On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the COVID-19 outbreak was officially a pandemic as rates of infection rose significantly in the U.S. and across the world. On March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in...
Criminal Law
Michigan Supreme Court Vacates Jury Tampering Conviction For Man Distributing Pamphlets To Prospective Jurors Outside Of Courthouse
On July 28, 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court issued its opinion in People v Wood, __ Mich __ ; __ NW2d __ (2020)(Docket No. 159063) and vacated the defendant’s conviction for jury tampering because he had not actually attempted influence “jurors” as defined...
Can You Be Convicted Of Federal Or State Crimes Committed On Indian Reservations?
On July 9, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in McGirt v. Oklahoma, __ US __ (2020)(No. 18-9526) that about half of the land in Oklahoma is actually within a recognized Native American reservation. Why does this matter? In that case, Jimcy McGirt was...
What Are The Penalties For Not Wearing A Mask Per Governor’s Orders In Michigan?
On March 10th, 2020, the State of Michigan identified the first two presumptive-positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in its borders. That same day, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency based on her...
Can You Still Be Prosecuted For Treason In The United States?
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and adopted the Declaration of Independence which declared the birth of the United States and the separation of the colonies of Great Britain. This was a bold move, for every single...
What Are The Penalties For Defacing and Toppling Statues In Michigan?
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a black man, was killed by police officers during an arrest over an allegation that he used a counterfeit $20.00 bill at a convenience store. This triggered nationwide protests against police violence in nearly every town and...
What Are The Penalties For Embezzlement By Agent Or Employee In Michigan?
There is no question that stealing is wrong and is punishable as a crime under the law. However, the severity of the offense is amplified when the thief is placed in a position of trust by another person, company or organization and the thief uses his or her...
What Are The Penalties For False Fire Alarms In Michigan?
Many high school and college students are taught that the First Amendment guarantee of free speech does not extend to words that cause public panic such as screaming “FIRE” in a crowded theatre. Raising a false fire alarm can be socially and economically...
What Are The Penalties For Violating The Governor’s State of Emergency Executive Orders in Michigan?
On March 10th, 2020, the State of Michigan identified the first two presumptive-positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in its borders. That same day, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency based on her...
Can You Be Prosecuted For Failing To Return Rental Property In Michigan?
If you are renting furniture, electronics or other items from a rental center and you retain the property without paying the rental fee (or hold the property beyond the agreed-upon rental period), then the rental company will start mailing threatening letters...
