Michigan Criminal Defense Blog

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

Here is the basic Felony Procedure in Michigan. This will vary somewhat from county to county. A felony is any charge that carries a maximum penalty of over 1 year in jail. Most felonies start with a minimum maximum penalty of 2 years. Step One: District Court Arraignment. At this stage, a District Court judge will

Why do attorneys represent criminals? I think most defense attorneys get asked this once in a while. If someone discovers I recently got a jury to return a not guilty verdict in favor of my client, I sometimes get the follow-up question: How can you do that? You are getting criminals off. As those are

Defending those accused of a crime is a tremendous uphill battle. Even if the prosecution has a weak case, they will rarely admit a mistake and proceed with charges even if they know a jury will likely find against them. I don’t know why this is. Maybe ego or hubris. Sometimes they justify it by

Why do attorneys represent criminals? I think most criminal defense attorneys get asked this once in a while. If someone discovers I recently got a jury to return a not-guilty verdict in favor of my client, I sometimes get the follow-up question: How can you do that? You are getting criminals off. As those are

Michigan has 4 degrees of criminal sexual misconduct. The penalties for these crimes are amount the most serious under Michigan law. If you are facing one of these charges, get a very good attorney immediately. In most cases, these charges are not going to resolved by probation or a slap on the wrist. If the

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A man convicted of two Illinois murders will remain locked up pending trial on gun and drug charges, a judge ruled Friday, Oct. 9. Harold Ernest Shields Jr., 37, was indicted this week after he allegedly sold crack cocaine and possessed a handgun and ammunition as a felon in the Holland area. Shields