Putting together common search questions, and answers to educate the public.

OWI Michigan first offense what to expect? You should expect the case to be taken seriously by the police, court and judge and for there to be be punishment for your choice to drink and drive.  You have the choice on how you want to handle the case.  You can accept the default outcome and be punished or adopt a growth mindset and take control of your case and turn the case into a growth opportunity and get a better outcome.

What is the difference between a OWI vs DUI - It's the same thing in Michigan, because there is no such thing as a DUI, it's Operating While Visibly Impaired, Operating While Intoxicated, etc.  DUI and DWI are common usage of the same type of crime.

Early release from probation Michigan - Yes, this is possible in Michigan, but its up to the judge and probation department.  It comes down to what your original sentence was, your past history, how you've performed while on probation, etc. 

How likely is jail time for first dui - I tell clients all of the time they control that decision by how they handle the case post incident.  You cant change what has already happened, but you do control the present and the future

What is reckless driving in Michigan? - Reckless driving is a misdemeanor in Michigan, carries 6 points and suspension of your driver's license' its actually worse in a few ways than most drunk driving charges. 

Fighting a careless driving ticket in Michigan? - Ask yourself why and what are you fighting? If you're "fighting" because you dont like the potential outcome then that's not going to lead to the best result.  There is likely a much better path of resolution by approaching the case with a growth mindset. 

Careless driving Michigan points? Careless driving carries 3 points in Michigan and could lead to a license suspension depending on previous points on your license. 

How many points is reckless driving in Michigan? Reckless driving has 6 points in Michigan, along with a license suspension, and it is a criminal conviction on your record. 

How to beat an indecent exposure charge? If you’ve committed the offense and there is sufficient evidence of it happening, “beating” the charge is unlikely.   You don’t just fight because you don’t like the outcome; there are much better ways to approach getting the best outcome for this type of case if you are sincere about learning from it and making changes in your life.

Michigan dui forgiveness? There is no formal forgiveness of a DUI in Michigan, but there is a possibility to create empathy and compassion for the first behind the wheel if they are willing to learn and grow from the incident.

Is a super drunk a felony in Michigan? No, Super Drunk or High BAC is not a felony in Michigan, but is a serious misdemeanor which carries 180 days in jail, mandatory license suspension and interlock in your vehicle and other potential sanctions. 

How to avoid jail time for 3rd dui? A 3rd DUI is a felony in Michigan, and there is a mandatory 30 days in jail for this offense, and most people go to jail for a long period of time.  It may be possible to avoid jail time by creating a jail alternative or working toward reducing the felony down to a misdemeanor. 

Our firm focuses on the client's journey, and how he/she finds themselves on the wrong side of the law.  We lead with empathy and understanding; our clients are not criminals, but rather good hearted, caring folks who respect the law, and want to be held in high regard. We work with a diverse pool of clients; our clients are our partners, and together we put forth a proactive approach to every case.  

While I am a former NYC and Michigan prosecutor, and have been practicing criminal defense for more than a decade, I don't like using the "criminal" label with my clients.  My clients don't have anything to hide; they are more frightened and embarrassed, and worried about an uncertain future.  They are concerned that they made a terrible "first impression" with the police, prosecutor, judge, and court system; it can be gut wrenching to feel "stuck"; you can't change what happened, and sitting around, and worrying only makes things worse. 

My goal is to empower each client to make a "true impression" and understand and demonstrate how they ended up on the wrong side of the law, and provide them the tools to SHOW rather than TELL what they can learn from their incident, and where they are going in the future.   Nothing feels better as an attorney than to hear a prosecutor and judge praise my client for stepping up, and taking control of their own situation.  

My clients do amazing in the criminal justice system, because they are mere visitors; having the right exit strategy is the key to navigating the most challenging moment in your life.  You only get to handle your case once, how do you want to approach it? 

If you are charged with a Michigan misdemeanor offense in Romulus, New Boston, Huron Township, Belleville, Van Buren Township, Detroit Metro Airport or Sumpter Township your case will be heard at the 34th District Court, which is located at 11131 Wayne Rd Romulus, MI 48174.

If you are charged with a Michigan felony offense in Romulus, your case will begin at the 34th District Court  for preliminary examination then proceed to the Wayne County Circuit Court for trial.

The presiding judges at the Romulus District Court are the Honorable Lisa Martin, the Honorable Brian A. Oakley and the Honorable Tina Brooks Green.  The prosecuting attorney in Wayne County is Kym L. Worthy who is the elected official in charge of the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.​

Its very common for folks to be on vacation or traveling for business to end up on the wrong side of the law in Michigan.  Nothing can be more stressful than getting in trouble while away from home, and potentially facing life-altering consequences in an unfamiliar city, town or county. 

I work with a lot of client who don't call Michigan home, and everything ends up being ok.  The last thing you want to do is ignore a ticket, charge or legal issue, because you believe that distance protects you.  This is not the case; things get worse when you ignore a legal issue, and the situation becomes more serious when you don't respond or act accordingly with the case itself.  

I hear from a lot of folks who are ticketed for carrying a dangerous weapon at DTW Airport in Romulus.  It's actually more common than most people think, but it is a serious criminal offense.  

When I agree to work with a client we work to best understand the perception of the case from the viewpoint of the prosecutor, police and judge.  While my client may say it was a misunderstanding, I need to remind them that this response would be the common response for folks who both didn't intend on doing so, and folks who did intend on doing so.  Denial is not enough to resolve your case in a favorable manner.

I help clients work toward favorable results where we can avoid a criminal record long-term, avoid jail time, and learn to be more careful at the airport.  We lead with empathy and bring the case outside the four corners of the police report, focusing the judge, prosecutor and police on my client beyond this isolated incident.

​Everything is going to be ok if you're willing to work to change the perception of your case. 

​

This information is current of January 2022 - to ensure updated information, here is the live link to the Michigan State Police - https://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1878_24961-555279--,00.html​

1. Does Michigan provide sex offender information via the Internet?
Yes. Michigan's Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR) website lists convicted sex offenders required to register and be placed on the PSOR under the Sex Offenders Registration Act, 1994 PA 295, as amended

2. How much information about offenders is provided to the public?
The Public Sex Offense Registry site includes: Offender's name, date of birth, registration number, photo, registration details, physical characteristics, known alias(es), scars, marks, tattoos, offense information, address information, campus information, employment information, and vehicle information.

3. I know of someone who was convicted of a sex crime in Michigan, but his/her name is not on the list. Why not?
There are several reasons a sex offender may not be on the Public Sex Offender Registry, including:

• The offender is an adjudicated juvenile.
• The offender is deceased.
• The offender is not a Michigan resident.
• The offender's conviction was not a listed offense requiring registration.
• The offender's conviction date was prior to October 1, 1995, and the offender was no longer involved with the criminal justice system for that offense at that time.
• The offender was granted removal from the registry by a judge via court order.
• The offender's conviction requiring registration was set aside.
• The offender is/was a participant in the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) program. 
• The offender's registration duration has ended.
• The offender is registered for a single offense of one of the following offenses: 
  • MCL 750.520E (Adult victim)
  • MCL 750.520G2 (Adult victim)
  • MCL 750.10A
  • MCL 750.335A(2)(C)
  • MCL 750.449A(2)
  • Any violation of state law or local ordinance that by its nature constitutes a sexual offense against an individual who is less than 18 years of age.

4. How do I sign up to receive an email notification when a sex offender moves into my neighborhood?

• Access the Public Sex Offender Registry website. Click on "Email Alerts" in the upper righthand corner of the page and select "Register".
• Select the radius you would like to search. Options include .25, .5, 1, 2, or 5 mile radiuses. Enter your home and email addresses. A home and email address are required so that the registry can provide you notification when a registered sex offender moves, enrolls in school, or is employed within the radius of the address you have entered. Your email data will not be shared with any other individuals or organizations.
• Check the box to acknowledge you agree with the "Terms of Use". Click on "Submit".
• You will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours.
• You can register multiple addresses with the same email account, i.e., sign up to be notified of offenders living within a radius of your home, school, employment, etc. 

5. How do I change the address and/or radius designations?
To change your address or radius designations, open your last email notification you received and click on the link that reads, "If you wish to update your registration information, please click here and enter your new information". Make your changes and click on Submit.
If your email address changes or if you change Internet Service Provider, please report your new email address to info@crimewatchalert.com so you may continue to receive alerts based on your physical address.


6. I never received an email notification to confirm my registration. Why not?
Because all browsers work differently, the email may have automatically been saved in a folder other than the "new" mail folder. Please check all incoming folders (Spam, Bulk Mail, etc.) of your email service.
To better ensure that you receive the latest information within your neighborhood, please add the following email address to your personal address book: notifications@icrimewatch.net.


7. How do I deactivate my email notification account?
To deactivate your account, go to the Public Sex Offender Registry site and click on "Email Alerts" in the upper righthand corner of the page and select "Un-Register".
Type in your email address two times and click on "Unsubscribe". Please be aware that you will be unsubscribing your email from ALL notifications sent by the MSP Sex Offender Registry for ANY offenders or locations. 




8. Can I track a specific offender's moves?
Yes. After doing a search for an offender, click on the offender's photo or "View Details" and you will be taken to the "Offender Details" page. Click on "Track Offender" in the upper righthand corner. Enter your email address two times and check the box to acknowledge that you agree with the "Terms of Use". Click on "Register". 
You will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours. Any time the offender moves, changes employment, or enrolls in school, you will be notified via email.


9. Can I download the entire list of sex offenders and their information from the Internet?
The entire list of registered sex offenders and the corresponding information is not available for download at this time. You can, however, print each page you access.


10. Can the offender's victim information be released?
No. Michigan law does not allow dissemination of victim information.



11. Can you explain the search features on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry?
 
Search the Registry

• Name: Must include both a first and last name. Can include partial names. 
• Registration # or MDOC #: Enter one or the other. If you know the sex offender's registration number or their Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) number, you can search by that number.
• Street Address: When using this search field, city, county, and/or zip code must also be present.
• City, County, Zip County: Use this search to locate all published offenders found in a specified city, county, or zip code area. 

See a Neighborhood Map

• Street Address, City, Zip Code, County: Fill in one or more of these fields to search for sex offenders living in your area. 
• Radius:  Select .25, .50, 1, 2, or 5 mile radial search. 

Other Search Options

• Show list of all published offenders.
• Show list of all incarcerated offenders.
• Show list of all non-compliant offenders.

12. What does the Status on the Offender Details page mean?

• See below for a brief description of each Status:
  • Active - The offender is residing in Michigan. 
  • Incarcerated - The offender is currently incarcerated in the state of Michigan.
  • Pending Out of State - The offender is currently relocating to another state or country. Registration requirements in the new state or country have not yet been determined.
  • Inactive Out of State - The offender is residing in another state and working or attending school in Michigan.
  • Absconder - The offender has absconded from the last reported address and whereabouts are unknown. 
  • Homeless - The offender is homeless or otherwise lacks a fixed or temporary residence. 
  • School Only - The offender is residing in another state and attending school in Michigan.
  • Employment Only - The offender is residing in another state and employed in Michigan. 
• See below for a brief description of each Compliance Status: 
  • Address Violation - The offender has failed to report to a law enforcement agency to provide a current address.
  • Campus Violation - The offender has failed to report to a law enforcement agency to report enrollment or discontinuation of enrollment in an institution of higher learning.
  • Email/Internet Violation - The offender has failed to report to a law enforcement agency to provide internet screen names and/or email addresses or discontinuation of use of internet screen names and/or email addresses (only applies to those individuals whose offense committed date was on or after July 1, 2011). 
  • Employment Violation - The offender has failed to report to a law enforcement agency to report employment or discontinuation of employment.
  • Failed to Register Violation - An authenticated notification was received from another state that an offender is coming to the state of Michigan and they did not register in the allotted timeframe. 
  • Failed to Verify Violation - The offender has failed to report to a law enforcement agency to verify his/her current address.
  • False Information Violation - The offender reported false information to law enforcement regarding his/her registration. 
  • Fee Violation - The offender has failed to pay a required registration fee.
  • Form Violation - The offender has failed to sign a required registration form.
  • ID (None or Expired) Violation - The offender has failed to report to a law enforcement agency to obtain a Michigan driver's license or personal identification card.
  • Immigrant Documents Violation - The offender failed to report immigrant documents.
  • Professional License Violation - The offender failed to report a professional license.
  • Telephone Violation - The offender failed to report a telephone or discontinuation of use a telephone.
  • Vehicle Violation - The offender has failed to report to a law enforcement agency to report a vehicle or discontinuation of use of a vehicle.

13. Can I see a map of an offender's location?
Yes. After doing a search for an offender, click on the offender's photo or "View Details" and you will be taken to the "Offender Details" page. Click on Map Offender in the upper righthand corner and you will be taken to a map of the offender's location. The map is adjustable to zoom in and out. If the offender's address has not been mapped, the Map Offender button will be greyed out and you will not be able to produce a map of the address.

14. Who has to register as a sexual offender in Michigan?
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the following individuals who are domiciled or temporarily reside in this state or who work with or without compensation or are students in this state are required to be registered under this act:

• An individual who is convicted of a listed offense after October 1, 1995.
• An individual convicted of a listed offense on or before October 1, 1995 if on October 1, 1995 he or she is on probation or parole, committed to jail, committed to the jurisdiction of the department of corrections, or under the jurisdiction of the juvenile division of the probate court or the department of human services for that offense or is placed on probation or parole, committed to jail, committed to the jurisdiction of the department of corrections, placed under the jurisdiction of the juvenile division of the probate court or family division of circuit court, or committed to the department of human services after October 1, 1995 for that offense.
• An individual convicted on or before October 1, 1995 of an offense described in section 2(d)(vi) as added by 1994 PA 295 if on October 1, 1995 he or she is on probation or parole that has been transferred to this state for that offense or his or her probation or parole is transferred to this state after October 1, 1995 for that offense.
• An individual from another state who is required to register or otherwise be identified as a sex or child offender or predator under a comparable statute of that state.

(2) An individual convicted of an offense added on September 1, 1999 to the definition of listed offense is not required to be registered solely because of that listed offense unless 1 of the following applies:

• The individual is convicted of that listed offense on or after September 1, 1999.
• On September 1, 1999, the individual is on probation or parole, committed to jail, committed to the jurisdiction of the department of corrections, under the jurisdiction of the family division of circuit court, or committed to the department of human services for that offense or the individual is placed on probation or parole, committed to jail, committed to the jurisdiction of the department of corrections, placed under the jurisdiction of the family division of circuit court, or committed to the department of human services on or after September 1, 1999 for that offense.
• On September 1, 1999, the individual is on probation or parole for that offense which has been transferred to this state or the individual's probation or parole for that offense is transferred to this state after September 1, 1999.
• On September 1, 1999, in another state or country the individual is on probation or parole, committed to jail, committed to the jurisdiction of the department of corrections or a similar type of state agency, under the jurisdiction of a court that handles matters similar to those handled by the family division of circuit court in this state, or committed to an agency with the same authority as the department of human services for that offense.

(3) An individual who was previously convicted of a listed offense for which he or she was not required to register under this act, but who is convicted of any other felony on or after March 24, 2021.

15. What are the listed offenses?

• Pursuant to MCL 28.722, the following are the listed offenses that require registration in Michigan. 
• Child Sexually Abusive Activity or Material Possession (MCL 750.145c4)
• Aggravated Indecent Exposure, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (MCL 750.335a2b)
• Unlawful Imprisonment, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (MCL 750.349b)
• Engaging Services of Prostitution (MCL 750.449a2)
• Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree, (MCL 750.520e)
• Assault with Intent to Commit CSC in the Second Degree (MCL 750.520g2)
• Capturing/Distributing Image of Unclothed Person, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (MCL 750.539j)
• Any offense committed by a person who was, at the time of the offense, a sexually delinquent person (750.10a)
• Accosting, Enticing or Soliciting a Child for Immoral Purposes (MCL 750.145a)
• Accosting, Enticing or Soliciting a Child for Immoral Purposes (prior conviction) (MCL 750.145b)
• Child Sexually Abusive Activity or Material Producing/Financing (MCL 750.145c2)
• Child Sexually Abusive Activity or Material Distributing/Promoting (MCL 750.145c3)
• Use of Internet/Computer System; Prohibited Communication (MCL 750.145d1a)
• Crime Against Nature or Sodomy, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (MCL 750.158)
• Gross Indecency Between Male Persons (MCL 750.338)
• Gross Indecency Between Female Persons (MCL 750.338a)
• Gross Indecency Between Male & Female Persons (MCL 750.338b)
• Soliciting, Accosting, or Inviting to Commit Prostitution or Immoral Act, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (MCL 750.448)
• Pandering (MCL 750.455)
• Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree (MCL 750.520c)
• Human Trafficking - Recruiting Minor (MCL 750.462e(a))
• Kidnapping, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (MCL 750.349)
• Child Kidnapping, if the victim is less than 13 years of age (MCL 750.350)
• Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree (MCL 750.520b)
• Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree (MCL 750.520d)
• Assault with Intent to Commit Criminal Sexual Conduct Involving Sexual Penetration (MCL 750.520g1)
• Any offense substantially similar to a listed offense under a law of the United States, any state, or any country or under tribal or military law.

16. What are the registry responsibilities of sex offenders?

1. Offenders must report in-person to their local law enforcement agency or state police post to verify their address either annually, semi-annually, or quarterly, based on conviction(s).

Annually reporting is done within the offender's birth month.

1. Offenders must report the following information in-person no more than three (3) business days after:
   • Change in residence or domicile
   • Change in place of employment or discontinuation of employment
   • Legal name changes
   • Enrollment at an institution of higher learning or discontinuation of enrollment
2. Offenders must report the following information in-person or via United States Postal Service or drop-off no more than three (3) business days after the following changes:
   • Any temporary lodging information other than their residence for more than seven (7) days.
   • Vehicle information for vehicles owned or operated by the offender and discontinuation of ownership or use.
   • Any electronic mail (email) addresses and internet identifiers registered to me or used by me. (Only applies to individuals with offenses committed on or after July 1, 2011.)
   • Any new telephone numbers and discontinuation of telephone numbers.
3. Offenders must report in person to a local law enforcement agency, sheriff's office, or Michigan State Police post not more than three business days before moving to another state.
4. Offenders must provide the following information during their next verification period:
   • Copies of passport and/or immigration documents
   • Occupational licensing information
5. Offenders must pay a one-time $50 initial registration fee and an annual $50 registration fee every year thereafter, until a maximum of $550 is reached.
6. Offenders must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license or personal identification card. (Homeless offenders are exempt.)  
7. Offenders must sign all required registration forms.

17. How do I obtain additional information on an offense committed by a registered offender?
If you know the county in which the offense was committed, you can contact the court of conviction to request a copy of the court file. A complete directory of Michigan Trial Courts can be found on the Michigan Courts website.
If you do not know the county in which the offense was committed, you can obtain a copy of the criminal history record (CHR) through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). The criminal history record will include the county in which the offense occurred. You can then contact the court of conviction and request a copy of the court file. A search on ICHAT requires the individual's name and date of birth. There is a fee for each search. To access ICHAT, please click here.
Please note: A conviction will not appear on a criminal history check if the offender has a sealed or expunged record or was convicted in another state.

18. What is the difference between the Sex Offender Registry and the Public Sex Offender Registry?
The Sex Offender Registry (SOR) is the database that contains the sex offender registration records (both public and non-public offender information) that is available only for law enforcement purposes.
The Public Sex Offender Registry is the internet site that displays the public offender information contained in the SOR database for the public to view.

19. Are there juvenile offenders on the Public Sex Offender Registry?
No. Adjudicated juvenile offenders do not appear on the Public Sex Offender Registry.

20. What happens when an offender moves to another state?
Offenders who move to another state are required to report to their nearest law enforcement agency 3 business days prior to moving to provide their new address. The MSP Sex Offender Registry Unit then notifies the other state of the offender's reported new address. Offenders who move to another country are required to report to their local law enforcement agency 21 days prior to moving to provide their new address.
After leaving the state, offenders will no longer appear on the Public Sex Offender Registry website and are no longer active registrants unless they relocate back to Michigan.
Once in the new state, offenders must comply with the registry requirements of that state.

21. Who should I contact if I know of an error on the website?
If you are aware of an error regarding an offender's information on the website, you may either submit a tip to the Sex Offender Registry or you can contact the law enforcement agency where the offender's registered address is located. To submit a tip, click on the Submit a Tip button in the upper righthand corner of the Offender Details page. 

22. Who should I contact if I think an offender is in violation of the Sex Offenders Registration Act?
If you think an offender is in violation of his registration requirements, you should contact the local law enforcement agency where the offender is actually residing.


23. Are there websites similar to the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry where I can access information regarding registered sex offenders in other states?
Yes. Some states have Internet sites listing registered sex offenders within their state. A list of websites by state can be found at: https://www.nsopw.gov/en/registry/.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice established the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website at https://www.nsopw.gov. This site allows citizens to search the sex offender registries of participating states.

When charged with a crime in Michigan, you're left standing in the middle of a dance floor with the police, judge, prosecutor, probation and your friends and family staring at you with their arms crossed.  They might be in shock at the crime you committed, and you're being judged on the drunk driving incident, and only that incident.  To be judged on the four corners of the police report leaves you with no place to go.  

What dance move could you pull off to get the heat off your back, and to change the perception of yourself post-incident? That's a huge challenge, and very difficult.  But what if there was another way?

What if we simply changed the song? That's exactly what I do for my clients who are charged with drunk driving in Michigan.  We adopt a proactive approach and lead with empathy, and a growth mindset. 

​Reckless Driving
To found guilty of this offense, the prosecution must show that you were driving a car on a road open to the public or generally accessible to cars, including a parking lot, and you drove the car in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.  "Willful or wanton disregard" means more than simple carelessness but does not require proof of an intent to cause harm. It means knowingly disregarding the possible risks to the safety of people or property.

This offense is a 90-day misdemeanor and carries many of the same license implications, fines and costs of a drunk driving offense.  If convicted of this offense, six points would be added to your license.

The prosecution will attempt to prove this charge with testimony of your driving including speed, along with the the road conditions.  If there is evidence of intoxication, the prosecution will be allowed to introduce this evidence; the jury may factor this into the decision whether there was a "willful or wanton disregard" for the safety or persons or property, but this alone is not enough for a conviction.

One way to defeat a reckless driving charge is to show an error in judgment on the part of the charged driver to explain the erratic driving,  which creates reasonable doubt as "willful or wanton disregard".  Let's say you're observed switching lanes, which causes an accident, and you're charged with reckless driving - well if the other car was in your blind spot, then this may be merely negligence on your part, not willful disregard.

There is no best way, each client will make that determination for themselves.  The video below is how my clients approach DUI cases with great success; I look forward to hearing about your case and how my plan could work for you.

Watch the video below, and send me an email jonathan@michiganlawgrad.com or call me 248-924-9458
​

A very common question about retail fraud in Michigan; once you commit the crime, or the store thinks you have, there is no curing the crime by paying after the fact.  Even if you believe its a mix-up, you may, and likely will still be charged with shoplifting.  It's time to get all the facts and work toward potentially having your case dismissed. 

Yes, you can certainly go to jail.  For a misdemeanor its either 93 days or one year, and more for a felony.  Is that the likely outcome? Potentially not, here is a helpful video on how I approach retail fraud cases in Michigan

Absolutely! But you need a path and a plan to get there.  ​Watch the video below, and send me an email jonathan@michiganlawgrad.com or call me 248-924-9458

Yes, retail fraud is either a misdemeanor or a felony, and would go on your record if you simply plead guilty.  If you're seeking a different result than retail fraud on your record, I have a solution for you. 

Watch the video below, and send me an email jonathan@michiganlawgrad.com or call me 248-924-9458

There is no difference in Michigan; there is no such offense as shoplifting in Michigan; the crime is either labeled as retail fraud or larceny, and has different degrees, and could be a felony or misdemeanor.  

​Watch the video below, and send me an email jonathan@michiganlawgrad.com or call me 248-924-9458

Charged with retail fraud, and ready to take action to keep it from going on your record?

​Watch the video below, and send me an email jonathan@michiganlawgrad.com or call me 248-924-9458

​Tired of probation? Ready to move on and get your life back, here's the secret to getting off probation early in Michigan.

​If you are charged with a Michigan misdemeanor offense in Howell, Brighton or any other part of Livingston County, your case will be heard at the 53rd District, which has two locations at 204 S. Highlander Way Howell, MI 48843 and 224 N. First Street Brighton, MI 48116.

If you are charged with a Michigan felony offense in Livingston County your case will begin at the 53rd District Court  for preliminary examination then proceed to the Livingston County Circuit Court for trial.

The most common offenses in in this court are domestic violence, retail fraud, drug offenses, assault crimes, resisting arrest, traffic tickets, careless and reckless driving, mdop, embezzlement, csc offenses and DUI's ​

The presiding judges in Livingston County are Daniel Bain, Shauna Murphy, Suzanne Geddis and Michael P. Hatty. The prosecuting attorney in Livingston County is David Reader, who is the elected official in charge of the Livingston County Prosecutor's Office.

​1. Tell me where you were before being approached by the police? Most clients are somewhere consuming alcohol.  This could be your home, a bar, restaurant, party or another venue.  This information will give your attorney a starting point in determining your alcohol consumption and time frame, which the alcohol was consumed.

2. What were you drinking, and how much? Drinking beer, wine or liquor makes a difference, and of course the amount of alcohol you consumed.  You may not remember exact amounts, but even a good guess or estimation will give your attorney a lot of valuable information to assess your case.

3. When and how long ago did you consume alcohol prior to being approached by the police? I always use this example with clients.  If you’re stone cold sober, and you do a quick shot of alcohol, and jump behind the wheel, your blood alcohol content is going to be at 0.00 for a short period of time.  Only after some time passes, will your body absorb the alcohol, and you will register a blood alcohol content.  This important information will allow your attorney to compare the test results to what you actually consumed.

Q. Will the police come to my house and arrest me? If you've been charged with a crime in Michigan, the police can come arrest you based upon an an active arrest warrant.  For felony offenses in Michigan, the police will most likely come arrest you, unless your attorney can arrange to have a walk-in arraignment to avoid an embarrassing arrest.  If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you will receive a notice in the mail to appear for court, and will most likely not be arrested prior to this court date.  The problem with even a misdemeanor is you may not have notice of the case, and failure to respond who trigger the police coming to your home, even for a misdemeanor offense.

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​Q. What's an arraignment? This will be your first court appearance where you appear before a magistrate or judge in Oakland County.  You do not have the right to an attorney at this point in your case; you must hire an attorney to be represented at your arraignment.  The magistrate or judge will read the charges and you will enter a plea of not-guilty, guilty or stand mute.  The magistrate or judge will also set a bond, along with various bond conditions.  I would advise anyone charged with a crime to hire an attorney for an arraignment.  

Q. If the judge sets a bond in my case, how do I pay? A judge can set a personal recognizance bond, which means you simply promise to return to court, but don't post any money.  A judge may also set a cash or surety bond, which means you will need to post this amount to be released during the pendency of your case.  If the judge sets a 10 percent provision, it means you only need to actually post 10 percent of the amount set, and the other 90 percent will be owed to the court if you do not show-up.  It is always best to bring someone to post bond for you, because some courts will not allow a defendant to post their own bond.  

Simply, YES! If a judge agrees to expunge your drunk driving, the conviction will be removed from you record.  

​Watch the video below, and send me an email jonathan@michiganlawgrad.com or call me 248-924-9458

1. Its time to take a deep breath; you've just been ticketed or released from jail; you're on the internet looking for a solution.  It's time to do your research on what you're charged with; be educated, learn the penalties and consequences, and what is required to convict you of the offense.

2. Take some time to write down your thoughts about what happened; be honest with yourself; did you break the law? Was there a misunderstanding? Denying you did something that you did does not work; if you broke the law, own it at least to yourself for now.  You're going to drive yourself mad trying to defend something that you actually did; it's a mouse trap that is going to get you every time.

3. Here's the good news; it's ok to be guilty and still get a fantastic result; an outcome where you leave the case with potentially no criminal record in the long-run; you can avoid jail, keep your license, your job etc.

4. Decide if you want to lead with empathy and tell your story; if true, I am happy to share my approach; it will take too much time to type here, but  I will share that with you.

5. Set goals; realistic goals.  A realistic goal is not "I want this to go away with an apology"; that doesn't happen.  Let's be realistic; you were arrested, and you're charged with a crime, how do we get to A to Z and hit your goals.  

I have represented 100's of students and Michigan fans who are ticketed on gameday weekends for various offenses, here ae the five most important steps to take once ticketed:

1. Take a deep breath; there is nothing you can do in the moment, go enjoy the game; its if late at night, go to bed.  If you wish to take touch with an attorney, send me an email jonathan@michiganlawgrad.com or text/call me 248-924-9458.  You can send me a copy of the ticket; get that off your plate.

2. Once you regroup that evening or the next day, you will see a text reply or email reply letting you know that your case is manageable and everything is going to be OK.  You are where 100's of my clients have been in the past, and every single one of them had a favorable result if they followed my plan.

3.  In the coming days, I will give you a few proactive steps to take on your own time to improve your case, and help me help you figure out a great outcome.

4.  Our goal is to keep you from having a criminal record; that is a possible; it's also possible to have you excused from court, or to join court via zoom. 

5. This case does not need to have long-term consequences on your life; you're successful, and having a criminal record over an isolated moment in time is not equitable.  Believe in common sense; lean in on telling your story; this case will not define you.