Michigan Criminal Defense Blog

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

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

I practice throughout West Michigan working almost entirely for people charged with a crime. One thing I have noticed lately, particularly is the lower population counties is a basic law of professional courtesy. I am talking specifically about counties such as Barry, Muskegon, Ionia, and Montcalm. Sometimes a person charged with a crime in these

On occasion, one of my clients and their case will be featured in the news. I am ethically prohibited from talking to the media in a way that would influence public opinion about the case, so I usually keep my mouth shut. That being said, there are a few a things that I need to

Table of Contents Types of Bonds A word of Caution In many criminal cases, the defendant is required to post some type of bond. There are four main types, a PR (personal recognizance bond), a cash bond, a cash/surety bond and a 10% bond. While clients typically prefer the PR bond, many judges do not

The police must read your your Miranda rights or “Mirandize” when two conditions are met. First, you must be under arrest or be able to leave. And second, the information they are attempting to glean from you must be incriminating. Trust me, if you are being investigated for committing a crime, they are always trying

http://ryanmaesenplc.blogspot.com/2017/05/jeffery-willis-trial.html

To convict someone of a crime, the state has the burden of proving guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” More specifically, each element of the charged offense or offenses must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Reasonable doubt does not mean beyond all doubt but rather is means ” a fair, honest doubt growing out of

There is no one right way to respond when arrested, but there are certain things that will assist your defense at a later time. 1. Don’t make any statements to the police. You don’t need to admit anything. Despite what the police say, talking is not going to help you. Why help them make their

The penalty for a criminal conviction does not end at sentencing. While most people are relieved to be done with their case; even if they are unhappy with the result, they often do not understand that their conviction may cause numerous problems for them down the road. This article is meant to highlight some of