Tag Archives: Legal Defense

In recent news, two separate instances of fraud have been reported involving food and convienience store owners trying to exploit the federally-run food-stamp program. In both cases, the suspects are accused of illegally obatining hundreds of thousands of dollars in their scheme, allowing customers to exchange food-stamps for cash and other items.

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.

Although the State of Michigan has laws allowing use of marijuana for medical purposes, the manufacture, possession, or distribution of other illicit narcotics is still prohibited. Such an example is seen in a recent case where Michigan police officers arrested a man during a search of his residence, suspecting he was running a drug house.

A Clinton Township man was arrested recently after being suspected of killing his ex-fiancee and her son, while injuring two others. Police believe that they have greater reason to be suspicious of this man, as he has a significant criminal background, prior to this bloodly incident.

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.