Tag Archives: For Your Information

Web-surfers and online product reviewers: be warned, posting your opinions online can be dangerous and costly. Such is the example of Western Michigan University student Justin Kurtz who was recently sued for slander and libel after expressing an unfavorable review of a local towing company in an online social forum.

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.

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.

After biting his neighbor during an evening argument, a Clinton Township man has been accused of Michigan assault charges. However, after later announcing that he was HIV-positive, he was charged with additional violations under the 1998 Michigan Bioterrorism Law. Because of the delicate and personal nature of the case, it has stirred up the passions of legislators and civil rights activists nationwide, as they fight for the charges against the suspect to be dropped.

A new bill is about to be proposed in the State House of Representatives that will outlaw speed traps in Michigan. All communities will be forced to determine traffic limits based on studies on actual traffic flow, and be prohibited from hunting down motorists for outrageous motor vehicle violations.

Although ticket quota were banned in Michigan in 1979, police officers throughout the state are often evaluated based upon the number of citations they write. The added pressure has been placed upon officers in recent years as the economy has dwindled, leaving the state scrambling for desperately needed revenue.