Category Archives: For Your Information

Last week, six workers at a Grand Rapids business were arrested following a two-month investigation into potential immigration violations. Searches and raids such as these have been increasing in larger numbers following immigration bills passed across the country. Although well-intentioned, an increase in security can also inflict unnecessary searches on innocent people.

Even when a person is is a card-holding medical marijuana user, it is still possible for them to be arrested and charged with drug violations, almost certainly resulting in jail time. However, in a possibly precedent-setting decision, the County Circuit Court judge sentenced a card-holding offender to probation instead of time behind bars, citing his lack of criminal history and debilitating medical conditions.

Being convicted of criminal charges in Michigan will permanently change a person’s life. Even upon release from jail, many ex-convicts find it increasingly difficult to reintegrate successfully into society. This is particularly true as many job applications ask criminal background questions, that if answered truthfully, almost automatically guarantee that a released offender will not be hired. However, a grassroots campaign has been organized in Kalamazoo, petitioning the Board of Commissioners to remove these interrogative questions to give ex-cons an opportunity to provide for themselves and their families.

Although a 2005 decision from the U.S. Supreme Court prohibits the state from sentencing any juvenile to the death penalty, the court further clarified the ruling this week. In a 5 to 4 decision, non-homicidal minors can no longer be incarcerated for life, and must be given a “meaningful” chance to obtain their freedom. The majority based their ruling on the basis that it was unconstitutional and violated the Eighth Amendment on cruel and unusual punishments.

While executing a search warrant at a Detroit apartment complex last weekend, a seven year-old girl was accidentally shot and killed during an altercation with a tenant. Although police maintain that the force was used in order to curb criminal activity, civil rights activists argue that law enforcement officials have gone too far.

In January 2009, cardiologist William Alt, 81, was accused of over-prescribing addictive pain killers, and his medical license was suspended. A criminal investigation launched in October 2009 discovered that he continued to treat patients anyways, resulting in his arrest on felony criminal charges last week.

A new system is being adopted in July that will allow low-risk Michigan parolees to check-in to parole and probation officers through phone, as opposed to reporting in person. This is designed to allow police officers more time to focus on high-risk offenders, and help ease the social stigma surrounding probation for ex-inmates convicted of non-violent crimes.

In the spirit of the recent Arizona Illegal Immigrant law, Michigan State Representative Kim Meltzer announced last week that she intends to propose a similar law that would allow police to question people on their immigration status during “lawful contact.” Even though the number of undocumented people in Michigan is much less than the southwest, minority-rights organizations have already publicly announced their willingness to fight the constitutionality of the law, if passed in the state.

Although the freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment, a Michigan couple was arrested for having anti-Bush signs on their vehicle during a 2007 military funeral procession. Even though the charges against them were eventually dismissed, lawyers for Lewis and Jean Lowden are protesting not only that their civil rights were infringed upon, but that Michigan’s 2006 Funeral Protest Law is unconstitutional.

The investigation into the death of a young girl from Ludington has come to a standstill–until law enforcement officials receive crime and toxicology lab reports, they are unable to piece together specific details surrounding the death of Chloey Stoudt, and her accused killer James Belanger.