When consumers use credit or debit cards, they expect the workers they deal with to protect their sensitive financial information. According to recent media reports, three workers at a popular Michigan City fast-food restaurant failed to do this. The two men and a...
Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Law Blog
Explaining drug trafficking
Drug laws can be confusing, particularly regarding controlled substances and charges for trafficking or possession. Federal and Michigan state laws prohibit most of these substances, but penalties and precedence can vary. There is also confusion between drug...
Pump-and-dump schemes
Investors want to receive a return on their investment, and they often rely on legitimate research and data before directing their funds toward an asset such as a stock. Unfortunately, a Michigan investor may discover they relied on inaccurate information or...
Heroin laws in Michigan
In Michigan, heroin is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. According to Section 333.7211 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, administrators designate substances as Schedule 1 if they have a high potential for abuse, have no accepted medical use for treatment...
What is the RICO Act
Racketeering is commonly associated with organized crime and drug trafficking. The term actually refers to multiple offenses, or rackets, operating as crime rings of an illegal scheme or unlawful business generating a profit. Michigan, like many states, has its own...
Elements used to prove embezzlement
Embezzlement in Michigan is the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property by an individual in a position of trust. To prove embezzlement, certain elements need to be established. Relationship between the accused and victim A key element in proving embezzlement is...
What are the rules for felony DUI charges in Grand Rapids?
Michigan considers driving under the influence (DUI) carries significant legal ramifications. Whether a DUI charge escalates to a felony depends upon several factors, including blood alcohol concentration (BAC), previous convictions and aggravating circumstances....
Understanding Michigan’s identity theft laws
Many people fall victim to identity theft, but if you’re wrongly charged with the crime, it can disrupt your life, as it carries serious consequences for a conviction. These are the identity theft laws in Michigan and what to expect if you’ve been charged. Identity...
What are felony drug crimes?
Drug trafficking is a felony offense that involves the selling, transportation or importation of illegal drugs. This is a crime that can be charged at either the state or federal level. The extent of the penalty for this offense can depend on several factors. These...
Treatment might be an option with opioid-related drug crimes
Drugs are often the justification for a Michigan criminal investigation and arrest. These arrests are frequently related to sale, manufacture, distribution and trafficking. However, there are cases where people are using drugs, leading to them being arrested and...