Category Archives: Criminal Defense

Probation and Medical Marijuana
Over the past decade, standing next to clients at their sentencing hearings, I’ve heard many a judge warn defendants that using medical marijuana during probation would land them in jail on a violation. Such warnings came regardless of whether the defendant held a valid medical marijuana registration card. Until now, some judges would allow… Read More »

Breaking Down Larceny Charges in Oakland County
Most of the Wolverine State’s theft and larceny laws are found in Section 750.356 of the Michigan Code. Property is one of the three fundamental rights which English thinker John Locke said that all people have. The other two are life and liberty. Since Locke greatly influenced the writers of the Declaration of Independence,… Read More »

Types of Criminal Child Abuse in Michigan
The Wolverine State has one of the most intricate child abuse laws in the country. Section 750.136b sets out four different levels of child abuse, which are outlined below. All four kinds have significant direct consequences. There are significant indirect consequences as well. A child abuse conviction creates serious issues in family court, even… Read More »

Protective Orders in Michigan: What You Need to Know
Domestic violence is one of the most pervasive problems of our era. Statistically, a domestic violence incident occurs every nine seconds. Due to the scope of the problem, and the potential tragic consequences, protection is readily available for people who need it. That being said, protective orders in Oakland County are not as easy… Read More »

Types of Home Invasion Crimes in Michigan
“Home invasion” is basically a burglary of a building while someone is inside. The occupant might not even be aware that a burglary is in progress, but aggressive Oakland County prosecutors often charge these incidents as home invasions. There are a number of possible defenses. Burglary and other personal crimes almost always involve eyewitnesses…. Read More »

Bond and Jail Issues in Waterford & Clarkston
Prompt pretrial release is a very important component of an effective criminal defense. If the defendant remains incarcerated, the presumption of innocence essentially becomes a presumption of guilt. People who are in jail cannot participate effectively in their own defense. An attorney-client partnership is more difficult if the accused sits in jail pending resolution… Read More »