Most people deserve a second chance. That’s the premise behind Michigan’s new “Clean Slate” laws, which are intended to allow some adult and juvenile residents an opportunity to clear their criminal records of nonviolent crimes. How Michigan's Clean Slate laws work The new laws were approved last fall and took effect on April 11, 2021....

A police officer approaches you and starts asking questions about drinking. You probably realize the officer suspects you of driving under the influence (DUI), also known as DWI or OWI. What are your rights? First off, it’s important to understand your rights if you’re suspected of DUI. Knowing them can make a difference as you...

Tax evasion occurs when a person or company illegally evades paying their tax liability. Simply having tax debt or being slightly behind on your tax debt payments doesn't constitute tax fraud. If a person is negligent, or if the government cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime has been committed, the penalty for...

Being convicted of a drug charge in Michigan can have serious consequences. People found guilty may face penalties that include jail time, fines, court fees, community service, suspension of their driver’s license and mandatory substance abuse counseling. If you have been convicted on a second, third or subsequent drug charge, the penalties get harsher. It’s...

Federal and state criminal charges vary depending on the type of crime you're accused of and the government agency bringing the charges against you. Any criminal charge can have a serious impact on your life, no matter how minor it may seem. If you're being investigated for a crime, it's important that you understand the...

When people have completed their sentence after a criminal conviction, they are said to have paid their debt to society. But the truth is a criminal record can impact your life long after you have paid fines and served time. It’s harder to get a good job. You may not be able to get a...

Being charged with a computer sex crime is a serious matter. As a result of a conviction, you may face harsh legal consequences and your reputation can potentially be ruined for life. You may also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. If that happens, you won't be able...

If you were charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Michigan, the legal consequences can be harsh. A first DUI charge can result in: Up to 93 days in jail A fine between $100 and $500 Up to 360 hours of community service Driver's license suspension for 30 days Driver's license restrictions for 150...

There is a reason police across Michigan often go the extra mile to keep drunk drivers off the road. Drunk driving kills more than 10,000 people each year across the United States, according to the NHTSA. In Michigan, more than 1,000 people have died in drunk driving crashes from 2015-2018. Can I be arrested merely...

While sobriety checkpoints are illegal under the state's constitution, police have other ways of cracking down on drunk drivers. Some officers either make errors in judgment or take their efforts too far. This includes going after people who may not be driving drunk. There are a number of methods police use to justify making a...