Michigan Criminal Defense Blog
Explore legal insights, criminal defense guidance, and practical information from Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law. These articles are designed to help individuals in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan better understand the criminal justice process, their rights, and the decisions that may affect their future.
Learn about DUI / OWI charges, domestic violence, drug offenses, criminal court procedures, probation violations, warrants, license restoration, and serious felony defense.
Field Sobriety Tests Explained (Michigan DUI)
How reliable are field sobriety tests in Michigan? Learn how they work, their limitations, and how they can be challenged in DUI cases.
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Michigan
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Michigan? Learn pricing factors, fee structures, and whether hiring a lawyer is worth it.
Understanding the Degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan
Michigan law organizes sexual offense charges into four degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct under MCL 750.520b through 750.520e. The degrees are distinguished primarily by whether the offense involved sexual penetration or sexual contact, the age of the alleged victim, the relationship between the parties, and whether force, coercion, or a weapon was involved.
What Is Michigan’s Super Drunk Law?
Michigan takes drunk driving seriously at any BAC level, but drivers who register a blood alcohol concentration of 0.17 or higher face a separate set of penalties under what is commonly known as the Super Drunk Law. Enacted in 2010, Michigan’s High BAC law under MCL 257.625(1)(c) was designed to impose enhanced consequences on drivers
Michigan Romeo and Juliet Laws: A Defense Against CSC Charges?
When young people are involved in a consensual relationship, criminal charges can sometimes follow if one party is under the legal age of consent. Parents and young adults are often shocked to learn that what they believed was a lawful relationship may lead to charges for Criminal Sexual Conduct, also known as CSC. This is
What to Do After a DUI Arrest in Michigan
A DUI arrest can turn a normal day into a serious legal problem. Many people feel shocked, stressed, and unsure of what comes next. That confusion can lead to mistakes that make the situation worse. If you were arrested for drunk driving in Michigan, what you do in the next hours and days matters. This
The Difference Between Being Detained and Being Arrested in Michigan
Many people are unclear about the difference between being detained and being arrested in Michigan. While both involve interactions with law enforcement, the legal standards, rights, and potential consequences vary greatly. Knowing the difference between these two legal terms is essential for knowing how to respond appropriately, protecting your legal rights, and avoiding actions that
The crucial role of forensic evidence in sex crime defense
In the realm of sex crime defense, forensic evidence can play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of a case. The collection and analysis of evidence can make or break a defendant’s chances of a fair verdict. If you are facing sex crime charges, do you know how forensic evidence can impact your defense?
How does Michigan classify felonies and misdemeanors?
Understanding how Michigan classifies felonies and misdemeanors helps you know what to expect if facing criminal charges. These classifications affect the penalties, court processes, and long-term consequences. What defines a felony? In Michigan, felonies are serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies include offenses like murder, robbery, and certain drug crimes.
What are the elements of breaking and entering?
If you’re facing breaking and entering charges, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. The legal system can be intimidating, but understanding the elements of the charge against you is crucial to building a strong defense. In this blog, we’ll break down the three key elements of breaking and entering. After reading,