Parents have certain rights in regard to disciplining their children in Michigan. However, it can sometimes be difficult to understand where a parent’s rights end. At what point does disciplining a child become abuse? Understanding the legal difference between disciplining children and abusing them is very important for any parent in Michigan. Without this knowledge, they could find themselves facing charges of physical or mental abuse of a child. What Constitutes Child Abuse in Michigan? Michigan law defines child abuse as “harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare that ..read more

No. Your right to carry a gun under the 2nd Amendment does not extend to circumstances when you have been drinking. Under Michigan law, you are prohibited from carrying a concealed pistol or portable device that uses electro-muscular disruption (EMD) technology – an advanced taser – while under the influence of alcohol or another drug or if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .02 or higher. Further, if you accepted a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL), you consented to submit to an alcohol or drug test. So, if a police officer has probable cause to believe you are carrying a gun or ..read more

As of 2024, a majority of states permit someone to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.  This is known as permit-less carry, or constitutional carry laws.  However, you shouldn’t let that milestone mislead you; many states, including Michigan, still heavily regulate who can carry a gun, and even when you successfully obtain a government-mandated permit, the state tells gun owners where they can carry them. Michigan Concealed Carry Laws Michigan law bans the carrying of a concealed pistol anywhere outside the gun owner’s home, business, or land. Once they leave their premises ..read more

If you’re a Michigan gun owner, you are probably well aware that the state’s changing gun laws continue to infringe on your Second Amendment rights. That means it’s more important than ever to stay informed about what Michigan law says about what you can and can’t do with your guns.  Know your rights — and obligations — when it comes to carrying a loaded gun in your car in Michigan. If law enforcement charges you with a crime because you had a loaded gun in your car, you can fight back by contacting a criminal defense attorney ready to protect your gun rights.  Carrying a Loaded Gun ..read more

If you’re caught shoplifting in Michigan, your future might be at risk. You could face criminal charges and have to go through the legal process to fight for a fair outcome. Luckily, if you’re facing shoplifting charges, you’re not alone. A Michigan criminal defense attorney can protect your rights.  How Does Michigan Law Define Shoplifting? Under Michigan law, shoplifting is referred to as retail fraud. When a person is accused of shoplifting, it means they have allegedly altered, removed, replaced, transferred, concealed, or in some way misrepresented the price of an item with the inten ..read more

When the weather gets warm, you may find yourself wanting to get outside and participate in some outdoor activities, including fishing. Fishing is a common pastime in Michigan, as the state offers several fantastic fishing locations.  However, while packing up your tackle box, it is important to remember your fishing license. In Michigan, it’s illegal to fish without a fishing license.  Whether you’re fishing in a small stream, a river, or a Great lake, adults need to have a fishing license provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. If you get caught fishing without a ..read more

John Freeman, principal attorney of the Law Office of John Freeman, was recently honored as one of the “Best of the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys” by Best of the Best Attorneys. A former state and federal prosecutor, Mr. Freeman has built upon this experience for the past three decades, earning a reputation as a zealous and effective advocate for clients charged with criminal offenses in Michigan. Only a Select Few Can Be Called the “Best of the Best” Best of the Best Attorneys is a distinction that less than one percent of the country’s 1.3 million attorneys earn. Only a few select lawyers ..read more

When someone is charged with a violent crime at the federal level, it’s a serious situation. In many cases, you can be facing significant jail time, fines, and a criminal record that could follow you around for decades. These crimes include assault, sex crimes, and domestic violence. In such cases, having a criminal defense lawyer to help can be very important. Explaining the Charges You’re Up Against A defense attorney helps by explaining the charges and what they mean. Federal violent crimes can have severe consequences. A lawyer can tell you about the potential outcomes and what y ..read more

Going to court can be a big deal, especially in federal cases. Lawyers who have experience in federal courts bring a lot of know-how to the table. This experience can be really helpful for clients, especially in criminal defense cases where someone is accused of breaking the law. Let’s talk about how this federal court experience can help in different legal situations. As a former federal prosecutor, attorney John Freeman now uses that experience to defend people accused of serious felony and misdemeanor charges in either federal or state court. Using Federal Court Experience in Criminal Cases ..read more

Attorney John Freeman recently secured a case dismissal for his client charged with two felonies. How did he manage to get these serious charges dismissed? Here is what you need to know about case dismissals in Michigan and how a seasoned defense attorney can make all the difference. Knowledge and Fierce Advocacy Are Key As a member of the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) and a valid concealed pistol license (CPL) holder, this client had a track record of being a responsible gun owner when she was charged. To obtain a CPL license, an applicant is required to successfully compl ..read more