On January 15, 2018, Patrick Barone became the only Michigan lawyer who is Board Certified in psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. This certification, provided by the American Board of Examiners, is the culmination of training that he began in 2010. Mr. Barone first experienced psychodrama in 2007 at the Gerry…
Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Drug Dealers in Michigan could be Held Criminally and Civilly Liable
Under federal law, all states can charge a drug dealer with causing the death of a person if the person they sold the drugs to experiences an overdose and dies as a result. But whether the individual states enforce that law and what drugs are eligible for laying charges really lies with the…
The Line between Free Speech and Hate Speech
The First Amendment protects the free speech of every American in the United States. But the line between free speech and hate speech can sometimes become very blurry, leaving people to question whether an offensive or hateful remark is protected under free speech. Back in 2010, this question was the…
The Rights of Protesters in Michigan
Under the First Amendment in the Constitution of the United States, people have a legal right to protest through a demonstration, a march, or a similar public gathering or event. In part, this is because the First Amendment also protects the right of the people peaceably to assemble. While there…
How to Win a Drunk Driving Case Without Trying
Can You Really Win a Drunk Driving Trial Without Even Trying? Sometimes, winning a trial or a contested hearing comes down to knowing what not to do! In drunk driving cases, nowhere is this truer than with administrative hearings held on appeal from an alleged implied consent violation. To…
Are Science Guides for Judges a Good Idea?
The BBC recently reported that judges in the United Kingdom will be receiving guides to help them deal with scientific evidence in the courtroom. Feedback from the judges has been positive, and the first science primers will address things like DNA and fingerprint evidence, as well as computer programs that…
How Much Money Will I Need to Obtain a Commercial Michigan Medical Marijuana License?
You will need a minimum of $150,000.00 and as much as $500,000.00 of both liquid and non-liquid assets combined. Many observers believe that these numbers are way too low, and this is because after obtaining a license, the licensee must then run a successful business. As a licensee, this means…
Using Medical Marijuana While on Bond for Drunk Driving
If you are charged with drunk driving in Michigan, then the clear majority of judges will require that you abstain from all alcohol and all illegal drugs. This will be a condition of your bond, and to be sure that you are compliant with your bond, you will be tested,…
Michigan to Begin Roadside Saliva Testing for Drugs
In 2016 new laws were passed to allow and encourage roadside salvia drug testing. The laws are set forth in MCL 257.62a, 257.625r, 257.625s, and 257.625t. Michigan’s legislators passed these new laws because there is a belief that more drivers are under the influence of illegal and prescription drugs. In…
New Jersey Court Clears Way for Marijuana to be Removed from State’s Schedule One
A New Jersey Appeals Court has issued an opinion wherein they indicate that the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) has the authority to reclassify marijuana, and thereby remove it from Schedule I. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s website, “drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs…