Tag Archives: For Your Information

In a 4-3 decision handed down by the Michigan Supreme Court, a lawsuit claiming that poorer people receive inadequate representation from court-appointed attorneys was dismissed. The suit was attempting to change the way that people with lower incomes are represented in the legal system statewide.

After state concealed weapon laws were relaxed in 2001, many citizens, especially in West Michigan, are embroiled in a debate regarding the appropriate places that permit-holding gun holders may bring their weapons.

Due to poor budgeting and limited financial means, poorer defendants are barred from getting an effective Michigan criminal defense attorney, also ultimately hindering their chances of receiving a fair trial. New legislation looks to re-appropriate funding and establish an Office of Public Defense to quickly fix the lagging system.

Despite being a dedicated employee of five years, medical marijuana patient Joseph Casias, 30, was fired from Wal-Mart after a drug-test registered positive for marijuana. Under violation of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, Casias is now suing the corporation in order to retrieve his old job and receive compensation for economic losses.

Only two weeks after being sentenced to six months probation for a previous impaired driving charge, former Michigan Speaker of the House Craig DeRoche has been arrested on gun charges after a family member reported that he was in possession of a firearm and intoxicated.

According to the Second Amendment, Americans have the right to hold and bear arms for self-defense. In a recent decision from the U.S Supreme Court, this right was closely guarded, after it was ruled that the Second Amendment protections extend to the states and local law in addition to federal law.

One of the main responsibilities that police officers have is to serve as watchmen, keeping the state safe from any dangerous activity while promoting public safety. However, the public must ask the ultimate questions: if law enforcement officials are watching us, then who is keeping an eye on them?

After returning from working overseas, Glenn Shriver applied for a position with the Central Intelligence Agency. However, he was arrested afterward by law enforcement officials after the government alleged that he either denied or omitted information that he had meetings with Chinese intelligence officers, accepting $70,000 in cash. Providing false information to a federal agent is considered a felony, and if convicted Shriver could face serious consequences including jail time.

This November, Michigan voters will be able to decide whether individuals convicted of certain felonies should be banned serving in public office for an extended period of time. While supporters of the measure believe that the proposal will set standards for officeholders, it also could potentially prevent reformed individuals from using their past experience to make positive future changes.

Although former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is currently serving jail time in a state prison after a 2008 criminal case, the federal government recently indicted him on 19 additional charges including tax fraud. If convicted of these crimes, Kilpatrick could spend decades behind bars.