Having drug charges on your criminal record can be a life-changing experience. Such charges can impact your job, your income, and your future. However, depending on the circumstances, your attorney may be able to help you keep your drug charges off your permanent criminal record. These methods can present you…
Articles Posted in Criminal Penalties
What Happens if Violate My Probation in Michigan?
What is Probation What Is Probation? In Michigan, probation is a legal status that allows a person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony to remain in the community under court supervision instead of serving time in jail or prison. Under MCL 771.1, a court may place a person on probation…
Oakland County Jail’s Virtual Work Release Program
Beginning in early February 2010, “virtual” work release is available for some offenders. After the new program starts, the traditional work release program will be eliminated. This significant change has the potential to impact criminal law sentence negotiation and overall sentencing practices throughout Oakland County. Virtual work release will consist…
What’s the Difference Between a Violation of Probation and a Technical Violation of Probation?
Generally speaking, a violation of probation means that while on an order of probation you have done something the court ordered you not to do or failed to do something the court affirmatively ordered you to do. A technical violation specifically means a violation of the terms of probation, and…
When May I Lawfully Transport a Pistol in My Car?
If you own any kind of firearm in Michigan, chances are good that at some point you will want to transport that weapon using a motor vehicle. Doing this responsibly requires some knowledge of the law, and if you are uncertain how the law applies to your situation, then you…
Role of Defense Lawyers in the Mitigation of Collateral Consequences
Collateral consequences are the loss of rights a person suffers after being convicted of a crime. They have previously been described as having the potential to cause “civil death.” Such consequences are different from the punishments that might be imposed by a judge as part of a criminal case. This…
Health Professionals Must Self-Report Criminal Convictions to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Criminal defense lawyers who represent Michigan’s health care professionals, including doctors, dentists and nurses, are often unaware that their clients have a duty to self-report a criminal conviction to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). According to Aaron J. Kemp of the Chapman Law Group “the resulting…