Imagine this scenario: You’re running a quick errand near your neighborhood school when an officer pulls you over for a traffic stop. During the stop, the officer finds a small amount of marijuana in your vehicle. You expect just to get a citation since recreational cannabis is legal in Michigan for adults 21 and over. But then the officer informs you that because you were within 1,000 feet of the school, you’re facing much more severe charges – a felony that could potentially land you in prison for years. These situations are not uncommon under Michigan’s strict drug-free school zone laws. Th ..read more

Facing false accusations of domestic violence can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming situation. If you face a domestic violence charge, you may have to deal with the profound consequences of such allegations on your personal and professional life, which can include the following: The weight of the investigation and legal process Regardless of the truthfulness of the claim against you, if charges have been filed, you will likely go through the legal process that includes arraignment, possible bail hearings, pre-trial conferences and possibly a trial. The entire process can be daunting ..read more

When parents share legal custody, or the right to make important decisions for their child, it is crucial to set how each parent will participate in various aspects of their child’s life. Having only one way to resolve all issues involving a child’s upbringing will likely not work since each aspect requires an approach tailored to address them. The first step in this process is to identify what kind of decisions parents have to make. Five common parental decisions affecting the child’s life Common aspects of a child’s life requiring parents to decide include the following: Healthcare: Parents ..read more

Deciding what to do with the marital home is one of the most significant and emotionally challenging decisions you’ll face during a divorce. This decision isn’t just emotionally driven—it’s also financially complex. Whether you’re leaning towards selling or staying, there are key questions you should ask yourself to guide your decision. Realistic questions to ask yourself Determining to keep or sell this marital property is not a decision to rush into. Before deciding, consider asking yourself these five questions: Can I afford the ongoing costs? Meeting mortgage payments is just one part of h ..read more

Facing criminal charges can be an incredibly stressful and uncertain time. When the prosecution makes a plea offer, it may seem tempting to take it and move on. However, not all plea deals are fair and reasonable. It is important to carefully weigh your options and determine if an offer is truly fair before accepting it. Reduced charges One sign of a fair plea bargain is a reduction of the charges. For example, the offer may reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor. This carries less severe penalties and avoids having a felony conviction on your record. However, make sure the reduced charges ac ..read more

When a marriage ends in divorce, one of the most critical issues to address is property division. In Michigan, this process is based on the concept of ‘equitable distribution,’ which aims for a fair, though not necessarily equal, division of marital wealth. Understanding this principle is essential as it affects both shared and individual assets, from jointly-owned real estate to personal retirement accounts. Having this knowledge helps prepare spouses for the financial implications of their divorce. Factors to consider When dividing property during a divorce, courts evaluate several factors ..read more

Drug trafficking is a severe offense in Michigan, and for good reason. The state’s proximity to Canada and several major interstate systems contribute to its role as a transit and destination point for illegal substances. It’s no wonder the state has some of America’s strictest controlled substances laws. According to Michigan law, drug trafficking is a broad term. It can cover the manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver narcotics. Severe penalties await anyone convicted of drug trafficking in the state. The penalties for drug trafficking Penalties for drug trafficking in M ..read more

In Michigan, statutory guidelines primarily govern the calculation of child support. The goal is to ensure fairness and financial stability for the child. While these guidelines provide a framework, parents may still have a degree of flexibility in determining the specific amount of child support. Basic guidelines Michigan uses a formula that takes into account both parents’ incomes, parenting time arrangements and additional factors. The formula offers a standardized approach to support calculations, ensuring consistency across cases. Income considerations One key element in calculating child ..read more

Knowingly possessing a controlled substance is a crime in Michigan. Depending on the classification of the substance and the amount, a person convicted of the offense can face steep fines and decades of imprisonment. However, offenders who violate the law in or near a public or private park face an additional criminal charge. What is this offense, and what are the criminal penalties? Delivery or intent to deliver controlled substance in or within public or private park By Michigan law, it’s illegal to perform any of the following in or within 1,000 feet of a public or private park: Possessing ..read more

Child custody is a deeply sensitive aspect of a divorce or separation. Nevertheless, it is essential for you to navigate this matter with empathy and understanding to ensure your child’s overall well-being. This involves knowing how courts decide on custody. In Michigan, courts consider and evaluate several factors, such as a child’s emotional ties with each parent and each parent’s capacity to love, care and provide for their child. These factors guide judges to determine what custody arrangement is in the child’s best interests. Children’s voices do matter While not all states explicitly inc ..read more