Criminal Defense

Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

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

November 2, 2021

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

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

What Happens if I Violate a Restraining Order?

July 7, 2019

by Michigan Defense Law

When served with a restraining order—sometimes referred to as a personal protection order (PPO)—one must refrain from contact with a specific person. An order contains detailed information regarding prohibited actions and behaviors concerning the person seeking protection. Any violation of the restraining order results in serious consequences under Michigan law. A simple slip-up can land you in jail, cost you fines, or possibly both. If you’re charged with violating a restraining order, contact a Michigan defense lawyer without delay. Types of Restraining Orders A restraining order is a court order for one person to stop violence or threats against another...

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Underage DUI/OWI

June 21, 2019

by Michigan Defense Law

In Michigan, the law is tough on underage drinking and driving. If you are under the age of 21, have a measurable amount of alcohol in your blood, and are operating a vehicle, the consequences are severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 4,300 underage youth die each year from excessive drinking. Even though it is illegal for people under the age of 21 to drink alcohol, those aged 12 to 20 years drink 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States and over 90 percent of the alcohol is consumed while binge drinking. The...

Posted in: Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving, DWI

Opioid Arrests

June 20, 2019

by Michigan Defense Law

You could be arrested for opioid abuse or even for using an opioid you have a prescription for. Drugs are classified into five categories, or schedules. The more a drug may be abused because of addiction, the lower the schedule number. For example, Schedule 1 drugs include anything that is illegal such as LSD, heroin, marijuana, peyote, ecstasy, and others. If a drug is not listed as a controlled substance, you could still be criminally prosecuted for it if it is a Schedule 1 substance. Schedule II drugs include those that are more than likely to be abused and are...

Posted in: Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes

How to Get Your License Back After a DUI

June 19, 2019

by Michigan Defense Law

Losing your license is stressful and makes life very difficult, especially if you have a family to take care of. Hardships include things you probably always took for granted, such as getting to work; taking the kids to school, activities, and doctors’ appointments; and going grocery shopping. You can’t even take the car to go a couple of blocks down the street to pick up milk at the convenience store. In order to be a productive adult, you need to have a driver’s license. Determining Eligibility to Get Your License Back In general, you must meet three requirements to get...

Posted in: Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving, DWI

What To Do if You are Accused of Domestic Violence

December 11, 2018

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

Recent Supreme Court Opinion Broadens Your Right to Privacy

November 27, 2018

by Michigan Defense Law

Though you may not pay close attention to headlines in the legal world, you may want to take note of a recent opinion from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). The landmark case of Carpenter v. United States, which arose out of events and criminal allegations in Michigan, has significant implications for anyone who is charged in a crime based upon cell phone data. In sum, the finding expands your privacy rights because it limits the type of information police can obtain without a warrant. You should entrust your case with a knowledgeable Michigan criminal defense lawyer, but...

Posted in: Criminal Defense, Property Seizures

Tagged: cell phone records, Criminal Defense Attorney, criminal defense lawyer, privacy, search warrant, unlawful search, unlawful searches, warrantless searches

What Should I do if I am Arrested for Shoplifting?

November 6, 2018

by Michigan Defense Law

If you are arrested for shoplifting, it is important to learn more about the criminal charges you are facing and to seek help from a Michigan retail fraud defense lawyer as soon as you can. We often assist individuals who are facing shoplifting charges, and we want to walk you through some of the most important steps to take after being arrested in Michigan. Understand the Charges You are Facing If you are caught shoplifting in Michigan, you will likely be facing retail fraud charges (MCL 750.356c). Depending upon the value of the item you allegedly stole or attempted to...

Posted in: Criminal Defense, Theft

Tagged: Retail Fraud Arrest, Retail Fraud Defense Attorney, Retail Theft Arrest, Shoplifting Arrest, Shoplifting Charge, Shoplifting Defense Lawyer