Elmen Legal Criminal Defense Blogs

Stay informed and empowered with legal insights from Ann Arbor criminal defense attorney Robert Elmen. Robert's blog offers practical advice, case law updates, and clear explanations of Michigan criminal laws. Whether you’re facing charges or simply want to better understand your rights, our blog's are valuable resources for anyone navigating the justice system.


 

Man stealing money and personal stuff from woman - Visual concept for a criminal defense blog discussing larceny charges.

Common Defenses to Larceny Charges

Robbery, theft, and larceny are all legal terms used to describe the crime of stealing something that belongs to someone else. While some other states use the term “theft” to describe this crime, Michigan statutes continue to refer to the crime o… Read More
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USB stick with child porno iamges is on the keyboard of the laptop. Visual concept for a criminal defense blog discussing possession of child pornography: penalties and defense.

Possession of Child Pornography: Legal Penalties and Defenses in Michigan

Possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material (CSAM), commonly known as “possession of child pornography,” is a serious crime that carries severe penalties, including jail time punishment, thousands of dollars in fines, and mandatory registration… Read More
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Categories: Sex-Related Charges
Eyewitness swearing on the bible telling the truth in the court room

Challenging Witness Memory and Perception in Criminal Cases

Eyewitness testimony can play a pivotal role in a criminal trial, but it is far from infallible. Nonetheless, juries give considerable weight to eyewitness testimony, sometimes with disastrous results. Research consistently shows that human memory is… Read More
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Image of handcuffs with drugs on the table close-up, concept for a drug possession lawyer. blog discussing challenging drug weight calculations.

Challenging Drug Weight Calculations in Drug Possession Cases

In criminal cases involving possession of drugs, the quantity of drugs in the defendant’s possession is a key factor in evaluating the severity of the charges and the potential penalties the defendant could face. An effective defense will challenge… Read More
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Categories: Drug Crimes
Man sitting in car and giving his driving licence through the window. Visual concept for blog discussing how to get your license back after a dui/owi in Michigan.

How Do I Get My License Back After an OWI in Michigan

A drunk driving conviction in Michigan carries substantial penalties, including hefty fines and a mandatory driver’s license suspension. If you were convicted of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), also known as a Driving Under the Influence (DUI),… Read More
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Categories: Drunk Driving / OWI
Image of the dictionary's definition of the words Sex Offender. Visual concept for a criminal law blog discussing Michigan’s Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA).

Michigan’s Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA) Unconstitutional

In October 2024, Federal District Court Judge Mark A. Goldsmith issued a ruling in Does v. Whitmer (known as “Does III”) that struck down portions of Michigan’s Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA) as unconstitutional. The decision could affec… Read More
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Categories: Sex-Related Charges
Woman on street at night passing a suspicious looking male. Visual concept for a criminal law blog discussing indecent exposure charge in Michigan.

Michigan Indecent Exposure Charges, Violation and Penalties

Criminal charges for indecent exposure can be serious, and a conviction can carry severe consequences, including fines, possible jail time, and mandatory registration on Michigan’s Sex Offender Registry (SORA). Unfortunately, many do not realize th… Read More
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Judge

Preparing for Your First Court Appearance

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is especially true when it comes to your first court appearance. Knowing what to expect can reduce stress and anxiety and is an important part of presenting yourself effectively. He… Read More
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Traffic cop is talking with a driver

Should I Take My Michigan OWI/DUI Case to Trial

Statistically, very few criminal cases go to trial. Most are resolved through plea bargaining. Nonetheless, anyone charged with a crime has the right to take their case to trial where the prosecutor must prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. R… Read More
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Categories: Drunk Driving / OWI
Teenager upset at the world. Visual concept for a criminal defense blog that discusses Michigan's Holmes Youthful Trainee Act.

What is the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) in Michigan?

The Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (“HYTA”) is a Michigan law that allows people aged 18 to 26 to avoid a permanent criminal record. When a young person receives HYTA classification and completes HYTA probation, the crimes they were charged with do… Read More
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Categories: Juvenile Justice