In late October, an accident in which a pickup truck rear-ended a car on eastbound I-96 in Novi resulted in the arrest of a man who was allegedly intoxicated and subsequently charged with OWI (operating a vehicle while intoxicated). While the driver who was struck suffered neck pain and other minor injuries according to news reports, it’s likely that the man arrested for OWI will have his driver’s license suspended or even revoked, depending on his criminal history.

Michigan driver’s license restoration attorneys know that while jail time, fines and other penalties are often severe, perhaps the most severe of all is losing the privilege to drive. Driving is a right that most of us take for granted; until it is gone, we often don’t realize just how it impacts our lives and ability to work, attend school, or simply run to the grocery store.

According to news reports, the accident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on October 21 on I-96 east of Novi Road. The car that was struck sustained heavy rear-end damage; the driver was transported to Providence Park Hospital via ambulance. A witness told police that the suspect was driving erratically and that as he had pulled over when the accident took place, he suspected the driver of the pickup was intoxicated.

Sobriety tests conducted by police revealed that the driver of the pickup had a blood alcohol level of 0.207, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 in Michigan. Police also found a receipt indicating the man had more than 12 shots at a local grill in Commerce Township earlier in the evening. A bottle of cold beer that had been opened was also located in the pickup.

After being arrested on charges of OWI, the man’s case was turned over to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for further review for any possible additional charges.

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In late May, 29-year-old Robert Thurman Fields and his wife, 30-year-old Nickolena Margaret Fields were arrested and taken into custody after police obtained a search warrant and found several components of a meth lab along with a small amount of what they suspected to be methamphetamine. The two suspects were living in a rented apartment in Ishpeming.

Several operations were involved in the search conducted at 129 W. Superior Street, including UPSET (Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team), Ishpeming Police and Michigan State Police. Both suspects were placed in the Marquette County Jail after being taken into custody. Fields was charged with two counts of controlled substance and operating or maintaining laboratory involving meth; his wife was charged with one count on the same offense.

In October Fields pled guilty to delivery and manufacturing of methamphetamine as part of a plea agreement. News reports made no mention of Field’s wife, but did say that he could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison along with a $25,000 fine.

On November 2, Robert Fields was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by Marquette County Judge Thomas Solka, and given credit for time served. He has one year remaining on his sentence. The judge in the case did say that in handing out the sentence, the court must consider the reformation of Fields, the needs of the community and deterring other individuals who may be engaging in behavior similar to that of the Fields.

Michigan drug defense lawyers know that the sentence for Mr. Fields could have been much harsher. While it is not mentioned if he is required to pay a fine, spending 18 months in prison versus 20 years is a substantial difference.

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Pamela McMichael, a 55-year-old woman who was working as a budget analyst in Eastern Michigan University’s Extended Programs and Educational Outreach department, has been accused of embezzling approximately $10,000 according to police and news reports. The embezzlement occurred over the summer months, according to EMU Police Chief Bob Heighes.

Heighes stated that investigators are not certain just how long it has been going on, and that the investigation is not yet complete. So far, efforts have been focused on the past summer. McMichael was arraigned on November 3rd on one count of embezzlement by an agent or trustee of more than $1,000 but less than $20,000 according to records.

McMichael, who was arrested on Friday and released from the Washtenaw County Jail on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond, has been placed on leave by the university. During a normal audit process which took place in August, the alleged embezzlement was revealed when auditors discovered irregularities. Police then took over the investigation.

According to news reports, McMichael will face a fine of three times the amount embezzled and as much as five years in prison if convicted of the charge. A preliminary exam is scheduled on November 13 at 8:30 a.m. according to Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Geoffrey Fox.

Individuals who are charged with embezzlement and other theft related offenses must have a competent Michigan embezzlement attorney on their side in order to protect their legal rights and freedom. These types of charges are often extremely complex and diverse; because you have been arrested does not automatically mean that you must spend time in jail or face a permanent criminal record. Until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, you are innocent.

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In late October, three men were charged with home invasion after working with a Dexter, Michigan, man to break into numerous homes in Ann Arbor and Dexter in the months of July and August. Now, two of those men are facing at least 20 felony charges each in addition to the second-degree home invasion charges.

Jeffrey Aron Schuh, 20, and Quang Nguyen, 19, were both arraigned recently on two charges each of second-degree home invasion. According to records, Schuh now faces 20 additional felony charges relating to 9 cases; Nguyen faces 24 additional felony charges related to 10 cases. Steven Colwell of Dexter, Nguyen, Schuh and Schuh’s father, Jeffrey Arthur Schuh, all allegedly worked together to break into numerous homes in Dexter, Ann Arbor and other Washtenaw County areas.

News reports indicate that Nguyen and Jeffrey Aron Schuh allegedly broke into homes on six different occasions in July, and three in August. Nguyen and Schuh’s father broke into another home on July 26.

The two men now face multiple charges, and face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. Nguyen is facing two charges each of safe breaking, stealing a financial transaction device, and first-degree home invasion along with 18 charges of second-degree home invasion. Jeffrey Aron Schuh faces identical charges with the exception of second-degree home invasion, in which he was charged with 16 counts.

Nguyen, Schuh and Schuh’s father are currently held at the Washtenaw County Jail, and are expected to return to court on November 8 for preliminary exams.

The 4-man home invasion ring fell apart when Colwell was arrested on August 9th and confessed to police about the home invasions which took place mostly in Ann Arbor and Dexter. Residents reported stolen belongings which included credit cards and jewelry.

Michigan home invasion lawyers know that breaking and entering is a serious offense that puts the accused at risk of facing severe punishment if convicted. This is a crime that under Michigan law is tough to defend, making it essential that you choose an aggressive, capable attorney.

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Oakland County Sheriff’s officials stated in a release on Friday, October 26, that two teens had been arraigned on felony murder and home invasion charges for an incident that left a 27-year-old Pontiac man dead. Donald Lee James, a 16-year-old Lake Orion High School student and 17-year-old Jonathan Hickerson of Pontiac were charged in the slaying of Adrian Contreras.

Apparently, Hickerson was injured in the incident as news reports state that he was being treated at a hospital for a gunshot wound he sustained during the altercation.

Contreras’ home, located in the 800 block of Inglewood Ave. near Cesar Chavez is where the alleged home invasion and killing took place on Monday, October 22 at approximately 3:30 a.m. Contreras died of a gunshot wound to the head according to the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office, although he also suffered two gunshots to the chest.

The two teens allegedly forced their way into the home, then fired numerous shots; one of the victim’s two brothers who were inside the home returned fire at the intruders. Contreras’ wife and 6-month-old baby were inside the residence, but escaped and hid at a neighbor’s residence nearby.

In all, five people were inside the home when the home invasion occurred; no other injuries were reported. Reports claim that four pit bulls which were inside the Contreras’ home were removed by Oakland County Animal Control officers.

Some media outlets have suggested that Contreras was a target rather than an innocent victim in a home invasion, although the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office release indicates a home invasion. No further details of the incident or motive were revealed in news reports.

Michigan homicide defense attorneys understand the seriousness of charges such as felony murder and home invasion, and the consequences individuals face if convicted.

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Enrique Amaya, a 31-year-old Pontiac man, was sentenced on Monday to life in prison for conspiracy to commit murder by Detroit federal judge Paul Borman. Amaya was found guilty of the charges in June, after allegedly hiring a hit man to kill a man in Colorado so that he could avoid paying a cocaine debt of $400,000.

The judge also sentenced two other men involved in the case, 33-year-old Jesus Medina-Meraz of Sheridan, CO and alleged hit man 30-year-old Franklin Sierra-Rodriguez. Both pleaded guilty to murder conspiracy. Rodriguez was sentenced to 40 years in prison, Meraz to 32 years behind bars.

According to Barbara McQuade, Detroit U.S. Attorney, Amaya received large shipments of cocaine from Colorado. McQuade alleged that Amaya hired Sierra-Rodriguez to kill the Littleton, CO supplier Joaquin Lucero-Carrillo in his apartment in June of 2010.

News reports claim that at the time of the shooting, several witnesses were present. Colorado detectives were led to the metro Detroit area after investigations began, where Amaya’s drug dealings were being investigated by the U.S. DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). The two agencies then worked in unison to piece together evidence and identify additional suspects. Investigations ultimately revealed that Sierra-Rodriguez had been hired by Amaya and his co-conspirator Medina-Meraz to kill the victim in order to wipe out the $400,000 cocaine debt.

Three other individuals pleaded guilty for their involvement in the murder-for-hire plot, and are awaiting sentencing. The three men were identified in news reports as 24-year-old Jose Alejandro Villalon-Espinoza of Pontiac, 27-year-old Rafael Maravillas, also of Pontiac, and 25-year-old Franklin Baquedano of Waterford.

When an individual is sentenced to life behind bars, his or her life is essentially over. Even being sentenced to many years in prison affects your future, career, relationships – every aspect of your life. A seasoned Michigan murder defense attorney will work aggressively to protect the legal rights and freedom of his client.

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On Friday, October 26, 14-year-old Joshua Smith was sentenced to 25-50 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of second-degree murder in the death of his mother, Tamiko Andrea Robinson, in September. Smith is charged as an adult in the case, and also pleaded guilty to a felony firearm charge. He was originally charged with first-degree murder.

Chiko Lewis, Robinson’s fiancé, testified in March at Smith’s preliminary examination that he heard gunshots as he slept in a back bedroom at Robinson’s home in the 5700 block of Burns on the night of February 27th. Lewis said that after hearing the gunshots, he tucked his 5-year-old daughter under his arm and attempted to escape, at which time he saw 36-year-old Robinson at the foot of the stairs. He said that she was bleeding, and had been struck by bullets. According to Lewis’ testimony earlier in 36th District Court, Robinson was gasping for breath and bleeding profusely.

Lewis claimed that after finding Robinson at the foot of the stairs, he noticed Smith standing above him on the staircase, pointing a shotgun directly at him. He said he started begging for his own life, saying, “please, please, please.”

News reports state that the courtroom was packed with about 50 students from Detroit Country Day, and that as Smith’s family spoke he wiped tears from his face with his T-shirt. Smith’s grandmother, Annie McKenzie, told the judge that Joshua had an insane moment, and that he was a good boy. She said he was not a killer, and that “I lost a daughter. Now I’m losing a grandson as well.”

The shooting allegedly occurred over a fight between Smith and his mother, who had told him not to hang out with boys that she considered to be thugs, or bring girls to her home. According to news reports the gun used in the shooting was Robinson’s fiancé’s, and was kept in a locked home office which Smith allegedly broke in to.

This is an extremely sad situation, and one that Michigan homicide defense attorneys see all too often. A young boy with his entire life ahead of him will now spend most of his life behind bars.

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Michigan suspended license attorneys know that even for first-time offenders, the penalties individuals face when convicted of drunken driving are harsh. Recently, Michigan running back Fitzgerald Toussaint was sentenced by Saline District Judge Kirk Tabbey following his July arrest in which he was stopped for running a red light and found to be under the influence. According to news reports, Toussaint’s BAC (blood alcohol content) was 0.12 percent, 0.04 over the Michigan limit of 0.08.

Toussaint is now required to attend 10 AA meetings, undergo random alcohol and drug tests for 90 days, and pay $1,488 in fines and court costs. Toussaint was sentenced on Tuesday, October 23rd. After being stopped for running a red light, Toussaint admitted that he had been drinking brandy. While news reports do not mention it, many individuals have their driver’s license suspended or restricted for a specified period of time, depending upon the circumstances.

In Michigan, your driver’s license may be restricted for 90 days for a first OWVI (operating while visually impaired) offense. However, an individual who is convicted of OWI (operating while intoxicated) because of OUIL (operating under the influence) or BAC (blood alcohol content) may have his or her license suspended for 30 days, followed by 150 days of license restriction. For a second offense, an individual’s driver’s license will be revoked for a minimum of one year.

If you refuse a chemical test, your license will automatically be suspended and you have only 14 days to request an implied consent hearing. There are so many complexities involved when your license has been suspended or revoked; it’s extremely difficult to navigate the legal process without the support and guidance of a skilled attorney.

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Recently, 22 random shootings have taken place along and near the I-96 corridor in Metro Detroit; as of yet, police have not been able to apprehend the gunman, but have tied seven of the bullet fragments to a single weapon, according to Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe.

Thankfully none of the victims have been injured to date. Even though seven of the (bullet) fragments have been identified as belonging to the same gun, what type of gun that is cannot yet be confirmed due to lack of evidence. Police did recover a 9mm bullet casing in Perry, where a single incident occurred.

On Sunday October 21, a release was issued by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department listing the vicinities of the shootings that have taken place in Ingham, Livingston, Oakland and Shiawassee counties, and the police/sheriff departments that have been involved in investigations:

Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, 7 incidents
Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, 1 incident
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office (Commerce Township), 2 incidents
Perry Police Department, 1 incident
Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office, 1 incident
Wixom Police Department, 10 incidents
On Tuesday October 23, the number of incidents was updated to 27 according to a report by the Lansing State Journal.

After the 48-hour barrage of shootings last week, the gunman went silent. Police believe that the shooter is in his 20s or 30s, and that he is randomly firing on both pedestrians and motorists near the Interstate 96 corridor along a span that stretches from Ingham County to Metro Detroit.

Understandably, commuters who travel this route are fearful, and have rerouted their travels. School districts in the area have cancelled outdoor recess and locked down campuses. One victim in Ingham County gave a description of the shooter and his vehicle; police were able to release a sketch of the suspect based on that information, and believe he is driving a 1998 Toyota Camry or 1998 Oldsmobile Alero that is dark in color.

Michigan criminal defense attorneys know that once the suspect is apprehended, he will likely face very serious consequences. Is he a felon with a previous criminal record? What if the bullets that have been fired had struck pedestrians or motorists along the I-96 corridor, perhaps injuring or even killing them?

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According to Forbes “The10 Most Dangerous U.S. Cities” list, Detroit ranks #1 for the fourth straight year for violent crimes including rape, murder, assault and robbery of the cities with 200,000 or more residents.

News reports claim that violent crimes in the Detroit area decreased by about 10% in 2011, however the crime rate is still about five times the national average. Reports also claim that as of October 14th of 2012, homicides are up from the same time period last year, about 10%. There were 277 homicides recorded by this date in 2011, and 305 in 2012. In all, there were 344 homicides in 2011. Unfortunately, it appears that at this current rate, that number will be topped in 2012.

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Report statistics from 2010 were used to reach the 2011 conclusion; however, John Roman claimed that these statistics should not be used for comparing violence in the largest cities, as coming to the conclusion of which cities are the most violent can be “tricky” because of differences in economics, urban borders and police reporting standards. Roman is a University of Pennsylvania criminology teacher and a senior fellow at the Urban Institute. The FBI even warns against using the data to compare violence in cities in the U.S., however it remains one of the most thorough compilations available of crime data and statistics.

Michigan criminal defense attorneys realize that violent crimes are nearly a daily occurrence in Detroit and surrounding communities. In fact, just two weeks ago the Detroit Police Officers Association warned citizens and those who come from out of town to enter Detroit “at their own risk,” according to an NBC news report. The association claims that the police force is grossly understaffed, and with violence increasing, the existing staff cannot adequately protect the public. Much of this understaffing problem can be attributed to budget cuts and officers leaving the force due to extremely long work hours with what many feel are inadequate pay.

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