» Criminal Charges - General Questions

Male prisoner in orange jumpsuit visual concept for a legal blog: What is a Michigan Preliminary Examination.

What is a Michigan Preliminary Examination?

Under Michigan law, a defendant charged with a felony has the right to a Preliminary Examination. The Examination must be held within 5 to 7 days after the Probable Cause Conference and no later than 21 days after the Arraignment. Also known as a “… Read More
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Handcuffs on fingerprints concept for criminal record.

Will My Employer Find Out About My Criminal Charges?

Criminal charges are “the gift that keeps on giving.” If you’ve been arrested, you may be worried about jail time, paying fines, and a driver’s license suspension. You might also be concerned about losing your job, whether your employer can a… Read More
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Bond and Bail Gavel, handcuffs and money.

What is the Difference Between Bond and Bail?

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you may be able to negotiate your release from jail by posting bail or obtaining a bond. While the terms “bail” and “bond” are often used interchangeably, even in Michigan statutes, there ar… Read More
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Male driver chased by police. He is thinking can the police search my vehicle without a warrant?

Can the Police Search My Vehicle Without a Warrant?

There are some circumstances in which police can lawfully search your car without a warrant. However, during most traffic stops, the police must ask for your permission before searching your vehicle. If you do not give them permission and there are n… Read More
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hunting and fishing

Are DNR Hunting and Fishing Violations Criminal Offenses?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for maintaining and protecting natural resources such as state parks, forests, and recreation areas. Their jurisdiction includes enforcing hunting and fishing violations. Violations of… Read More
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statute of limitations

Statute of Limitations in Michigan Criminal Cases

The statute of limitations sets specific time limits for the government to bring criminal charges against a suspect. Depending on the type of offense, the Michigan statute of limitations may be six, 10, 15, or 25 years. Some crimes, like murder, have… Read More
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Handcuffs, gavel and law book

What to Expect at a Criminal Pre-Trial Conference

A pre-trial conference is a critical step in any criminal case. It comes after a criminal defendant has been arraigned, but before the case goes to trial. The goal of the pre-trial conference is to bring the prosecutor and the defense attorney togeth… Read More
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Lawyer speaking to jury in court

What Does Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt Mean?

Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest standard of proof in the American legal system. Requiring that a prosecutor prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt is a fundamental concept in American law that is intended to ensure that onl… Read More
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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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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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