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AGGRESSIVE STRATEGIES & COMPASSIONATE ATTENTION IN WESTERN MICHIGAN

The Grand Rapids criminal defense attorneys at Blanchard Law provide personal service by keeping a low caseload. We are aggressive in our approach to fighting for our clients after an arrest, always treating them as individuals. Our lawyers are compassionate and we always take the time to get to know our clients’ situation. We are effective defense attorneys because we have the knowledge and skills necessary to defend your rights. If you have been accused or arrested for a serious crime, you need Blanchard Law on your side.

Domestic Violence Diversion in the 64B District Court

Jan 19, 2018

Domestic Violence is just an assault or battery on a person that you live or lived with, have a child with, are currently or previously married to, or have a dating relationship with. In layman’s terms, a battery is when you touch someone against their will or in a way that they don’t like – […]

Miranda Rights

Jan 17, 2018

The concept of being read Miranda rights is one that is familiar to most people who have watched shows like Cops or Law & Order. An officer will say something along the lines of: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of […]

Procedure for Sexual Misconduct Investigations at Grand Valley State University

Jan 15, 2018

Sexual misconduct allegations in a university setting are serious, and can have serious, life-long consequences. It is important to understand what is going to happen during the course of these investigations, and to ensure that you put yourself in the best possible position to avoid a finding of responsibility for sexual assault or sexual harassment. […]

When does it become a crime to be drunk in public?

Jan 10, 2018

Under Michigan law, it is unlawful to be a “disorderly person”, which the state statute defines in part as a “person who is intoxicated in a public place and who is either endangering directly the safety of another person or of property or is acting in a manner that causes a public disturbance.” There are […]

Procedure For Sexual Misconduct Investigations At Central Michigan University

Jan 8, 2018

PROCEDURE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY Sexual misconduct allegations in a university setting are serious, and can have serious, life-long consequences. It is important to understand what is going to happen during the course of these investigations, and to ensure that you put yourself in the best possible position to avoid a […]

Traffic Stops: How long is too long to be pulled over?

Jan 5, 2018

When you are sitting in your car after being stopped by the police, it can feel like an eternity. You might be nervous. You might not know why you were pulled over. You might be running through the worst-case scenarios in your head. Even though a traffic stop may feel like an eternity, it shouldn’t […]

Pretrial Diversion is Available for Federal Charges

Jan 3, 2018

Facing federal criminal charges is a very serious matter. Most often, when you’re indicted by the Federal Government, the potential penalties are staggering. Federal pretrial diversion can offer an opportunity for individuals facing federal criminal charges to avoid a conviction, avoid prison time, and to avoid the stress and expense of a trial. Citizens accused […]

Recent Changes To Central Michigan University’s Sexual Misconduct Policies Provides An Opportunity For A More Fair Resolution To Sexual Assault Allegations

Jan 2, 2018

Allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault at a university can have lifelong consequences for the accused. Until recently, Central Michigan University’s sexual misconduct policy required that a finding of responsibility for sexual assault required that the university either issue a suspension or expel the student who has been found responsible. So, why is this a problem? […]

College Students Accused of Sexual Assault Entitled to Due Process in Disciplinary Proceedings, Says Sixth Circuit

Sep 28, 2017

False allegations of sexual assault are life-changing for the accused. They face felony criminal charges, the potential for years of their life in prison, loss of employment, loss of friends, ridicule in the community – and that is often based on the allegation alone. University students falsely accused of sexual assault often face another layer […]

How to Choose an Attorney When You Are Accused of a Sex Crime

Jun 21, 2017

For someone charged with a sex crime, choosing an attorney to represent them is a difficult experience. You often have to make your choice quickly, as once the criminal process starts, it doesn’t slow down to allow you to make a considered decision. Many criminal sexual conduct offenses carry significant penalties, both in prison time […]