Thoughts & News
Call Us Today:
(616) 773-2945
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.
Right now, it is a five year felony to carry a concealed pistol in Michigan without a concealed pistol license. A pistol is considered concealed any time that it isn’t visible (e.g., under a coat or in a pocket). In Michigan, it is also considered concealed any time that it is in a motor vehicle. For […]
Keeley Blanchard recently returned to Michigan from Boulder, Colorado, where she collaborated with fellow trial lawyer and Trial Lawyers College faculty member Jason Savela in trying a sexual assault case. Here’s what Keeley had to say after the client was acquitted on all charges: “It was a real pleasure to work with Jason on this case. The […]
STEPS IN THE CRIMINAL PROCESS IN MICHIGAN When a person is accused of committing a crime, the state of Michigan has a felony criminal process that must be followed. Michigan criminal defense attorneys are experienced in all phases of the criminal process and may be able to assist you in navigating these complex procedures. INVESTIGATION […]
The mother of a 15 year-old African-American Grand Rapids boy filed a lawsuit on December 23, 2015 in Federal Court in Grand Rapids against the City of Grand Rapids and police officers Sean McCamman, Nathan Mean, and Peter Thompson. The complaint alleges that during the early evening hours of June 13, 2014, the boy, referred […]
Lately, I’ve been hearing of “To Catch A Predator” style police operations, where “undercover” police officers are posing as children while trolling online chat rooms and looking for people to catch talking dirty. The government has been charging this under MCL 750.145a which prohibits accosting, soliciting, or enticing a minor: 750.145a Accosting, enticing or soliciting child for […]
Some times when a person is caught by a drug team or other police agency, the police will ask the person to work as a confidential informant or “snitch” in exchange for a reduction in charges. Whether you should act as a confidential informant is only a decision that you can make, but you should […]
If you’re charged with drunk driving in Montcalm County, you’re either appearing in the 64B District Court or the 8th Circuit Court. The 64B District Court handles misdemeanor offenses (First or Second Offense Operating While Intoxicated). The 8th Circuit Court handles felony offenses (Third Offense Operating While Intoxicated, Operating While Intoxicated Causing Injury and OWI […]
Recently a man in Big Rapids was arrested after handing out pamphlets outside of a courthouse. Apparently the pamphlets were from the Fully Informed Jury Association and explained or advocated for jury nullification. Jury nullification occurs when a jury returns a verdict of “not guilty” despite believing that the defendant is factually guilty of the offense charged. It is […]
If you have been charged with domestic violence, it is recommended that you contact your Grand Rapids criminal attorney immediately to assist you with the charges. Domestic violence is a serious crime, and one that is taken seriously by the criminal justice system. Allegations are taken very seriously, and may even result in your arrest. Your […]
In most cases, no. Despite this, marijuana usage is very common in our state, and Michigan marijuana defense lawyers routinely field questions from clients on a variety of marijuana-related issues. This is largely because of the confusing patchwork of federal and state laws that deal with the use, possession, and growing of marijuana as well as medical […]