Assault and battery are some of the most common criminal offenses in Michigan. Assault can have a few different meanings. Assault is an attempt to cause injury to another person using your body or an external object or an intentional unlawful act or threat to cause harm. If you appear to have the ability to […]
The criminal justice system greatly values eyewitness testimony. If someone saw you commit a crime, the odds are high that they positively identified you in a lineup or by looking at a photo array. If you have recently been identified or believe someone might identify you, you might feel like the walls are closing in. […]
Larceny is stealing property from another person. There are several kinds of larceny in Michigan and depending on the severity of the charge, comes with various penalties. These penalties can carry severe punishments consisting of time spent in jail, fines, or both. This article will discuss the different kinds of larceny, the penalties for each, […]
Taking one or two items from a store without paying can lead to severe punishments. Shoplifting—called “retail fraud” in Michigan—is a serious crime with serious penalties. If you or your child have been accused, please contact George Law today. An experienced Michigan shoplifting attorney at George Law can review the legal charges, gather evidence, and defend […]
Conspiracy occurs when you agree with someone else to commit a crime. Conspiracy can involve or relate to a number of different kinds of crimes in Michigan. You need only be found to have knowingly agreed to commit that crime to be guilty of that conspiracy. However, there are specific rules and requirements that Michigan […]
Probation can serve as a punishment for a criminal conviction. It is an alternative to a jail sentence for many. It can be part of a plea bargain and is usually court-supervised. Probation in Michigan is used for many reasons, such as a way for someone convicted of a drug crime to get clean or otherwise rehabilitated. […]
Michigan courts follow sentencing guidelines for individuals who have been charged and convicted of a felony in Michigan. The purpose of sentencing guidelines is to ensure that there are consistent sentences for the same crime and that there is no discriminatory sentencing occurring. As a result, if two people from completely different backgrounds commit the […]
If you commit a crime and are immediately arrested without the involvement of a court for a warrant, you will be immediately taken to jail and likely be held until your arraignment. However, the process may look a little different if the police are required to have an arrest warrant issued to find the suspect. […]
Jury nullification occurs when a jury returns a verdict that is contrary to the law provided to them by the court. This can occur in a criminal case when there is beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty, but the jury still returns a verdict of not guilty. While this is rare, it […]
Michigan is one of 26 states with a “stand your ground” law, an extension of the Castle Doctrine. This law allows someone to use lethal force to defend themselves or another person without the obligation to retreat. You can stand your ground in Michigan even if you are not in your home. Additionally, stand your […]
