If you are facing criminal charges, the stakes are high. A criminal conviction can result in fines, probation, and even prison time. In addition, a criminal record can have long-term consequences, affecting your employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships. That’s why it’s crucial to have a criminal defense attorney on your side.

A criminal defense attorney is so important:

1. Protection of Your Rights

An experienced criminal defense attorney will know how to protect your constitutional rights, such as your right to remain silent and your right to a fair trial. Your attorney can also ensure that law enforcement officials and prosecutors do not violate your rights during the investigation and prosecution of your case, so hire an attorney early.

2. Understanding of the Legal System

Criminal law is complex and constantly evolving. An experienced criminal defense attorney will have a deep understanding of the legal system, including the rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and the strategies that work best in different types of cases.

3. Strategic Advice

Your attorney can provide you with strategic advice on how to handle your case, from negotiating plea deals to taking your case to trial. Your attorney can also help you understand the potential consequences of each decision you make, so you can make informed choices.

4. Advocacy on Your Behalf

Your attorney will be your advocate throughout the criminal justice process. This means fighting for your rights, negotiating on your behalf, and making sure that your side of the story is heard.

5. Mitigation of Consequences

Even if you are found guilty, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help mitigate the consequences of a criminal conviction. This may include negotiating a plea deal that reduces the charges or sentence, or seeking alternative sentencing options, such as community service or rehabilitation programs.

In Michigan, criminal drug offenses can have serious consequences, ranging from hefty fines to lengthy prison sentences. Despite efforts to reform drug laws and reduce the number of people incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses, Michigan still has some of the harshest drug laws in the country.

Under Michigan law, drug offenses are classified into different categories based on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as the circumstances of the offense. The most serious drug offenses are classified as “controlled substance offenses,” which can include manufacturing, distributing, or possessing drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Depending on the specifics of the offense, these offenses can carry penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment.

Michigan also has strict penalties for “drug paraphernalia offenses,” which involve possessing or selling items used to consume or produce drugs, such as pipes, syringes, or scales. Even simple possession of drug paraphernalia can result in a misdemeanor charge and up to 1 year in jail, while selling or distributing drug paraphernalia can result in a felony charge and up to 2 years in prison.

The state also imposes harsh penalties for drug offenses committed near schools or other designated “drug-free zones.” For example, selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school can result in a mandatory 2-year prison sentence, regardless of the type or amount of drugs involved.

Despite these strict penalties, there have been efforts to reform Michigan’s drug laws in recent years. In 2018, voters approved a ballot measure that legalized recreational marijuana for adults over 21, and the state has since expanded its medical marijuana program. However, possession of marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and many people continue to face criminal charges for nonviolent drug offenses.

Remember, criminal drug offenses in Michigan carry serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and even life imprisonment. While there have been some efforts to reform the state’s drug laws, many critics argue that more needs to be done to address the underlying issues of addiction and social inequality that contribute to drug-related crime. Hiring an attorney can make an enormous difference in a drug offense case.

What if my neighbor won’t maintain their side of the fence?

Under Michigan law, when two adjacent property owners share a boundary line, they are generally considered to be “common owners” of any fence located on that boundary line. This means that both property owners share equal responsibility for maintaining and repairing the fence.

However, there are some exceptions to this general rule. For example, if one property owner built the fence entirely on their own property, without any contribution or agreement from the adjacent property owner, then that property owner would be solely responsible for maintaining and repairing the fence.

Similarly, if there is a written agreement between the two property owners that allocates responsibility for the fence maintenance, then that agreement would govern the respective responsibilities of the two property owners.

In the absence of a written agreement or any other factors that might affect the allocation of responsibility, both property owners are generally expected to share equally in the cost and responsibility of maintaining the fence. This could include repairing any damage, replacing missing or broken sections, and ensuring that the fence remains in good condition.

It is important to note that property owners in Michigan have a legal duty to maintain a fence that is in a safe condition and does not pose a danger to others. If a fence is in a state of disrepair and causes injury or damage to someone, the property owner responsible for maintaining the fence could be held liable for any resulting damages or injuries.

In Michigan, antitrust law generally prohibits agreements or practices that restrain trade or competition. However, Michigan law also recognizes a limited exemption for restrictive covenants in employment agreements, such as non-competition agreements and non-solicitation agreements.

Under Michigan law, restrictive covenants are generally enforceable if they are reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area, and if they are necessary to protect a legitimate business interest of the employer. Such interests may include protecting trade secrets, confidential information, customer relationships, or the investment of time and resources in training employees.

The Michigan antitrust exemption for restrictive covenants in employment agreements is rooted in the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act (MARA), which was enacted in 1980 to modernize and clarify Michigan antitrust law. MARA includes a provision that exempts certain types of agreements from the general prohibition on restraints of trade, including agreements between an employer and employee relating to the employment relationship.

However, on January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an extension of an earlier policy statement announcing its intention to prohibit the use of non-compete clauses in employment contracts, citing concerns about their potential negative impact on employee mobility and competition in the labor market. The FTC’s statement does not have the force of law, but it is a strong signal that the agency will be taking a more aggressive stance on non-competes going forward.

The FTC’s proposed ban on non-compete clauses in employment agreements could potentially affect Michigan’s antitrust exemption for restrictive covenants. If the FTC’s ban were to be implemented, it could invalidate non-compete clauses in Michigan employment contracts that would otherwise be considered reasonable and enforceable under Michigan law.

However, it is important to note that the FTC’s policy statement only applies to non-compete clauses, and not to other types of restrictive covenants such as non-solicitation agreements. Moreover, the FTC’s ban is not yet in effect, and it remains to be seen how it will be implemented and enforced.

In conclusion, Michigan antitrust law recognizes a limited exemption for restrictive covenants in employment agreements, such as non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, as long as they are reasonable in scope and necessary to protect legitimate business interests. However, the proposed FTC ban on non-compete clauses in employment agreements could potentially affect the enforceability of such agreements in Michigan and elsewhere. Employers should stay informed about these developments and consult with legal counsel to ensure that their employment agreements are in compliance with the law.

Zamzow Fabian PLLC serves as local counsel for out-of-state lawyers, that can mean acting as the guide navigating Michigan civil procedure or lead counsel. We’ve worked through local counsel in other jurisdiction’s ourselves, and we’ve learned that having the right local counsel is important to an optimized outcome. For out-of-state attorneys involved in Michigan lawsuits or Western District of Michigan lawsuits, choose Zamzow Fabian PLLC as local counsel.

1. Michigan Civil Procedure

A wealth of experience in handling the nuance of Michigan lawsuits and civil procedure in Michigan Courts, and the Western District of Michigan. Out-of-state attorneys can rely on our expertise to navigate the intricacies of the local legal system. By engaging Zamzow Fabian PLLC, attorneys can avoid potential pitfalls and procedural missteps that could jeopardize their clients’ interests.

2. Strong Relationships

Strong relationships in the Western Michigan legal community provide invaluable insights into local practices, preferences, and expectations that can significantly impact case outcomes. Zamzow Fabian PLLC can help out-of-state attorneys better understand and anticipate the nuances of the local legal environment across Western Michigan.

3. Effective Communication and Collaboration

With open channels, we can achieve seamless communication and collaboration in legal matters between general counsel, client, and local counsel. We prioritize staying connected with out-of-state counterparts, ensuring that all parties are informed and up-to-date throughout the litigation process. Our commitment to effective communication not only fosters trust but also enables attorneys to work together strategically to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.

Conclusion:

For out-of-state attorneys involved in Michigan lawsuits or cases in the Western District, the choice of local counsel can make a difference. Zamzow Fabian PLLC offers extensive knowledge, strong local relationships, effective communication, a customized approach, and a proven track record of success. These attributes make Zamzow Fabian PLLC an ideal partner for out-of-state attorneys seeking the best possible representation for their clients in Michigan.