Criminal Defense Lawyers in Grand Rapids, MI In criminal cases involving drugs or alcohol, it is common for the court to order that the accused citizen be evaluated by a psychologist or social worker to determine whether he has a substance abuse problem — either while the case is pending or after a plea/trial and […]
Why Does My Lawyer Want Me To Get a Substance Abuse Evaluation? Read More »
Criminal Lawyer in Grand Rapids, Michigan Being falsely accused of a crime can be terrifying, frustrating, and stressful. And in many ways, we hope that our system is designed to ensure that someone who is falsely accused of a crime will be able to avoid being charged with a crime due to good police work.
Can I Sue a Police Officer for Falsely Arresting Me? Read More »
If your child is being investigated for or has been charged with a crime as a juvenile (age 16 or younger), as a parent, it is a very emotional experience. You’re likely scared about what could happen, and if you think your child may have actually committed the crime, you might also be feeling angry
Does My Child Need a Lawyer for Juvenile Criminal Charges? Read More »
In Michigan, the Secretary of State’s Traffic Safety Division conducts driver reexaminations as authorized by Michigan’s Motor Vehicle Code. The purpose of a driver’s license reexamination is to determine your ability to drive safely and whether or not a suspension of your license or some other licensing control should be imposed. The reasons for a
Should I Bring a Lawyer to My Driver’s License Reexamination? Read More »
The Holmes Youthful Trainee Act is a deferral program within the Michigan criminal justice system that requires young people between the ages of 17 and 24 to admit guilt to a criminal offense and be placed on probation for a specific period of time. If they are assigned as a Youthful Trainee and successfully complete
Probation Violations for Defendants Under Holmes Youthful Trainee Status Read More »
Most parents today didn’t have to deal with the concept of “sexting” when they were kids. We didn’t have smart phones that allowed us to send naughty photos to our boyfriend or girlfriend with the click of a button. This is new, uncomfortable territory for today’s parents, but it is incredibly important that we find
Teens and Sexting – Talking to Your Kids About the Consequences Read More »
Criminal Lawyer Being charged with sexual assault is a serious matter and carry harsh penalties, like prison time, fines and a permanent criminal record. If you are currently facing a sexual assault charge, it’s important to consult with a criminal attorney from Blanchard Law as soon as possible. A criminal lawyer assesses your case and
What Are Common Defenses for Sexual Assault? Read More »
For most people, a first drunk driving offense in Michigan isn’t the end of the world. Unless there was an accident or an extremely high blood alcohol content, most people don’t face incarceration for a first offense. There are driver’s license sanctions, but they are short-term, and although it can be costly, most people get
Top Five Actions to Take If You’ve Been Arrested for a Second Drunk Driving Offense Read More »
In serious criminal investigations, such as criminal sexual conduct and murder cases, it is not unusual for police to ask a suspect to take a polygraph examination, otherwise known as a lie detector test. In doing so, the police are not looking to eliminate a suspect or get to the truth; they are trying to
Should I Take a Lie Detector Test Offered By the Police? Read More »
Mental Illness, by itself, does not excuse the commission of a criminal offense. In Michigan, it is an affirmative defense to a prosecution for a criminal offense only if the defendant meets the definition of being legally insane when he or she committed the acts constituting the offense. See MCL 768.21a. Having a mental illness
Could I Be Found Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity If I am Mentally Ill? Read More »