Criminal Defense

Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

What Is the Difference Between DUI, OWI, OWPD, and OWVI Charges in Michigan?

June 27, 2022

What Is the Difference Between DUI, OWI, OWPD, and OWVI Charges in Michigan? Throughout the country, some common acronyms are used to denote drunk driving. The most common are DUI, or driving under the influence, or DWI, driving while intoxicated. And while these are more well known throughout the country and often commonly used here in Michigan as well, the actual legal terms are more focused. If you’ve been arrested, call to speak with a Michigan DWI lawyer today (248) 451-2200. In Michigan, we have various levels of impaired driving offenses. What you are charged with will depend on many...

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Aggressive Driving Can Lead to DUI Charge

June 3, 2022

by Michigan Defense Law

Aggressive driving is dangerous – and it is a good way to get yourself arrested for DUI in Michigan. More than 600 drivers recently were pulled over by Michigan State Police troopers in the first week of a month-long crackdown on aggressive driving in Detroit, according to the Detroit Free Press. Motorists were stopped for speeding, tailgating, changing lanes unsafely and texting while driving. If you are stopped by a police officer for any reason, you are in a vulnerable position. An initial stop can lead to other charges. If the officer discovers that you have been drinking, you can be charged...

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Can You Travel during Your Probation?

May 25, 2022

by Michigan Defense Law

Interviewer: Can you actually leave town while you’re on probation? The Court Must Know and Approve of Any Travel Plans Paul Tafelski, Michigan Criminal Lawyer: The banner condition of probation is that you’re not to leave the state of Michigan without the court’s permission. And sometimes we can arrange that kind of permission right at the time of sentencing; for example, by letting the court know that the client has to travel for work and get the judge’s blanket permission for them to travel. Other times, they may have a specific trip planned or a specific event coming up, and...

Posted in: Criminal Defense

What To Do if You are Accused of Domestic Violence

May 9, 2022

by Michigan Defense Law

There can be no doubt that domestic violence is a serious matter under Michigan’s Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Act. However, you are in a very difficult position if the allegations against you are untrue, exaggerated, or based upon ulterior motives. Unfortunately, false accusations of domestic abuse are more common than you think. They are particularly prevalent in divorce or custody cases when one party is trying to gain an advantage in court. Even when you know you are innocent, anger, frustration, and despair may take the place of logic. Do not allow your emotions get the best of you...

Posted in: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence

Tagged: domestic abuse, domestic violence, domestic violence arrest, domestic violence defense attorney, domestic violence defense lawyer, ppo

Is Eluding the Police a Felony in Michigan?

April 26, 2022

by Michigan Defense Law

Police are constantly put into dangerous positions in the pursuit of their work. Consequently, anything that creates more danger to the public and the officers when making traffic stops, making an arrest, or serving a warrant is taken very seriously. Fleeing or eluding a police officer is not only dangerous but is considered a felony offense. If you have been charged with fleeing and eluding in Michigan, it is crucial to get the help of a skilled Michigan defense lawyer to ensure that your legal rights are being protected. What is Considered Fleeing and Eluding Police in Michigan? Under Michigan...

Posted in: Criminal Defense

The Difference Between No-Contact Orders, Protection Orders And Restraining Orders

March 31, 2022

by Michigan Defense Law

Interviewer: Let’s talk about no-contact orders or protection orders or restraining orders. How do they work and are they all the same thing? Paul Tafelski, criminal defense attorney: They’re not all the same thing but they are very similar in what they actually do. A no-contact order is typically a condition of bond and that’s set by the judge as soon as there’s a formal charge filed in almost every domestic violence case. We have had success on occasion getting judges to modify that to no assaultive contact, no abusive behavior, that kind of thing so the parties can still...

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Can You Work at the Airport With a Felony?

March 30, 2022

by Michigan Defense Law

Finding employment when you have a criminal record can always be difficult, whether it is with a private company or a large enterprise like the airport. Airports employ many different types of people, from TSA workers to retail and kitchen work. Depending on which organization is doing the hiring for the position you are interested in, they may have different hiring criteria. Whether you are looking to work for the airport itself, an individual airline, or one of the many other supporting positions within the airport, any commercial airport is subject to concerns about national security. While you will be...

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Understanding Michigan’s Age of Consent Law

February 4, 2022

by Michigan Defense Law

In Michigan, the age of consent is 16 years old. A child younger than 16 cannot consent to sexual contact, even with another minor. Adolescents age 16 and older may consent to sexual contact with all others over the age of 16, except for in certain circumstances. When an individual engages in vaginal, anal, oral, or digital penetration with a minor who cannot consent to sex, he or she may be charged with statutory rape. This offense is also known as criminal sexual conduct. If you find yourself or a loved one in this situation, it is imperative you consult...

Posted in: Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

Tagged: Criminal Defense Attorney

Michigan Court Finds in Favor of Defendant in Jury Tampering Case

February 26, 2021

by Michigan Defense Law

The Supreme Court of Michigan recently issued an opinion addressing whether a court appropriately charged a defendant with jury tampering for passing out pamphlets to individuals called for jury duty. After learning about a case against a man indicted for violating environmental regulations, the defendant became interested in jury nullification. On the morning of the man’s trial, the defendant went to the courthouse and began distributing pamphlets that described and promoted jury nullification. The pamphlets did not mention the man’s case, but instead, provided general information regarding jurors’ rights. However, the defendant handed the pamphlet to two women who told...

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Do I Need a Lawyer for Expungement?

August 1, 2019

by Michigan Defense Law

Criminal convictions often linger on your record for the rest of your life, leaving you stuck with the consequences. Any time an employer performs a background check, your conviction shows up. The conviction can then move you further down on a future employer’s list or even prevent you from getting a job at all. Not only that, some jobs will not hire you with criminal convictions of any type on your record. Luckily, a good expungement attorney can give you options for removing that record from the public eye, which can make it easier for you to seek employment or...

Posted in: Criminal Defense