Why Does Michigan’s Law of Implied Consent Exist? The first DUI laws went in the books all the way back in the 1950s when cars where just starting to become very common. Back then, there were no breath tests, so that law enforcement tool in a DUI investigation was not…
Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Michigan Drunk Driving Lawyer Explains NEEDS Assessment
Michigan law provides that for every person convicted of drunk driving must be subjected to substance use evaluation prior to sentencing. More specifically, Michigan Compiled Laws sec. 257.625b indicates that such individuals must undergo a screening and assessment to determine if the person would benefit from “rehabilitative services,” which may…
What Happens in Court When I Plead Guilty?
Now that you understand the plea bargaining process in Michigan and how to prepare for court when pleading guilty, let’s now consider exactly what happens in court when you plead guilty. During the plea taking process the court will be concerned with two things. First that you understand the constitutional…
Plea Bargaining in a Michigan Criminal Case
Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Explains Plea Bargaining If you are facing criminal charges, the criminal justice system seem overwhelming. It doesn’t matter if you’re facing drunk driving, drug charges, sex crimes or white collar crimes in the State of Michigan, the same system of felony criminal procedures apply. Many Michigan…
Preparing for Court When Pleading Guilty
Most of the time if you are pleading guilty it is because your lawyer has successfully engaged in plea bargaining with the prosecutor. Consequently, preparation for court when pleading guilty really begins to take place almost as soon as you first hire your lawyer. Therefore, the total preparation will take…
Purpose of the Federal Presentence Interview With a United States Probation Officer
Soon after you are found guilty or plead guilty to a federal crime you will meet with a United States Probation Officer who will complete a presentence investigation and then prepare a report (PSIR) for the judge’s use at sentencing. If the judge sentences you to prison, then the PSIR…
Citizen’s Guide to Dealing with the Police After a Self-Defense Shooting
Whenever you pull out your firearm in Michigan, you are placing your future in the hands of others. Unlike some states, Michigan does not prohibit an arrest or prosecution for the use of fatal or not-fatal force in self-defense. This means that the police will investigate the incident, which can…
What is a Probable Cause Conference in Michigan?
A probable cause conference is a court hearing that precedes the preliminary examination. Both hearings are part of what are more broadly referred to as your due process rights. Your attendance at a probable cause conference is mandatory. Both you and your attorney will usually receive the initial date for…
Ionia County Homeowner Claims Self Defense in Stabbing Death
The Michigan Gun Crimes Lawyers of the Barone Defense Firm practice all over the State of Michigan. This includes both state and federal courts. For example, the 64A District Court and Ionia Circuit Court both located in Ionia, Michigan in Ionia County are regular courts that we appear in due…
Overview of Felony Criminal Procedure in Michigan
In Michigan all persons accused of a crime have certain due process rights. There rights arise out of the Michigan and United States Constitutions, and these Constitutional due process rights are instantiated in Michigan’s criminal procedure. What follows is a brief overview of felony criminal procedure in Michigan. If you…