Do the Courts take Marijuana Seriously now that it is basically legal? The State of Michigan has legalized the use of medical marijuana, however a person must obtain a medical marijuana card to legally possess and use marijuana. If a person is caught with marijuana but is not legally allowed to possess the drug there are significant consequences. First of …
You’re on your way back from the bar, you have had a few drinks and you aren’t paying attention to your speed. Suddenly, you see flashing lights in your rear view mirror and your heart starts thumping in your chest like a jackhammer. What should you do? The first thing you need to do is pull over to the side …
Frequently our family law attorneys have encountered clients who have initially tried to represent themselves in custody and family law cases. When they come to us after having given it their best shot, they are typically behind the eight ball. While often times people will say “you don’t need an attorney, you can do it on your own?” this advice …
PRE-TRIAL RELEASE IN MICHIGAN The criminal justice system can be typically harsh on those who are financially disadvantaged. When a person is arrested for a criminal offense in Michigan a bond is likely set. Most criminal offenses in Michigan require a bond be set so that a defendant can be afforded the opportunity to be released from jail pending trial.Unfortunately, …
Sadly, West Michigan is no different than many other areas of the country when it comes to heroin use. It is all too common and over recent months and years West Michigan, like the rest of the country, has seen a sharp increase in the numbers of deaths from overdose. Part of the reason heroin has had a resurgence among …
Once again it is that time of year in Michigan. November 15 marks the opening date for firearms deer hunting in Michigan. While this is a boon for the Michigan economy, it can also bring about an uptick in arrests related to firearms as well as DNR violations. Some of the typical charges that are prevalent during hunting season are …
When facing criminal charges in Michigan consumers are given quite a few choices. For those who are unfamiliar with how the criminal process works and have never had to hire a criminal defense attorney, picking the right attorney can be a daunting task. Everyone wants the best whether, it be the best car, the best tv or the best attorney. …
Many people don’t understand or are not aware of the ramifications associated with a domestic violence charge. First of all, when an individual is charged with domestic violence they are typically arrested and have to go to jail. Upon bonding out of jail, there is typically a non contact order put into place that prohibits contact with the victim in …
It’s an undeniable fact that most law enforcement officers in Michigan when initiating a traffic stop are seeking to go beyond the straight forward traffic stop. Are they happy issuing a ticket for speeding or rolling through a stop sign, of course they are because most police officers enjoy making other people’s day miserable. However, what truly brings them joy …
In Michigan Sex Offender Registry Act is something that was instituted to keep track of people who are convicted of listed offenses. There are three tiers to the registry and each tier has different requirements and consequences. Tier 1 is the least prohibitive of the tiers and applies to low level sex crimes and tier 3 is the most restrictive …
It’s early in the morning and you hear a knock on your door, you think to yourself “who the heck could that be?” As you make your way to the door an uneasy feeling comes over you and you realize it is the police. Apparently they would like to ask you a few questions about an incident that took place. …
I am sure you have seen a black corvette cruising down the highway with black rims and dark tinted windows, and thought to yourself that looks so cool! It seems to me that over the past few years this type of exterior look has been gaining popularity. But the issue for the Michigan driver is that when you completely tint …
For most of my 18 years in Michigan as a practicing license restoration attorney the law has limited Circuit Court judges when considering whether to restore a person’s driving privileges that had be revoked because of prior alcohol related driving convictions. Apparently, the Michigan Legislature felt that Secretary of State hearing officers would apply the rules and standards fairly and …
We have been saying it for sometime at our law firm, the number of drug driving cases is quickly catching up to the number of drunk driving cases. These drug driving cases come in all forms. From illegal drugs such as marijuana, to legally prescribed drugs, like pain medications and mood stabilizing drugs. Police departments around Michigan have been given …
Body Cams Coming to Grand Rapids Police Department: That is right, Body Cams will soon be worn by Grand Rapids Police! I was fortunate to attend a GRPD Body Cam training session specifically designed to introduce and educate attorneys on the new camera system that will be utilized by every GRPD officer in the near future. According to GRPD Captain …