Since the early 1990s, criminal convictions nationwide have been based in part on an "outlandish mindreading tool" that has never been proven to deliver accurate results. In fact, studies have revealed that the tool is as effective as "flipping a coin."
That's the conclusion of a recent report by ProPublica, an independent, nonprofit investigative journalism organization.
It is important for our readers understand the many differences that can exist in legal cases that result in the same criminal charges. For example, the circumstances surrounding two different DUI charges may be very different and may involve two very different alleged drunk drivers. For this reason, our readers should recognize that defense strategies to criminal matters must be tailored to fit the needs of the individuals that they support.
There are some broad defenses that some DUI defendants may be able to tailor to their individual cases. One of those defenses is necessity, which involves the assertion that the defendant avoided a greater harm by electing to drive with alcohol in their system. Another defense is involuntary intoxication, which involves the defendant asserting that they did not know that they were consuming alcoholic beverages.
Anyone who watches crime shows has probably heard television detectives discussing evidence, warrants and probable cause. While the sensational aspects of police dramas may overshadow these legal concepts, it is important for our readers in Michigan to know that rules do apply to law enforcement officials when they perform searches of suspects' homes, vehicles and persons. One of those rules is the exclusionary rule, and it has its basis in a Supreme Court decision from more than a century ago.
In the case of Weeks v. United States, the Supreme Court determined that the defendant could have illegally obtained evidence thrown out before trial. In general, a law enforcement official must have a warrant or probable cause in order to legally perform a search and seize alleged contraband. In the case of Weeks, the government agent had no constitutional justification for the seizure of the disputed evidence.
Lawmakers and law enforcement in Michigan are once again cracking down on people who receive DUI convictions. Now more than ever, getting charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can mean a stain on your record that might not ever completely go away.
Acts of violence are generally non-existent in the lives of Kalamazoo residents. In fact, after the occasional childhood scuffle that a person may get into with their siblings or friends, most grown-ups live their lives without ever having to deal with altercations of assault or battery. Some people, however, do find themselves in difficult situations in which they may have to use force or threats to prevent themselves or others from suffering harm.
When a person is threatened with violence themselves, or when a person sees a loved one threatened with violence, they may have the right to offer proportional force to that which the aggressor is inflicting upon their intended victim. If the aggressor is harmed in the process, the person may have defenses to any criminal charges that are filed against them in the form of self-defense or defense of others.
While an assault may be generally defined as an alleged physical attack on another person's body, under Michigan law there are many different crimes that arise from the concept of assault. For example, there is simple assault and assault that committed with the intention of causing the alleged victim's death. Assaults can be perpetrated to prevent officials from performing their duties, such as law enforcement officials from performing searches or arrests, and assaults can be committed with weapons and firearms. As each type of assault under Michigan law may incorporate its own elements and requirements of proof, readers are encouraged to speak with criminal defense attorneys about their unique cases.
However, most assaults require individuals to have committed two mandatory elements: an intention to cause their victim to experience fear and an act that does in fact cause the victim to experience fear. A person may be guilty of an assault if they intentionally point a gun at their intended victim in order to cause that person to fear for their life.
A 47-year-old Kalamazoo man who shot and left his friend near an intersection in Comstock Township was sentenced Monday for possession of meth and assault with a dangerous weapon. The incident occurred over a drug dispute.
The Defendant was given a sentence of 29 months to 15 years for possession of methamphetamine. In addition, he was given a sentence of 18 months to six years for the assault charge. Both of these charges are felonies. However, the defense attorney was able to negotiate a plea deal for the Defendant with the Prosecutor. In addition, the man received credit for 203 days already served.
We all know how easy it is to say things we don't mean in the heat of an argument. Most of the times those are empty words that later result in regret, but nothing more. However, there are times when the words can be considered a credible threat of violence. These can land a person in hot water in Michigan.
Michigan law sets out a definitive description of a credible threat, including a threat to kill or threat to physically harm another person. It also describes the context in which these statements would be made to be considered credible from a criminal perspective.
Drunk driving continues to be a major issue in every state across the nation, including Michigan, and the offenders are usually men.
However, the results of a study that was presented at a traffic safety conference in East Lansing indicate the reasons behind an increase in the number of women arrested for driving under the influence.
Individuals have rights protected by both state laws as well as the United States Constitution when it comes to searches. Article I section 11 of the Michigan state legislature states that there must be a description of the property or premises to be searched, as well as probably cause, and an oath or affirmation taken prior to the search.
A search may occur when there is probable cause to believe that illegal activity has occurred. It may include searching a residence, a vehicle, a body, or other premises such as a business. A search warrant must be obtained prior to a search, as stated in the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. There are, however, several exceptions to these requirements.
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David G. Moore, Attorney at Law
5833 Oakland Drive, Ste 2
Portage,
MI
49024
Phone:
269-216-4573
Fax:
269-488-0090
Portage Law Office Map
