Baseball player Johnny Damon had a long a storied career, notably winning the World Series with both the Red Sox and Yankees. He was known as a nice guy and a good teammate, so it comes as a surprise that Damon and his wife face criminal charges related to a stop in...
Criminal Law
Washtenaw prosecutor revamps county’s approach
New Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit has undoubtedly made waves since taking office on January 1. The former schoolteacher and law clerk for the late-Ruth Bader Ginsberg announced that he would end cash bail for defendants because it punished the poor. A week...
Patterns emerge involving the police shooting of unarmed blacks
Amidst the pandemic and toxic political environment, there is a national reckoning involving law enforcement. The choking death of George Floyd set off riots across the country and around the world, but there have been 135 fatal shootings by law enforcement of unarmed...
Law enforcement can track a cellphone
Law enforcement has become increasingly sophisticated about its use of technology. One recent example is the geofence warrant, which often uses data from Google’s mapping app to place the device’s owner at the scene of a crime when it occurs. Rather than tracking a...
Authorities need a conviction for asset forfeiture
Michigan used to have some of the worst laws when it came to asset forfeiture. But Governor Whitmer changed that when she signed a bipartisan bill into law in 2019 that reformed the state’s laws. Now there must be a conviction before police can permanently confiscate...
Can you legally make BHO or marijuana extracts in Michigan?
Michigan's legal marijuana industry is constantly in a state of flux. Whether your business has or hopes to secure licensing for recreational or medical marijuana, you need to not only complete significant amounts of paperwork but also have an understanding of the...
Drivers can still face marijuana-related charges
Michigan joined the growing number of states in 2018 that legalized recreational marijuana use, but drivers still can face marijuana-related charges. As with alcohol consumption, drivers with marijuana can be charged for driving under the influence, transporting...
Expungement bill signed into law
Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed a bipartisan Clean Slate bill that completely overhauls the formerly restrictive laws here in Michigan. It will automatically wipe out some criminal convictions and increases the potential eligibility for others who apply....
Can I refuse a roadside breath test? What about a chemical test?
A breath test feels like an automatic part of any late-night traffic stop. Law enforcement officers are quick to reach for these portable devices as they request a breath test from a driver. In this situation, you might feel pressured – like you have to say yes. Is...
Why you should not send drugs through the mail
Consider this scenario. You would never traffic in illegal drugs, but your brother does not have health insurance, and he is in serious pain from a recent back injury. You have almost a full bottle of Vicodin leftover from your last trip to the dentist, so you are...
