The recent election highlighted the roles of both the federal and state governments. These roles can be confusing, particularly in relation to legal matters. Most people in Michigan have heard of executive orders, issued by the President or the Governor, depending on...

Criminal Defense
Man could face felony charges in bottle return scam
Michigan's bottle bill allows individuals returning eligible bottles to receive a $.10 deposit for each glass, plastic, metal or paper container returned that meets the requirements, which include being under a gallon. While another state offers the same rate for...
The way a trial works: The plea bargain
A trial is set up in a particular way to make sure everyone who goes through a trial gets the same chances. To start with, you may have the opportunity to settle your case out of court with the help of your attorney. In those instances, you'll be working on a plea...
The three “feasances” and Flint’s water contamination
Clean city water supplies have been one of the most significant public health advances of the last 100 years. The municipal water supplies and equally significantly, the water treatment plants have virtually eliminated many of the diseases of the 19th century that...
Sentencing reform must involve the big picture
Crime is often viewed as young man's game. As people age, they become less likely to engage in criminal activities. Punishment of young offenders has become increasingly draconian, as the option to try and sentence juveniles as adults allowed more youth to face...
Criminal intent should be explicit in laws
One element of most criminal laws that makes them different from other legal situations is that a prosecutor needs to prove the element of intent. With a breach of a contract, all you have to prove is that there was an offer, acceptance, a breach of the...
Law enforcement swears an oath to uphold the Constitution
It's important that law enforcement follows the law. While that seems to be an unremarkable statement, it is surprising how often that is not the case. And not just with trivial, minor matters, but often with significant issues that implicate thousands of cases....
Second degree murder and drunk driving
Statutory law can be difficult for non-lawyers to navigate. One feature that is often found is that one section of the laws will not define a topic directly, but instead, will define it by something else. For instance, in Michigan, the statutory definition of a...
Conduct, not intention
One of the great challenges with criminal law is determining a balance. Too little law and regulation and there is a fear of anarchy. But too much law can become stifling and oppressive. North Korea probably has very little street crime, but who would choose to...
Woman charged in Michigan Home Depot shooting incident
The advent of widely used conceal and carry laws bring consequences that some may not consider prior to their obtaining a permit and carrying a gun. Ostensibly, the purpose of such permits is to allow ordinary citizens to carry weapons on their person for...