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.
Driving with an unregistered gun in your car
Imagine being stopped by the police while driving down the road with an unregistered gun in your car. Here is what you need to know about what could happen and how to deal with the situation. Michigan’s gun laws First, it is generally legal to possess a firearm inside your vehicle as long as you
Pulled over for DUI in Grand Rapids? Here’s what you need to know
A DUI arrest can be a frightening and confusing experience. The flashing lights, sirens and unfamiliar legal jargon can leave you feeling overwhelmed. If you find yourself facing a DUI charge for the first time in Grand Rapids, take a deep breath. Here are a few tips for navigating the initial steps and protecting your
What to do if you change your mind after stealing
Imagine you have a lapse in judgment and take a piece of expensive jewelry (a ring) from a store or a person. In this hypothetical, you do not get caught, but you change your mind after the fact and want to give it back. If you change your mind and want to return the ring,
DUI stops often include a request for field sobriety tests
During this holiday season, there will no doubt be an increase in traffic in Michigan. You might be among other shoppers and party-goers who get pulled over by the police. If an officer stops you for suspected DUI, it’s important to understand how to exercise your rights. A police officer who thinks you have been
Michigan OWI charges possible with legal BAC level
If a Michigan police officer pulls you over in traffic and asks you to step out of your vehicle, chances are you’re suspected of drunk driving. What happens next depends on numerous factors, including whether the officer in question establishes probable cause to arrest you. You may or may not face OWI charges in court.
What’s the penalty for retail fraud in Michigan?
If you face criminal charges in a Michigan court, the strength of your defense will determine the outcome of your case. The type of defense strategy you employ depends on the charges against you. For instance, if you’re headed to court for an unpaid traffic ticket, you might not use the same defense options as
The problem with plea bargains
Facing a criminal conviction is a potentially life-changing time when your future is unclear. In many cases, plea bargaining represents an opportunity to minimize the consequences you face and keep you out of jail. Plea bargains are advantageous and increase the efficiency of the justice system. While important, it is not the only reason to
Will a Second or Third Michigan OWI Conviction Require Jail Time?
Table of Contents Will a Second OWI Conviction Require Mandatory Jail Time in Michigan? Will a Third OWI Conviction Require Mandatory Jail Time in Michigan? How Can I Avoid a Second or Third Michigan OWI Conviction? At Maesen Law Defense Attorney Ryan Maesen, PLC, our Grand Rapids OWI defense attorney, Ryan Maesen, knows that a first-time
What Should I Do if There is a Warrant for My Arrest in Michigan?
Table of Contents Do I Need An Attorney Before Voluntarily Turning Myself Over to the Police for an Arrest Warrant in Michigan? Can I Search to See If There is a Warrant for My Arrest in Michigan? At Maesen Law Defense Attorney Ryan Maesen, PLC, our founder and lead criminal defense attorney in Grand Rapids,
Is Skimming Cash from My Employer Considered Embezzlement in Michigan?
Table of Contents Common Examples of Employee Theft in Michigan Common Examples of Employee Embezzlement and Their Penalties in Michigan Our Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney at Maesen Law Defense Attorney Ryan Maesen, PLC, Ryan Maesen, knows there is a lot of confusion between employee theft and embezzlement charges in Michigan, and for good reason. Employee