Michigan police officers commonly use a police lineup as a way for victims to identify perpetrators. While this has been a longtime practice of police across the nation, a new study suggests that it might not be as accurate as people have thought. In fact, studies are...
The entertainment industry, through television and films, has a tendency to misrepresent what you should and should not do when stopped by law enforcement when driving your car or when otherwise out and about in a public setting. Criminal defense and a person’s rights...
The Michigan criminal justice system thrives on confessions. And all too often, innocent children confess to crimes they didn’t commit, falsely believing it will help them get back to their loved ones. Teaching your children about Miranda rights can help them steer...
When prosecutors in Michigan and around the country seek to prove intoxication in drunk driving cases, they usually introduce the results of breath or blood tests that show the defendant was behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. The...
The penalties for possessing illegal drugs in Michigan vary widely based on the substance and amount involved. The most serious penalties are reserved for individuals found in possession of Schedule I or II controlled substances. Schedule I drugs are highly addictive...
Grand Rapids is the second-largest population center in the state, and that high population density means that Kent County does see more crime than many other counties across Michigan. However, it’s worth noting that the rate of both property crime and violent crime...
An impaired-driving arrest isn't just embarrassing. It is potentially the start of a very difficult time in your life. Going to court to defend yourself, dealing with the loss of your license and even coping with a criminal record are all common consequences for an...
To understand teen crime, it’s important to look not just at the statistics, but at the reasons that it happens. Many crimes are minor -- drinking while underage, shoplifting items that cost less than $10, etc. -- and parents may be perplexed as to why their teen...
Marijuana is now legal for recreational use in Michigan, and there are shops in West Michigan. Though they are not within Grand Rapids itself, a short drive out of the city can take residents to these shops where they can purchase marijuana much as they would purchase...
Your criminal charges have been pending for a little while now, so you naturally regard the prosecutor’s offer of a plea deal with equal parts relief and suspicion. On one hand, a plea deal could make your life a lot easier. On the other, you’re curious why the...