Heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in Michigan, which means lawmakers have determined that the drug is highly addictive and has no legitimate medical uses. Crimes involving heroin are generally charged as felonies in Michigan, and even...
Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Law Blog
What does tax evasion consist of?
Every year, Michigan residents are assessed taxes at both the state and federal level. The tax code is complex, and it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly what you may owe and what deductions you are able to take. Making a mistake on your taxes isn't a crime,...
The penalties for embezzlement in Michigan
Michigan law defines embezzlement as the theft or misappropriation of funds or property that has been entrusted to an individual by another person or a business. A store clerk who takes money out of a cash register and an executor who misappropriates estate assets...
Michigan nonprofit director charged with fraud
A Michigan woman who served as the director of a nonprofit organization that provided housing services to low-income Detroit residents is facing a raft of federal charges including multiple counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity...
Michigan laws dealing with substances used to make meth
Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in Michigan, which means lawmakers have determined that the drug is highly addictive but has some medical uses. Unlike marijuana, heroin and cocaine, methamphetamine is made from chemicals rather than...
Michigan man charged with Medicaid fraud
A Michigan man who operated a consulting firm in Detroit has been accused of defrauding Medicaid. The 59-year-old Livonia resident was arraigned on four counts of Medicaid fraud in an East Lansing District Court on Feb. 14. Each count carries a maximum custodial...
What is counterfeiting?
Counterfeiting is punishable both at a state and federal level in Michigan. Most people think of counterfeiting as making fake money, but it includes fake products, dishonest marketing and willful possession of counterfeit items. Trademark and identifying mark...
Former House staffers charged with embezzlement
A married couple who once held senior positions in former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield’s office have been accused of embezzlement. During an arraignment hearing held in an Esat Lansing District Court on Jan 3., the couple entered not guilty pleas to counts of...
This may be the end for geofence warrants
There are situations in which the use of a geofence warrant is appropriate. This is especially true in cold cases, where law enforcement has no other way to build a suspect list. But reverse-location services, another term for this type of warrant, also left many...
A potential consequence of a felony drug conviction
If you are convicted of a felony drug charge in Michigan, you may experience a number of interruptions to your life. For instance, it may be harder to retain custody of your kids or find adequate housing. You may also have a harder time accessing federal programs...