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.
Raising Arizona
I recently had a client that was convicted of a sex offense in Arizona. The odd was that he was not present in the state at the time of trial. He had been given permission by the judge to return to Michigan to treat a tumor. The trial date adjourned. All of a sudden, the
Embezzlement in Michigan
Embezzlement is a crime involving a person who is entrusted with property or money of another and then converts to his or her own use. To put that in plainer English, it typically occurs when a person works for a company and takes money, often from a cash drawer, or property, (gift cards and the
You Can Distribute Child Porn to Yourself
Believe it or not, people in Michigan are now being charged as distributors of Child Porn merely be downloading it on their own computer. There is not need for it to be forwarded to a third party. Recently, I have noticed a number of cases in which the prosecution is charing my client with possessing
Arraignments: What You Should Know and What to Do and the next Steps
An arraignment is the first court appearance for a person facing criminal charges. The purpose of an arraignment is 1) inform the person of the charge or charges pending against him or her 2) set bond 3) set the next court date. Generally, arraignments are fairly quick and painless. That is not to say that
Never Talk To The Police
Watch what you say to the police- It can (and will) be used against you. Never EVER talk to the police without consulting with your attorney- I have a specific example of what can happen if you do. It could be the difference between going to jail or not. If you need advice on your situation, call
Submitting to a Breathalyzer
Don’t refuse a Breathalyzer – It makes your case worse. Implied consent and drunk driving in Michigan.Don’t make matters worse- Submitting to a Breathalyzer is better than the alternative. If you need advice on your situation, call me now: 616-821-7691
Knowing Who To Hire and Represent You
Regarding credibility and expertise in the courtroom. Do your research and make sure to hire an attorney that has real experience defending clients, not just because they say they are “the best.” It could be the difference between going or not going to jail. If you need advice on your situation, call me now: 616-821-7691
Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 1st Degree
CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE 1ST DEGREE INVOLVES PENETRATION. THIS IS THE MOST SERIOUS FORM OF CSC IN MICHIGAN. THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE CRIME CAN CARRY WITH IT A MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE OF 25 YEARS TO LIFE. THIS IS NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT. THAT IS WHY ATTORNEYS OFTEN ASK FOR SUCH LARGE RETAINERS
Maybe It Is Time to Get Rid of All Court Appointed Attorneys
As the article below shows, their are major problems with the court appointed attorney system in Michigan. While I am sympathetic to those who truly can’t afford an attorney, many people are given a court appointed attorney even when they have good jobs and should have assets to pay for one. They are just being