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.


 

restraining order document

What You Should Know About Personal Protection Orders in Michigan

A Personal Protection Order (PPO), also known as a restraining order, is a court order that is put in place to protect people who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Personal Protection Orders are a type of injunction that… Read More
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Categories: Domestic Violence
erasing the past

Can I Get My Criminal Record Expunged?

If you have been convicted of a crime, you may experience difficulty finding a job, renting an apartment, or getting into college or technical school. You may even have had to forfeit some of your rights, such as the right to possess a firearm, to se… Read More
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Drug Charges in Michigan

Drug Charges in Michigan

Michigan drug charges can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. The severity of the charge will vary depending on the type and amount of the drug in your possession, and whether you were in possession of an amount of drugs that indicate an inten… Read More
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Categories: Drug Crimes
Judge Gavel And Handcuffs

Resisting Arrest and Obstruction of Justice

Charges of resisting arrest or obstruction of justice are serious, and the penalties can be severe. There are defenses available, but these cases can be complex and the stakes are high. If you have been charged with resisting arrest or obstruction of… Read More
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man refusing breathalyzer test

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test?

If you are stopped under suspicion of drunk driving, can you refuse a Breathalyzer test? The short answer is “yes – you can.” But, like many things, it’s not that simple. What Is a Breathalyzer Test? If you are stopped in Michigan under s… Read More
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Categories: Drunk Driving / OWI
Ambulance at the scene of a car Accident

What Is the Penalty for Vehicular Manslaughter?

In Michigan, you can be charged with vehicular manslaughter for causing someone’s death while operating a motor vehicle. The most common situation that results in a charge is when someone is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (OW… Read More
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Man in handcuffs

What Is a Misdemeanor?

If you’re facing criminal charges in Michigan, the crime is classified as a felony, a misdemeanor, or an infraction. The difference between a felony, a misdemeanor, and infraction is largely in how severely the crime is punished, and the extent to… Read More
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Police emergency lights

Understanding the Different Tiers on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry

The Adam Walsh Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2006, set the standard for classifying sexual offenses across the country. Sexual offenses are classified according to: • The crime committed • The age of the people inv… Read More
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Categories: Sex-Related Charges
car crash with firetruck

What Is Involuntary Manslaughter?

Manslaughter is a serious crime that occurs when someone is unlawfully and unintentionally killed. Manslaughter can be voluntary or involuntary, depending on the circumstances that led to the killing. For example, involuntary manslaughter occurs when… Read More
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Man holding beer bottle outside his car window

What To Do If You’ve Been Charged With An OWI

Criminal charges for OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) can be frightening, frustrating, and confusing, especially if it’s your first time dealing with the criminal justice system. If you’re asking yourself what to do if you’ve been charged with… Read More
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Categories: Drunk Driving / OWI