Airports are bustling hubs of activity where people from all walks of life converge. While most travelers are focused on their destinations, the high volume of individuals and transactions make airports a unique hotspot for a range of criminal activities. From theft and drug trafficking to cybercrimes and terrorism, the spectrum of offenses committed at these transit points reflects both the complexity and the vulnerability of modern air travel. Law enforcement agencies are constantly adapting to new methods and technologies to combat these crimes, but the challenges remain significant.
If you find yourself accused of an airport crime in Oakland County, it is crucial to seek experienced legal representation. Airport crimes can carry severe penalties and have complex legal implications, often involving multiple jurisdictions and specific aviation laws. At Michigan Defense Law, attorney Paul J. Tafelski, and our team of Oakland County airport crimes lawyers can provide the necessary legal support to navigate through this intricate area of law. Our Oakland County criminal defense lawyers can help you understand your rights, the nature of the charges against you, and craft a strong defense strategy. Contact us today at (248) 451-2200 to schedule a consultation.
The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, or Detroit Metro Airport, is commonly listed among the busiest airports in the country, serving Michigan residents and travelers from throughout the U.S. and across the world. The McNamara Terminal is filled with retail shops and restaurants for busy flyers, and thousands of people move through the terminal every day. While most travelers arrive at Detroit Metro Airport and board their flights with few serious interruptions, many individuals end up accused of various misdemeanor or felony charges from incidents at the airport. In addition, many traffic violations are written in Romulus as people are coming and going from the airport in often unfamiliar circumstances. If you are charged with a crime at the airport or receive a traffic violation in Romulus Michigan Defense Law has the experience and knowledge to help you resolve those issues in the best possible way for you with the least amount of hassle.
All cases that occur involving the metro airport will be handled at the 34th District Court in Romulus. The 34th District Court is a busy court with three full time judges handling all traffic matters, misdemeanors and civil cases under $25,000. Any felony that occurs at the airport or in the cities of Romulus and surrounding areas also starts in Romulus before moving to the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in downtown Detroit for final proceedings. Airport Crimes are prosecuted either by the State of Michigan through the Wayne County Prosecutors office or by the local prosecutor responsible for the airport crimes. The airport actually has it’s own police department although the Wayne County Sheriff and the State Police can also be involved in certain situations.
Traffic tickets written by the airport police, Wayne County Sheriff or Romulus Police Department are called civil infractions. Whether you are local or from out of town if you receive a ticket in Romulus you can retain an attorney to fight the ticket on your behalf without having to miss work or be present. We can appear on your behalf and negotiate the best deal for you to help avoid points and convictions on your record.
Fortunately, the same usually applies for some of the misdemeanors that occur at the airport. Many of our clients are business or leisure travelers who got in trouble at the airport and have no real plans to return to town. In most of those situations we can work with the client and appear in the 34th District Court on your behalf to handle the case. The offenses we have been able to manage without clients coming to town are TSA checkpoint violations, possession of a dangerous weapon, retail fraud, disorderly conduct, restricted area violations, possession of drugs and other offenses. If you have been charged with any of these matters we have obtained great results, including dismissal of charges, on behalf of people just like you and are happy to discuss your case. Give us a call today.
The Wayne County Airport Police are constantly on high alert for serious criminal activity and terrorists. Sometimes, individuals are wrongly accused. At the same time, sometimes people simply make mistakes because of forgetfulness, stress or running late. Often, the consequences are potentially great should a misdemeanor or felony conviction end up on your record. The 34th District Court deals with good people making honest mistakes as well as bad people who have been disrespectful towards the airport or its employees. It’s very important to be presented properly and eliminate the risk of your case going in the wrong direction. Most of our clients have been good people who simply made an honest mistake. We are very good at presenting that story to prosecutors and have worked with many of the same prosecutors and Judges for years on these matters.
Many traffic tickets are issued by the Romulus Police Department and the Airport Police Department around Wayne County Airport. Often, out of state travelers just decide to pay their tickets rather than fighting them because of the inconvenience. People should understand that these tickets will usually be shared with your home state through the Interstate Compact and the points will appear just as if you received the ticket in your own state. That results in much higher car insurance rates. Our office can handle all civil infractions in the Romulus District Court without you needing to be present with us. Often, we are able to negotiate results that keep your record perfectly clean as if the ticket never happened. Call for more information about this convenient service that can protect your insurance rates for years to come.
Yes, many crimes committed at airports are indeed considered federal offenses. This includes acts of violence, which are explicitly covered under Section 37 of Title 18, United States Code. This law is part of the implementation of the international Protocol to the Montreal Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation, established in response to terrorist attacks such as the 1985 Rome and Vienna airport massacres.
Under this section, it is a federal crime to intentionally use any device, substance, or weapon to carry out an act of violence against any person at an airport serving international civil aviation. Additionally, it also includes the destruction or serious damage to the facilities of such airports. The law initially applied to acts committed within the United States or if the perpetrator was found in the U.S. after committing the offense overseas.
Significantly, the scope of this law was broadened in 1996 by the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act. This expansion extended its extraterritorial jurisdiction to cover offenses committed overseas when either the victim or the perpetrator is a U.S. national. This means that the federal government has the authority to prosecute these crimes regardless of where they occur, provided they involve U.S. nationals or have significant connections to the United States.
Penalties For Detroit Metro Airport Crimes
Under Section 22 of the Wayne County Airport Authority Airport Ordinance, or the Airport Rules and Regulations, there are serious penalties for committing a crime (e.g., Section 6, Section 9, Section 11, Section 14, and Section 15) or traffic violation (Section 18) at Detroit Metro Airport. The following are examples of penalties based on the level of the offense:
Airport cases are assigned to the 34th District Court, which is located at 11121 Wayne Road in Romulus, Michigan. Felony charges begin in Romulus, but then end up in downtown Detroit at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice. The phone number to the court in Romulus is (734) 941-4462.
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Administrative Penalty | Monetary penalty of up to $1,000 |
| Misdemeanor | Fine not to exceed $500.00 and/or imprisonment up to 90 days |
| Drug-related Offenses | Substantial monetary offense and/or term of imprisonment |
| Disputes with Airline Personnel | Charges under Airport Rules and Regulations, potential misdemeanor |
| Entering Restricted Areas | Misdemeanor charge |
| Retail Fraud | Varies based on offense degree: up to 5 years imprisonment and/or monetary fine of up to $10,000 for felony, up to one year imprisonment and/or monetary fine of up to $2,000 for misdemeanor, up to 93 days imprisonment and/or monetary fine of up to $500 for misdemeanor |
Getting Caught With Drugs at the Airport
Getting caught with drugs at Detroit Metro Airport can result in serious criminal penalties under both the Wayne County Airport Authority Airport Ordinance (also known as the Airport Rules and Regulations), and the Michigan Public Health Code (Section 333.7403). Possessing drugs and other controlled substances at the airport is a serious offense, and it is extremely important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are facing charges. If you are convicted of a drug offense, you can face a substantial monetary offense in addition to a term of imprisonment. Drug cases in the 34th District Court are serious. Even if no jail term is imposed probation is possible with mandatory drug testing, court work program and other requirements like counseling. Violation of Controlled Substance cases in Wayne County need to be treated seriously.
Moreover, the consequences of a drug offense conviction do not end once you have served out your sentence. Indeed, there are lifelong repercussions of both misdemeanor and felony drug convictions. You may not be approved for loans and other lines of credit, you may be ineligible for federal student loans, you may not be eligible for certain jobs or promotions, and you may be turned down after turning in a housing rental applications. In addition, many drug crimes appear on your driving record even when they don’t involve driving and include license suspensions. This results in police wanting to search your vehicle more frequently when stopped even for routine offenses. If you get caught with drugs at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, what types of charges are you likely to face?
Drug, Alcohol, and Controlled Substance Charges Under the Airports Rules and Regulations
Under Section 6.37 of the Airport Rules and Regulations, it is illegal to possess a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia. Controlled substances are defined by Michigan law (MCL 333.7101 et seq.), and can include many different types of illegal and prescription drugs. While it is not illegal to have a prescription drug in your possession that has been prescribed for you, it is illegal to possess certain prescription drugs for which you do not have a valid prescription.
In addition to controlled substances, the Airport Rules and Regulations also make it illegal to possess any kind of drug paraphernalia, which the law defines broadly as any equipment, product, materials, or combination that is designed in any way to grow, cultivate, produce, manufacture, process, package, store, or use drugs. If you violate the municipal law, you can be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
While it is a violation of the law for a person of any age to possess controlled substances of drug paraphernalia, Section 6.36 of the Airport Rules and Regulations also prohibit alcohol purchases and possession by anyone under the age of 21. An individual who violates Section 6.36 is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Michigan Laws and Drug Crimes
The laws outlined in the Airport Rules and Regulations are not the only ones that prohibit possession of drugs and other controlled substances at Detroit Metro Airport. Under Michigan law, it is unlawful to knowingly or intentionally possess controlled substances at an airport or elsewhere.
A person who violates the law can be found guilty of a drug offense ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. The level of the offense depends largely on the amount and type of controlled substance in the individual’s possession. For the most egregious felony drug offenses, getting caught at the airport can result in a punishment of up to life imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Weapons Going Through Airport Security
When you are traveling from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and going through security, you need to be extremely careful about having any weapons on you that could result in criminal charges. Whether you live in Michigan and Detroit Metro Airport is your home base, or if you have a particularly long layover in Detroit and decide to leave the airport and go back through security before your flight, you need to be aware of weapons offenses under both the Wayne County Airport Authority Airport Ordinance (“Airport Rules and Regulations”), and Section 259.80f of the Aeronautics Code of the State of Michigan. Depending upon the specific nature of the violation, a defendant can face misdemeanor or felony penalties.
Were you charged with a misdemeanor dangerous weapon offense? Our Detroit airport crimes defense attorneys can help.
Airport Rules and Regulations and Dangerous Weapons
Under Section 11.5 of the Airport Rules and Regulations, it is a violation to “possess a dangerous weapon in any area of the airport.” This means that you cannot possess a dangerous weapon in any airport buildings, airport terminals, airfields, aircraft and aircraft vehicles, and even in the airport parking lot. In other words, if you are planning to pick up someone from the airport or to take a flight out of Detroit Metro Airport, you cannot have a prohibited weapon with you. In particular, attempting to go through a TSA Checkpoint with a prohibited weapon can lead to Checkpoint Violations and serious repercussions. These cases all go through the 34th District Court in Romulus.
Examples of dangerous weapons include but are not limited to the following:
As you can see, there are numerous weapons on the list that are legal to possess outside the setting of the airport, but that become unlawful possessions if you attempt to take them onto the airport premises and through a security checkpoint. A violation of Section 11.5 is a misdemeanor offense.
Michigan Airport law and Weapons Offenses
Under Section 259.80f of the Aeronautics Code of the State of Michigan, it is unlawful to possess, carry, or attempt to possess or carry certain items into the sterile area of a commercial airport. Those items include the following weapons:
Persons who violate the law can be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony offense depending upon the circumstances. A misdemeanor is punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in prison. When an individual violates the above law and attempts to go through security and board an airplane with one of the above items, it is a felony offense that is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. These cases are handled at the 34th District Court in Romulus and will go to downtown Detroit at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice if charged as a felony and bound over following preliminary exam.
Getting Into Arguments With Airline or Airport Personnel
Unlike many other locations where there are large public crowds, airline passengers and other at Detroit Metro Airport do not necessarily have the same rights that they would have at other retail locations or places of mass transportation. One of the most common ways that individuals face criminal offenses at the Detroit Metro Airport is by getting into arguments with airline people, or airline employees. Air travel can be stressful and frustrating, especially when your flight is canceled or delayed. Whether you get angry going through security or while waiting to board a delayed flight, these altercations can result in criminal charges for disorderly conduct or other violations. The cases will have to be litigated through the 34th District Court in Romulus.
The Wayne County Airport Authority Airport Ordinance, or the Airport Rules and Regulations, prohibit certain behaviors at Detroit Metro Airport, and these can include arguments with airline workers. If you are facing one of the following offenses, it is important to discuss your defense options with our criminal defense attorneys.
Disputes Within the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Whether you are arguing with an airline employee due to a delayed or canceled flight, or you are engaged in a dispute for another reason, you can face charges under Section 11.
If you do any of the following, or argue with airport personnel about any of the following, you can face charges:
Penalties for violations of the misdemeanor offenses listed above primarily are outlined under Section 22 of the Airport Rules and Regulations. It is important to note that the list above is not all-inclusive. You can face charges for other offenses depending upon your specific actions if and when you get into an argument with airport or airline personnel.
Going Into Restricted Areas at the Airport
When you are at Detroit Metro Airport, you are required to abide by Wayne County Airport Authority Airport Ordinance, or the Airport Rules and Regulations, which prohibit passengers (and other persons without express authority) to access certain areas of the airport. When you do not live in Michigan and are simply transiting through Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport en route to another destination, it can be scary and frustrating to realize that you are being charged with a crime and need to find an experienced Detroit airport crimes lawyer to assist with your case.
If you enter something deemed a Security Sensitive Area at Detroit Metro Airport, or if you enter a Sterile Area or board an aircraft without first going through TSA passenger screening and inspection, you can be subject to a misdemeanor charge under the law. Were you recently charged with a misdemeanor offense that involved going into a restricted area at the airport? An aggressive Michigan criminal defense attorney can help with your case at the 34th District Court. At Michigan Defense Law, we have significant experience assisting defendants who are facing airport criminal offenses, including TSA checkpoint violations, retail fraud, drug posession, assault and battery, disorderly conduct, and dangerous weapon charges.
Security Sensitive Areas and Michigan Airport law
Under Section 11.3 of the Airport Rules and Regulations, there are Security Sensitive Areas within Detroit Metro Airport. Access to these areas is limited to authorized personnel. Anyone who violates the law can be charged with a misdemeanor. Entering a Security Sensitive Area can involve violations of more than one subsection of Section 11, which can result in additional charges, such as:
Passenger Screening Points and Aircraft Boarding
Some areas at Detroit Metro Airport are simply restricted to travelers. In other words, it does not matter what type of screening you go through—you are not permitted to access restricted areas like Security Sensitive Areas. Other areas can be restricted, however, if a passenger refuses to go through proper screening procedures.
For example, under Section 11.11 of the Airport Rules and Regulations, a person is prohibited from entering a Sterile Area or boarding an aircraft without first going through TSA screening. This kind of checkpoint violation can mean that you are in a restricted area in violation of the law and can face misdemeanor charges. The Wayne County Airport Police can detain you and not only prevent you from taking your flight, but can also arrest you for the offense. If that happens your case will be prosecuted in the 34th District Court in Romulus.
Retail Fraud at the Airport
Whether you are waiting to board a flight in Detroit Metro Airport’s McNamara Terminal or are elsewhere in the airport, there are numerous retail establishments in which a person can be accused of shoplifting. Under Michigan law (Michigan Penal Code Section 750.356), shoplifting is defined as “retail fraud.” From higher end stores such as Brooks Brothers and Pandora to shops selling quick items for your flight, such as CNBC or Dylan’s Candy Bar, you can be accused of retail fraud or shoplifting. An individual can be charged with different levels of retail fraud depending upon the specific facts of the alleged crime, including the amount of property that was stolen.
Facing retail fraud charges should be taken extremely seriously. If convicted, you will not only face the immediate consequences such as a monetary fine and/or jail time, but you will also face the long-term consequences of having a criminal record. One element of retail fraud that the prosecution must be able to prove is that you actually intended to steal the merchandise. In other words, if you accidentally walked out of the store or restaurant without paying you are not guilty of retail fraud. Our Romulus criminal defense attorneys can help to build your retail fraud defense case today. Retail fraud is considered a crime of moral turpitude for immigration purposes. Deportation consequences can occur. In addition, crimes involving theft or dishonesty may be used against you in civil lawsuits and brought out in depositions. It is important to try and avoid having convictions for retail fraud on your record. It is not just a “ticket” you should plead guilty to and not worry about. It is a serious legal matter that requires a serious effort at defense. We can help you with your retail fraud case in the 34th District Court.
Understanding Retail Fraud Under Michigan law
Under Michigan law, retail fraud can be categorized either as a felony offense (retail fraud in the first degree) or a misdemeanor offense (retail fraud in the second or third degree). The level of the offense depends upon a number of different factors, including the specific alleged actions of the defendant that defrauded the retail establishment, as well as the amount of property allegedly stolen.
Retail Fraud in the First Degree (Felony)
The following are elements of a felony retail fraud in the first degree offense (Michigan Penal Code Section 750.356c):
When a person is convicted of retail fraud in the first degree, the penalties can include:
Retail Fraud in the Second Degree (Misdemeanor)
The following are elements of a misdemeanor retail fraud in the second degree offense (Michigan Penal Code Section 750.356d):
When a person is convicted of retail fraud in the second degree, the penalties can include:
Retail Fraud in the Third Degree (Misdemeanor)
The following are elements of a misdemeanor retail fraud in the third degree offense (Michigan Penal Code Section 750.356d):
When a person is convicted of retail fraud in the third degree, the penalties can include:
Contact an Airport Criminal Defense Lawyer in Detroit
If you stand accused of violating the law at Detroit Metro Airport, you should seek assistance from a Michigan airport criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
At Michigan Defense Law, we have experience with cases involving the Wayne County Airport Police and fighting against charges of airport offenses. We can seek to have your case resolved in a way that keeps your record clean and prevents you from having to appear in court. Contact us for more information about how we can assist with your case.
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