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…
Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
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…
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries to Stay Open Pending Licensing
In a surprise move, Michigan’s Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation (BMMR) reversed its prior decision and had now declared in a press release that they will allow currently existing marijuana dispensaries to continue operating provided they have local approval. Furthermore, that such operations will not impact the applicant’s eligibility for…
Should I Take My Drunk Driving Case to Trial or Just Plead Guilty?
If you are charged with drunk driving in Michigan, then at some point after your arraignment you will need to decide if you wish to plead guilty or stand trial. This is because all Michigan drunk driving crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. This means that all people…
Proposed Amendments to Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Act Add New Definitions
Recently, several House Bills have been passed in order to regulate medical marijuana in the state of Michigan. However, these bills are not absolute. Instead, they are subject to change as the state determines more effective ways to govern medical marijuana businesses and seeks to fill gaps that the original…