain. The lawyer may or may not try and get you to plead guilty, rather than go to trial, because a trial requires a lot more work. The public defender probably has a long line of people that he or she represents, and you may feel like a number rather than a person.

Unknown
When a Defendant wants a new lawyer, there are a couple ways to go about the issue. The best way is to hire a lawyer that gives you the confidence that the case is being handled in a thorough, experienced, professional manner. If you have the ability to hire a lawyer, take the time to figure out if you and your prospective lawyer are compatible. Does the lawyer have the experience needed to handle the particular type of case that you have? What is the reputation of the lawyer? Does the lawyer seem to know his or her stuff? Will the lawyer handle the case, or will it be assigned to an associate lawyer?

August 7, 2017

Michigan Insanity Defense – Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity and Guilty but Mentally Ill

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

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 mentally ill and either lacked the substantial capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of his or her conduct or unable to conform his or her behavior to the law (legal insanity 2 prong test).

Even though a preponderance of the evidence is not a high burden, juries do not like this defense. Many people feel that each of us are responsible for our own actions, and there is a fear that the Defendant will not be held responsible or accountable for his or her actions. One of the instructions of the court for a jury instruction is that lawyers and the Court cannot tell the jury what the possible penalty is for a crime, and a jury might have a mistaken assumption that if a verdict of “not guilty by reason of insanity” (also referred to as NGRI) is reached the Defendant will face no penalty because he or she was acquitted. There is a fear by juries that the Defendant might pose a danger to the community (especially for a violent crime) and could harm another person without a finding of guilt.

Unfortunately a jury is not told that if a Defendant is found to be “not guilty by reason of insanity”, the Defendant is committed to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry for an initial period of 60 days during which time the Defendant is examined and evaluated regarding his or her mental health condition. The Center for Forensic Psychiatry has the option to find that no further treatment is needed, which is not a common result. The more likely result is that a psychiatrist and another medical doctor will determine that further treatment is necessary, and a petition is filed with a probate court to order further in patient treatment.