Individuals facing the criminal justice system often feel confused and intimidated by the entire process. With numerous layers of complexity and an unending stream of documents, it is easy for people to lose focus. In many instances, it is wise to gain a clear...
Is it legal for the police to lie to you during an interrogation?
Growing up, most of our parents, teachers and other role models told us not to lie. We try our best to be as honest as possible in our daily lives. But police officers in Kalamazoo and members of the Michigan State Police are not always honest with criminal suspects....
What is a keyword warrant?
A variety of warrants exist to facilitate specific searches as part of overall investigations by law enforcement officials. However, the seemingly innocent act of entering a topic into a search bar could result in unwanted attention from those powerful authorities....
Law enforcement agencies use a sham investigative tool, report says
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...
Key facts about white collar criminal charges
Though white collar crimes do not usually involve physical harm, they are still quite dangerous and, therefore, are held very serious by the courts. If you face accusations of a white collar crime, you face criminal charges that may come with significant penalties. To...
Should police departments engage in photo-shaming via Facebook?
When a woman allegedly struck six separate mailboxes before crashing onto a lawn and coming to rest among some trees, local police were on the case. When she turned out to have a live lizard inside her bra, they were amused. They posted a flippant account of the...
Criminal defense strategies can protect your freedom
When a Michigan prosecutor chooses to file criminal charges against a person, they must prove the elements of the crimes they allege the suspect committed. In most cases, a prosecutor must show that a criminal defendant committed some prohibited act and did so with...
What defenses are available to assault and battery charges?
Assault and battery charges stem from unwanted physical contact between individuals. Generally, the individual who initiates the contact against another will be charged with assault and battery, though the charges may apply to all parties involved depending upon the...
Kalamazoo traffic stop results in serious criminal charges
When a motorist is pulled over by a police officer, things can escalate quickly. A minor traffic stop, for example, can quickly turn into a vehicle search and the discovery of troubling evidence. Individuals can then face significantly more serious charges that may...
The importance of the trial record for a Michigan criminal appeal
An individual who is convicted of a crime in Michigan has the right to appeal that conviction. Knowing how cases are heard on appeal is critical because the steps an accused individual takes during an initial case can shape the way his or case is resolved on appeal....