Category Archives: Defenses to Crimes

  Exercising your right to go to trial instead of simply accepting whatever plea bargain is offered is a vital part of the American judicial system. And despite the fact that trials cost the state considerably more money than a plea hearing and then a sentencing hearing, and takes far more time, it is still […]

Chances are, you’ve heard about the Larry Nassar case in Ingham County and his second case in Eaton County. Maybe you also heard about his federal kiddie porn conviction. In fact, it would be hard to miss it, with the related MSU scandal, the new legislation inspired by Nassar’s charges, and the sensational sentencing hearing […]

  If you assume that the cops always need a warrant to enter someone’s home or property, then we’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but you’re wrong. In reality, cops need a warrant to enter or search a premises almost all of the time, but there are a few exceptions. Yes, that’s […]

  Most people know what their Miranda rights are. “You have the right to remain silent; Anything you say can and will be used against you…” you get the picture. You’ve probably heard it a million times on tv cop shows and in movies. But did you know that there’s an exception to the Miranda […]

  Michigan’s problem-solving courts are a subject we’ve discussed with our readers on several occasions before. After all, they’re making a huge impact on Michigan’s justice system, and we happen to have more of them than any other state in the US (because we’re awesome!) But on that good note, we have some even better […]

  Before we start, we’d like to address the question: “should you accept a plea bargain or go to trial?” We need this to be completely clear – ONLY YOU (with the guidance of your attorney) can reach that decision! Every case is different. Every defendant is different. Every prosecutor is different. There is no […]

  Civil forfeiture is a subject we’ve talked about with our readers for years now. It’s a highly controversial topic that regularly makes headlines here in Michigan, where we’ve been labelled one of the worst states for civil asset forfeiture regulation. Although in recent years, several laws have passed aimed at better regulation of police […]

  One of the many things we get from movies, besides entertainment, is a misunderstanding of the law. This happens because writers and directors adapt facts to suit their storyline. This makes sense when the purpose is to entertain, not to inform, teach or provide advice. But many people don’t take the “unreality” of movies […]

Thank you for joining us for the last installment in this three part series on what to do if you’ve been accused of a sex assault crime here in Michigan. We’ve tried to break down the information into bite-sized chunks, so to speak. That way, you’re better able to remember it when you need it. […]

  Thank you for joining us again as we take an indepth look at what you HAVE TO remember if you are ever accused of a sex crime in Michigan. Being accused of a sex crime is a horrific experience. People tend to assume the worst, no matter how highly they think of you. This […]