Michigan Criminal Defense Blog
Explore legal insights, criminal defense guidance, and practical information from Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law. These articles are designed to help individuals in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan better understand the criminal justice process, their rights, and the decisions that may affect their future.
Learn about DUI / OWI charges, domestic violence, drug offenses, criminal court procedures, probation violations, warrants, license restoration, and serious felony defense.
What Happens at an Arraignment in Michigan? The First Step That Can Shape Your Case
Learn what happens at an arraignment in Michigan, what to expect in court, and how this first appearance can impact your case.
Can Charges Be Dropped Before Court in Michigan?
Can criminal charges be dropped before court in Michigan? Learn when cases may be dismissed and what factors influence that decision.
What Is Probable Cause for Arrest in Michigan? Understanding When Police Can Legally Arrest You
What is probable cause in Michigan? Learn when police can legally arrest you and how it can affect your criminal case.
Misdemeanor vs Felony in Michigan: What the Difference Really Means for Your Future
Learn the key differences between misdemeanor and felony charges in Michigan, including penalties, long-term impact, and defense options.
Probable Cause Hearing Michigan
Learn what a probable cause hearing is in Michigan, what happens during it, and how it can impact the outcome of your case.
Constructive Possession in Michigan: How You Can Be Charged Without Actually Having Anything on You
Charged with possession without having drugs on you? Learn how constructive possession works in Michigan and how these cases are defended.
Field Sobriety Tests Explained (Michigan DUI)
How reliable are field sobriety tests in Michigan? Learn how they work, their limitations, and how they can be challenged in DUI cases.
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Michigan
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Michigan? Learn pricing factors, fee structures, and whether hiring a lawyer is worth it.
Understanding the Degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan
Michigan law organizes sexual offense charges into four degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct under MCL 750.520b through 750.520e. The degrees are distinguished primarily by whether the offense involved sexual penetration or sexual contact, the age of the alleged victim, the relationship between the parties, and whether force, coercion, or a weapon was involved.
What Is Michigan’s Super Drunk Law?
Michigan takes drunk driving seriously at any BAC level, but drivers who register a blood alcohol concentration of 0.17 or higher face a separate set of penalties under what is commonly known as the Super Drunk Law. Enacted in 2010, Michigan’s High BAC law under MCL 257.625(1)(c) was designed to impose enhanced consequences on drivers