Evidence

Michigan Court Discusses Newly Discovered Evidence in Criminal Cases

Published on: October 18, 2022 | ArborYpsi Law

In many criminal trials, the prosecution relies on testimony from victims and eyewitnesses to prove its case against the defendant. As such, if a key witness for the state later recants their testimony, it may constitute grounds for reversing a defendant’s conviction. A change in an eyewitness account will not always result in a favorable outcome for a criminal defendant, though, as demonstrated in a recent Michigan case in which a jury convicted the defendant of assault with intent to murder. If you are accused of a crime, it is critical to retain the assistance of a skilled Michigan criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

The Procedural Background of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant was charged with assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. During his trial, the prosecution’s case hinged on testimony from the alleged victim; he testified that the defendant shot at him numerous times following an altercation. A jury found the defendant guilty, and as he was a third-offense habitual offender, he was sentenced to 20 to 60 years in prison for his assault crime and two years for his firearm offense.

Reportedly, almost ten years after his conviction, the defendant moved for relief from judgment, his second motion for relief, on the grounds that the victim completed an affidavit in which he recanted his testimony. The trial court initially granted a stay but later denied the defendant’s motion following the victim’s death. The defendant appealed. Continue Reading ›

Michigan Court Discusses Jury Instructions on Lesser Included Offenses

Published on: September 21, 2022 | ArborYpsi Law

In Michigan, many crimes are similar in nature and contain similar elements but vary in degrees. As such, if the prosecution cannot establish a defendant’s guilt for the charged offense, it may be able to obtain a conviction for a lesser included offense, which is a less serious crime that necessarily happens during the commission of the more serious offense. Further, in some instances, the defendant will ask the court to instruct the jury on lesser included offenses to prevent them from being convicted for more severe crimes. There is no constitutional right to such instructions, however, as discussed in a recent opinion issued in a Michigan robbery case. If you are charged with robbery or any other theft crime, it is in your best interest to speak to a Michigan criminal defense attorney to determine what measures you can take to protect your interests.

The Alleged Robbery

It is reported that the defendant and two other men entered a gas station convenience store, and began to take things without paying. When the store clerk confronted them, the defendant approached him and began threatening him and waiving a gun at him. The clerk called the police, but the defendant and the other men left before they arrived. They were apprehended shortly thereafter and taken into custody. The defendant was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and armed robbery and was convicted by a jury. He then filed a pro se petition for habeas corpus, challenging his convictions.

Court Examines Acts of Violence as Defined by Michigan Law

Published on: September 14, 2022 | ArborYpsi Law

In Michigan, criminal statutes are made up of elements. Thus, when the state charges a defendant with a crime, the prosecution must establish each element beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction. While in some cases, the meaning of an element of a crime is clear, in others, it is less certain. For example, assault crimes contain acts of violence, but there is debate as to whether certain behavior falls under the definition of such acts. This was illustrated in a recent Michigan assault case in which the court examined whether spitting is an act of violence, ultimately concluding that it is. If you are accused of assault, it is important to seek the assistance of a Michigan criminal defense attorney to help you formulate compelling defenses.

The Alleged Assault

It is reported that the defendant was serving a prison sentence for an unspecified conviction. A female corrections officer requested that he come to her for a shakedown, but he refused, stating she was not going to stop him from paroling and using profanity. As such, the officer did not feel comfortable performing the shakedown alone and requested assistance.

It is alleged that two additional officers responded to help escort the defendant to another unit. On the way there, the defendant spat in one of the officer’s faces. The defendant was charged with assaulting a prison employee, and during the trial, a video of the incident was played for the jury at trial. The jury convicted the defendant, and he appealed. Continue Reading ›

Michigan Court Discusses the Introduction of Prior Bad Act Evidence at Criminal Trials

Published on: September 7, 2022 | ArborYpsi Law

The prosecution bears the burden of proving a criminal defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. While the prosecution can offer both direct and circumstantial evidence to meet this burden, it cannot rely on evidence relating to the defendant’s prior bad acts or convictions to demonstrate the defendant’s character or to imply that they acted in accordance with that character during the commission of the alleged offense. As explained in a recent Michigan ruling, such evidence can be offered for other reasons, however, such as to establish intent or motive. If you are charged with a crime, it is important to understand your rights, and you should speak to a Michigan criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

History of the Case

It is reported that the defendant was charged with distributing controlled substances and sex trafficking. He had numerous prior convictions for firearm offenses, possessing and distributing controlled substances, and receiving and controlling stolen property. The defendant filed several pre-trial motions, including a motion to preclude the prosecution from admitting evidence of his prior convictions.

Michigan Court Examines Violent Crimes as Defined by Federal Law

Published on: August 30, 2022 | ArborYpsi Law

The federal courts punish violent crimes more harshly than other offenses. While in some cases, it is obvious that a crime is violent, in other instances, the character or a crime is less evident. Recently, a Michigan court analyzed whether carjacking crimes prosecuted under a coconspirator theory of liability constituted crimes of violence, ultimately ruling in the affirmative. If you are charged with a federal offense, it is smart to talk to a Michigan criminal defense attorney regarding your potential defenses.

History of the Case

Allegedly, the defendant was charged with numerous carjacking offenses due to his participation in a carjacking scheme. The case proceeded to trial. When the prosecution presented its case, it did not indicate that the defendant had directly participated in the carjackings; instead, it argued that he sought and obtained the vehicles that were stolen.

It is reported that the court instructed the jury that they could find the defendant guilty on a coconspirator theory of liability. In other words, the court explained that all parties to a conspiracy are responsible for the acts each party commits, as long as they are undertaken to advance the conspiracy and happened after the party joined the conspiracy. The jury convicted the defendant, and he was sentenced under the scheme pertaining to crimes of violence. He appealed. Continue Reading ›

Michigan Court Discusses Probable Cause for Issuing a Warrant

Published on: July 21, 2022 | ArborYpsi Law

Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment, people cannot be unreasonably searched or detained by the police. This means, among other things, that in most instances, the police must possess a warrant in order to search a person or their home. Additionally, there must be probable cause for issuing a warrant; if there is not, any search conducted under the warrant may be unlawful, and the evidence found during the search should be suppressed. Recently, a Michigan court addressed the issue of what constitutes probable cause in a case in which the defendant appealed his convictions for weapons crimes and other offenses. If you are charged with a crime, you should speak to a Michigan criminal defense attorney regarding your rights as soon as possible.

History of the Case

It is reported that the defendant’s home was searched pursuant to a warrant. The information used to obtain the warrant was provided by a confidential source. During the search, the police found illegal narcotics and firearms. The defendant then moved to suppress the evidence found during the search on the grounds that the warrant affidavit did not establish probable cause. The court denied his motion, and he appealed.

Probable Cause for Issuing a Warrant

Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment, a search warrant must be supported by probable cause and must specifically describe the place to be searched and the times that are likely to be found during that search. The courts will find probable cause when it is illustrated that there is a fair likelihood that evidence of a crime or illegal items will be found in a particular place. Continue Reading ›

Michigan Court Discusses Sufficiency of Evidence Establishing Guilt for an Assault Crime

Published on: July 5, 2022 | ArborYpsi Law

When a person is charged of violating a Michigan criminal statute, the prosecution must prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction. If the evidence the state offers at trial is insufficient to sustain a conviction, but a defendant is nonetheless found guilty, they may have grounds for filing an appeal. Recently, a Michigan court discussed what evidence is sufficient to convict a defendant for assault in a case in which the defendant’s appeal was ultimately denied. If you are accused of an assault offense, it is in your best interest to meet with a Michigan criminal defense attorney to assess what evidence may be used against you.

The Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. The charges arose out of an incident involving a minor, during which the defendant allegedly told the minor he would kill him and fired a gun at him. The defendant was convicted as charged, after which he appealed.

Sufficiency of Evidence Establishing Guilt for an Assault Crime

On appeal, the defendant argued that the evidence presented against him at trial was insufficient to sustain his conviction. The court ultimately disagreed and denied his appeal. In doing so, the court explained that sufficiency challenges are reviewed de novo. In reviewing the evidence in question, the court must view it in the light most favorable to the prosecution and evaluate whether a reasonable fact finder could determine that the prosecution established each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Continue Reading ›

Supreme Court Explains the Definition of Crimes of Violence

Published on: June 23, 2022 | ArborYpsi Law

Pursuant to federal law, people convicted of violent crimes face greater penalties if they use firearms during the commission of the offense. Although federal law provides a definition for violent crimes, it is not always clear what offenses fall under the definition, and the issue often arises in federal courts. Recently, the United States Supreme Court provided some clarity on the matter by expressly holding that an attempted Hobbs Act robbery does not constitute a crime of violence. If you are charged with a violent offense, it is wise to talk to a Michigan criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

The Facts of the Case

It is reported that the defendant and another individual attempted to rob a drug dealer. The drug dealer was shot during the incident. The government then charged the defendant with several crimes, including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and attempted Hobbs Act robbery. Additionally, the defendant’s indictment asserted that both offenses were predicate crimes of violence. The defendant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and the use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

It is alleged that the government agreed to dismiss the rest of the charges against the defendant. The court convicted the defendant of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He then sought habeas review, arguing that the predicate offenses did not constitute crimes of violence and, therefore, his conviction should be vacated. The appellate court granted the appeal, and the government sought certiorari review. Continue Reading ›

Court Discusses Prior Bad Acts Evidence in Michigan Criminal Cases

Published on: March 12, 2022 | ArborYpsi Law

In Michigan, it is unlawful to engage in sexual activity with a person who is unable to consent. In attempting to prove a person engaged in criminal sexual conduct, the prosecution will typically rely on circumstantial evidence, which may include proof that the person previously engaged in similar acts. While evidence of prior bad acts is inadmissible to establish guilt, it can be introduced to show a motive, plan, or scheme, as discussed in a recent Michigan ruling. If you are faced with accusations that you committed a sex offense, it is in your best interest to confer with a Michigan criminal defense lawyer to assess what evidence the state may attempt to use against you.

The Alleged Crime

It is reported that the victim and the defendant attended a work event together. After the event, they went out drinking along with other individuals. The victim became intoxicated and returned to another companion’s hotel room, where she became sick and then fell asleep.

Allegedly, she awoke hours later and noticed that the defendant’s arm was around her and his hand was feeling around inside of her underwear. The victim elbowed the defendant, who stopped. He was later charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct. He was convicted, after which he appealed. Continue Reading ›

Michigan Court Discusses the Offense of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime

Published on: March 5, 2022 | ArborYpsi Law

The Michigan legislature takes great measures to protect children from physical or sexual abuse and staunchly prosecutes people involved in sex crimes against children. For example, under Michigan law, a person may be convicted of a sex crime even if they have no physical interaction with the minor victim. This was illustrated in a recent Michigan case in which the court affirmed a defendant’s conviction for using a computer to commit a crime based on evidence that he attempted to submit the victim’s mother to commit illicit acts against the victim. If you are charged with committing a sex crime, it is smart to meet with a Michigan criminal defense lawyer to examine what arguments you may be able to assert in your defense.

History of the Case

It is reported that the defendant engaged in a video chat with the victim, who was fourteen, and her mother. During the conversation, the defendant expressed that he had a sexual dream about the victim and that he had previously engaged in sexual activity with a mother and daughter. At some point after that, the victim asked her mother to rub her stomach, but her mother rubbed near her breasts and underwear. The defendant later met the victim and her mother in a hotel room and engaged in sexual intercourse with the mother. He was later charged with numerous offenses, including using a computer to commit a crime. He was convicted, after which he appealed.

Using a Computer to Commit a Crime

Under Michigan law, in order to convict a defendant of using a computer to commit a crime, the prosecution must show that the defendant used a computer or a computer program, system, or network, to either commit, conspire or attempt to commit, or solicit another person to commit a crime. A person can be convicted of this offense regardless of whether they are convicted of committing, attempting, or conspiring to commit or soliciting another party to commit the underlying offense. Continue Reading ›