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...
Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Law Blog
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...
Criminal record expungements
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...
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...