Imagine this scenario: You’re running a quick errand near your neighborhood school when an officer pulls you over for a traffic stop. During the stop, the officer finds a small amount of marijuana in your vehicle. You expect just to get a citation since recreational...
Criminal Defense
The challenges of being falsely accused of domestic violence
Facing false accusations of domestic violence can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming situation. If you face a domestic violence charge, you may have to deal with the profound consequences of such allegations on your personal and professional life, which can...
Signs of a fair and reasonable plea offer
Facing criminal charges can be an incredibly stressful and uncertain time. When the prosecution makes a plea offer, it may seem tempting to take it and move on. However, not all plea deals are fair and reasonable. It is important to carefully weigh your options and...
How do Michigan’s OWI laws work for commercial drivers?
It’s dangerous to drive while intoxicated due to alcohol, drugs or a combination of the two. Intoxication impairs a driver’s senses, reaction time and judgment, making them a hazardous liability on the road. This is why Michigan treats operating while intoxicated...
The legal consequences of drug trafficking in Michigan
Drug trafficking is a severe offense in Michigan, and for good reason. The state's proximity to Canada and several major interstate systems contribute to its role as a transit and destination point for illegal substances. It’s no wonder the state has some of America's...
OWIs: More than just fines and fees
If a Michigan court convicts a person of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) by either alcohol or a controlled substance, they face severe criminal penalties. On top of a fine and a term of imprisonment, a court may also suspend the person’s driver’s license...
Possessing controlled substances in or near a park is an additional offense
Knowingly possessing a controlled substance is a crime in Michigan. Depending on the classification of the substance and the amount, a person convicted of the offense can face steep fines and decades of imprisonment. However, offenders who violate the law in or near a...
Stealing from an auto accident victim leads to harsher criminal penalties
Let’s say you’re out one day on a drive. As you near a level crossing where the road intersects with a railway, you hear a terrifying crash. A car tried to beat the red light and ended up colliding with the passing train. There’s nobody else on the road, so you take...
What is an aggravating factor in a criminal case?
There can be a wide spectrum of penalties applicable to the criminal charge with which you’ve been charged. Your ultimate hope, of course, is to escape conviction altogether, and that’s something that may be attainable in your case. But if it’s not, then you’re...
Special sentencing options for drug offenders in Michigan
Adolescents often face significant peer pressure to fit in a group, craving for a sense of belonging and acceptance. It may not be true for everyone, but there may come a time when your teen may get into trouble because of this pressure. For some, this may come in the...