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.
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
It Would Be Nice If Courts Would Make This the Law
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
Don’t Believe Everything you Read in the News
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
The Trouble with Bonds
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
Talking to the Police and Miranda
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