In 2016, 97.3% of defendants in the federal criminal justice system conceded guilt. This means that less than 3% of defendants exercised their constitutional right to trial. The vast majority of a criminal defense attorney's time is dedicated to plea bargaining - we negotiate with prosecutors to reach an acceptable outcome for clients. Plea negotiations are an important tool for defendants. However, when a defendant wishes to go to trial, is he or she punished for doing so?
The Trial Penalty
The Justice System: More Federal Prosecutors On the Way
In The Justice System, the federal government recently announced that it will be adding approximately 300 Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) nationwide. This increase marks the largest in decades. The government intends to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce immigration laws, and help address the devastating opioid crisis.
Michigan Self Defense & Guns Require Safe Storage and Education
Self Defense & Guns are always a hot legal topic, and today is no different. The recent tragic accidental self-inflicted shooting death of a 9 year-old Detroit boy has prompted the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office to charge the boy's father with a laundry list of offenses including murder, which could land him in prison for life. Based on information from public media reports, if the father had followed the law, the firearm would not have been in the house. First, the shotgun involved has been described as being "sawed-off". In Michigan, shotguns are required to have at least an 18 inch barrel. Anything shorter than that is considered "sawed-off". Secondly, media reports state that the father is a felon. Felons are not permitted to possess firearms under federal and state law in Michigan.
Protecting Your Rights - Client Satisfaction
What should you consider when hiring a Michigan criminal defense attorney in Detroit or the suburbs for protecting your rights? The following are some of the factors: years of experience, former employment, professional memberships, academic success, standing in the legal community, and client satisfaction.
Police & You: Stop and Frisk Based on Race?
In this Police & You segment, we examine whether the NYPD's Stop and Frisk Policy is Racially Driven.
When Hazing becomes a Violent Crime
Hazing Rituals Cross the Line into Violent Crime
The Justice System - Proof of Innocence After 25 Years
As previously discussed, the Justice System is full of examples of technology advancements being used against individuals. However, the converse is also true as demonstrated in a recent Wayne County case. Recently, two Michigan brothers were released on bond after spending almost 25 years in prison for first degree murder. The Highers brothers always maintained their innocence throughout their trial and subsequent conviction. It finally took a Facebook post over two decades later for the brothers to experience the freedom that appears to have been wrongly taken away from them.
Mobsters, Gangs, Motorcycle Clubs, and Violent Crime
Organized crime, and the violent crime associated with it, no longer follows the stereotypes of suit and tie Mafioso's or inner-city thugs. Motorcycle gangs are now becoming primary targets of federal investigations. Last week, federal investigators indicted 41 members of the Devil's Diciples Motorcycle Club. 31 of the members were arrested here in Michigan and in Alabama. The federal charges ranged from racketeering, drug trafficking, gun possession, obstruction of justice, and illegal gambling. Federal prosecutors have indicted 18 of these members under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act for allegedly conducting an illegal enterprise that included attempted murder, drug trafficking, robbery, and more. During the crack down, police seized over 60 guns, 6,000 rounds of ammunition, and shut down eight methamphetamine labs.
Michigan Fireworks - Violent Crime?
Are fireworks in Michigan a violent crime?
