Thousands of Michigan residents live with the burden of possessing a criminal record. A criminal record can make it extremely difficult to find a job and housing, leading many to struggle to re-acclimate after paying their debt to society. Criminal record expungements...
Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Law Blog
IRS and U.S. Treasury monitor tax shelters for abuses
The tax system allows businesses and individuals in Michigan to reduce their tax obligations under certain circumstances. Most retirement accounts represent a legal means for you to set aside money tax free, but you may also encounter other financial arrangements...
End the Cycle: The 61st District Drug Court
The 61st District Drug Court is a specialized court program that’s designed to address the needs of people who are struggling to overcome substance abuse and addiction within the 61st Court District, which includes Michigan. The goal of the 61st Drug Court is to...
Fast-food restaurant workers linked to credit card fraud scheme
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...
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....