Federal Government Seeks Retrial Against Former State Representative

Original Case Details

The federal government continues to pursue legal action against Larry Inman, a Michigan state representative representing Michigan’s 104th District. Inman is accused of putting his vote out for sale relating to a 2018 Michigan wage law issue. He is alleged to have asked for a $30,000 campaign contribution to vote “no” on the wage law issue in a set of text messages. Inman faced a jury trial in December 2019 where he was charged with three separate federal offenses:

Attempted Extortion: This is a federal felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison upon conviction and a fine of up to $250,000.
• Bribery: This is a federal felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction and a fine of up to $250,000.
• Lying to a federal agent: This is a federal felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in federal prison upon conviction and a fine of up to $250,000.

Inman was acquitted on the charge of lying to a federal agent by the jury, but the jurors could not agree on a verdict on the remaining bribery and attempted extortion charges. When a jury can’t agree on a verdict, the jury is then considered a “hung jury” and the judge then declares a mistrial and dismisses the charges. After a mistrial due to a hung jury, the prosecution typically refiles charges to seek a second trial.

Federal Government Seeks Retrial

Inman’s attorney submitted a motion for dismissal of the remaining two charges this past July. Federal prosecutors contend that this motion was submitted far too late without proper explanation of why it took so long to file. Under Rule 29, the defense attorney should have filed his motion to dismiss within 14 days of the case being declared a mistrial. Inman’s attorney waited more than 200 days before he filed his motion. Federal prosecutors have cried foul over Inman’s attorney taking so long to file for dismissal of the remaining charges. Prosecutors contend that Inman’s defense attorney did not provide the necessary “excusable neglect” reasons to allow for the dismissal motion to be filed so late. This issue and others will be determined at an upcoming hearing to determine if Michigan State House Representative Larry Inman will have to face a second trial on the remaining attempted extortion and bribery charges.

What Happens Next?

United States District Court Judge Robert Jonker will hear arguments related to the motion for dismissal filed by Inman’s attorney. It seems that whatever that decision is, it will be appealed as federal prosecutors have stated their position that Judge Jonker is precluded from hearing this dismissal motion and making the decision because doing so would “effectively make this court the judge, jury, and executioner of federal criminal charges” and Judge Jonker hearing and making a decision on the case could harm the case from having proper appellate review. If Judge Jonker denies the defense’s motion for a dismissal, then a trial date would be set amid the backdrop of a likely appeal to the United States 6th Circuit Court of Appeals by Inman’s defense. If Judge Jonker agrees with the defense and dismisses the case, federal prosecutors will also likely appeal to the 6th Circuit Court.

Any Further Questions?

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime or are being investigated for one, then it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Grabel & Associates, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience in successfully defending criminal cases all over the state of Michigan. This experience extends not only to adult cases, but also to juvenile charges. We are not a general practice firm. We are a team of criminal defense attorneys; it’s all we do. We offer a FREE consultation to anyone with questions relating to a possible or existing criminal charge against them or a loved one. Feel free to contact us on our 24/7 defense line at 1-800-342-7896. You can also contact us online or come visit us at one of our three statewide locations. We can also come to you.

Contact Information