Criminal justice reform has brought with it an increased emphasis on rehabilitation rather than on incarceration. With this reform, Michigan has established several problem-solving courts that are designed to rehabilitate, provide specialized treatment services, and provide intensive supervision. The specialty courts currently operating within the state include: Drug Court Sobriety Court Adult Mental Health Court...

Since 1970, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), along with heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. However, that could soon change. That's because the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) plans to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. What does Schedule I mean? Under the CSA’s classification system,...

Facing DUI charges (referred to as OWI in Michigan) can have a serious personal and professional impact. A conviction can mean significant financial strain due to fines and legal fees and the potential loss of driving privileges, which can affect one's ability to work. A criminal record can make it difficult to find another job,...

Michigan's OWI laws are strict, with penalties that can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life. Whether it's your first encounter with the law or you have previous OWI charges, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. The key to effectively dealing with an OWI charge...

When prosecutors move forward with DUI charges, they rely on evidence that was gathered by the police officer who made the traffic stop. During a stop, an officer may begin by asking the driver if they know why they were pulled over if they have been drinking, where they are coming from, and where they...

Put yourself in the best position to protect your legal rights. Any criminal charge can change your life dramatically, but few charges have more serious consequences than domestic violence. Even being charged with domestic violence can have a massive impact on your reputation, your career, and your future. And if you are convicted of a...

During the holiday season in Michigan and other states, law enforcement officials often take a tough stance on drinking and driving. So if you do get pulled over by police, be prepared to be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. A DUI charge can have a huge impact on your life. You...

Never answer questions without a lawyer by your side. Many people probably know they have Miranda rights, and should they ever be arrested, a police officer will explain or "read" their rights to them. Miranda rights include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. They protect people suspected of crimes from...

The stakes are high if you've been charged with assault. A question our criminal defense attorneys get a lot is, "Do I need a lawyer?" Every case is unique, but for the most part, if you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Michigan, then it's in your interests to review your legal...

Police officers are trained to detect the smell of alcohol on a driver's breath during a traffic stop. The odor of alcohol on breath can be key evidence in a DUI arrest. But how is this evidence useful in DUI cases? The DUI defense attorneys at Manley & Manley discuss the relevance of alcohol on...