Articles Posted in Criminal Law and Procedure

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been issuing orders concerning public gatherings and face masks since the beginning of the pandemic. The orders go into effect for a limited time, with the most recent being effective as of December 9th and to remain in effect through December 20th. However, we expect subsequent orders that are substantively identical to be implemented so long as the pandemic continues. 

Many people are unaware that these orders are enforceable by the police and that failure to comply can result in criminal charges. If you have questions concerning the order and how it may apply to you or have been charged with a violation, an Ann Arbor criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate these issues. 

What the Emergency Orders Require

The orders essentially do two things: 

People who have been arrested or have a criminal record are often worried about what a potential employer can ask during an interview. This is a complicated area of the law, and the answer to this question is unfortunately convoluted. An experienced Ann Arbor criminal defense attorney can guide what questions you may be required to answer and which questions you can legally decline. 

Misdemeanors Without a Conviction

Under Michigan law, potential employers may not ask you any questions concerning a misdemeanor arrest that did not result in a conviction. As a result, employers cannot ask you any questions concerning a misdemeanor arrest if your charges were dismissed or you were acquitted. 

There is one important exception – if you seek employment with a law enforcement agency, they can ask you questions concerning misdemeanor arrests that did not result in a conviction. 

While it’s true that a juvenile record doesn’t necessarily count against you as an adult, that doesn’t mean that your past charges can’t come back to haunt you. Potential employers, the military, and yes, even colleges may consider your juvenile record and hold it against you when making decisions that affect your future. An Ann Arbor criminal defense attorney can help you understand how these charges can affect your future and what you can do about it. 

Your Juvenile Record

It may be helpful to understand what charges may be considered by a college or other institutions. In Michigan, juvenile convictions are referred to as “adjudications.” An adjudication will include any of the following outcomes: 

• You were charged with a crime, a trial was held, and you were convicted. 
• You pled guilty to the charges when you were arraigned. 
• You pled guilty as part of a plea agreement. 
• You pled “no contest” to the charges.

If you were acquitted, it’s likely that the charges will not be considered, although there may be some exceptions. 

Not too long ago, the opioid crisis used to be a fixture on the front page of newspapers across the country and a regular feature on news programs. As a result of the pandemic, however, America seems to have forgotten all about the opioid crisis that has affected almost every state. According to Michigan state authorities, the use of opioids has surged during the pandemic, leading to a 26% increase in overdoses from April through June of this year. The month of April was especially brutal, reflecting a 33% increase in overdoses. 

Overdoses are a tragedy, but they overshadow the legal issues that plague addicts. For many opioid users, criminal charges don’t lead to recovery – they keep them using and often lead to other crimes. If you’re facing an opioid charge, an experienced Ann Arbor criminal defense attorney can help you get a positive outcome. 

Possession of Heroin or Fentanyl in Michigan

Generally speaking, the penalties you face for a drug charge is based on the type of drug and the amount. Drugs are classified on a schedule, with Schedule I drugs being considered the most dangerous, and schedule 5 being the least serious. Schedule I and II narcotics carry the harshest penalties. 

We may still be seeing the fallout from the lockdown order even though it’s been lifted. You might think that crime has declined, but the fact of the matter is that you could still face criminal charges even though you’ve never left your home. If you’ve been charged with a sex crime, your entire future is at stake. Don’t leave your life in the prosecution’s hands – contact an Ann Arbor criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. 

Some of the Charges You Can Face in Michigan

There is a wide variety of sex crimes you can be charged with as a result of using the internet on your computer or smartphone:

• Solicitation of a minor 
• Indecent exposure
• Child pornography
• Solicitation of a prostitute
• Lewd behavior

All of these are crimes independent of the internet, but the internet makes it easier to find yourself facing these charges. Nothing is what it seems on the internet – people lie about their age and their intentions all of the time. Child pornography can be hidden among other files. Regardless of the situation, you can be charged with a sex crime even if you had no intention of doing anything illegal. 

The phrase “during these uncertain times” has become a part of our daily lexicon. Although the stay at home order has been lifted, the Governor has stated that the state will continue to monitor the number of cases and will reimpose restrictions if necessary. Unfortunately, many of us remain in limbo. You may have lost your job or only be working part-time. Your children’s activities have been canceled and school has not yet resumed. With limited outlets for people’s time and energy, it’s only a matter of time before we see an increase in assault and battery charges. Should you find yourself in this situation, an Ann Arbor assault and battery lawyer can help you face your charges and fight for your rights. 

The Difference Between Assault and Battery

Assault and battery are named together so often that people think they are a single crime. This is not the case – assault and battery are actually to separate charges. The principal difference between assault and battery is as follows:

• Assault is defined as the attempt to cause physical harm to another person, including threats of violence. This could include actions such as brandishing a weapon or making verbal threats. The victim merely has to demonstrate that they were in reasonable fear for their safety. 
• Battery, on the other hand, is the actual infliction of physical harm. 

When there is actual harm, assault and battery are often charged together because the battery was typically preceded by an assault. 

There are numerous reports in the news concerning the rise in domestic violence that has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of Michigan’s lockdown order. Many worry that an upward trend in child abuse cases could be made worse as a result of the pandemic. It may take some time for these cases to come to light, but statistics aside, you need to take immediate action if you’ve been accused of child abuse. The best thing you can do is to contact an Ann Arbor domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible.  

Understanding the Charges You May Be Facing

Many people are shocked when they are charged with child abuse because they don’t realize how easily an allegation can lead to charges. This is because people don’t understand the laws that protect our children. Under Michigan law, there are four degrees of child abuse charges: 

• First-degree child abuse: Knowingly or intentionally causing serious physical or mental harm to a child.
• Second-degree child abuse:

(1) Causing serious physical or mental harm by way of omission.

As the lockdown in Michigan drags on, people are being forced into close contact with spouses and family members for longer periods of time than usual. Once you add in the stress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, you suddenly have a situation that many are saying has led to an increase in domestic abuse cases. 

Facing a domestic abuse charge during this time may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, you do not have to face these charges alone – an experienced Ann Arbor domestic violence lawyer can help.

COVID-19: A Toxic Environment Fueling Domestic Violence Charges 

People are unable to go to work, children are unable to go to school, and they are required to stay home. Activities are canceled and public gatherings are not allowed. One of the few options to relieve the stress and boredom is to go outside for a walk.