Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog

August 17, 2012

White Pigeon Resident Arrested on Several Charges Including Driving on Suspended License

Michigan driver’s license restoration attorneys know that driving on a suspended license can result in far more serious consequences than most people believe. Recently, a White Pigeon resident was placed in the St. Joseph County jail after being pursued by St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office deputies when the resident failed to stop for a minor traffic violation. That individual now faces charges of fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license, resisting and obstructing and for several other outstanding warrants.

If the individual had pulled over when pursued by the deputies, chances are the charges of fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing could have been avoided. Better yet, the White Pigeon resident should have consulted with a Michigan lawyer who specializes in driver’s license restoration, or who could effectively defend him or her against the charges of driving on a suspended license.

According to news reports, the subject led the deputies on a chase through Three Rivers after failing to pull over, then fled in Florence Township on foot, where deputies gave chase and captured the subject after a short time. Michigan State and Three Rivers Police assisted the sheriff’s deputies at the scene.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a serious criminal offense. Whether your license was suspended due to a DUI or OWI offense, after fleeing police or being arrested for reckless driving, hit and run accident, driving without insurance or numerous other traffic of driving offenses, you could be facing time behind bars in addition to steep fines. A first offense could leave you potentially facing a $500 fine and as many as 93 days in jail; for a second or subsequent offense, you may be sentenced to $1,000 in fines and up to 1 year in prison.

August 13, 2012

Brutal Detroit Robbery Leaves Vietnam Vet Dead Following Attempt to Protect Granddaughter

by Scott Grabel

John Villneff, a 62-year-old Vietnam Vet and twice recipient of the Purple Heart, was shot and killed recently during a robbery which turned deadly. Villneff was attempting to protect his granddaughter who lived next door to him on Rutland when he was shot in the back and heart. Villneff’s granddaughter was taking pictures of the robbers using her iPad when Villneff attempted to push her to safety.

Five men robbed the girl’s west side Detroit home just before 11 p.m. on August 8th. According to news reports, Villneff’s son, Michael, received a call from his father that night reporting that he had been shot and was dying. Michael Villneff stated that the five robbers took various items including jewelry, a cable box and video game systems. He also stated that the men beat his 16-year-old nephew with a pistol and baseball bat before entering the home through a door which was unlocked.

The penalties for robbery are harsh; now, the men who robbed Villneff’s daughter’s home and killed him will likely be charged with murder as well. Without an aggressive Michigan criminal defense lawyer, the robbers likely face substantial time behind bars along with additional penalties. A conviction for murder could potentially draw a life-long prison sentence.

Apparently, the robbers chased Villneff’s granddaughter and were trying to kill her because they were aware she was taking photos of them. Melissa Villneff, owner of the home that was broken in to, said that her father called to inform her that her home was being broken in to as she was leaving a Tigers game.

According to news reports, two of the five robbers were friends of Melissa Villneff’s 19-year-old son. She said that the two had visited her home in the past. The 19-year-old was at home at the time of the robbery, along with three of Villneff’s nieces who were 10, 12 and 13.

August 9, 2012

License Suspended Due to Substance Abuse? Michigan Drivers License Reinstatement Lawyers Can Help

by Scott Grabel

Have you had your Michigan driver’s license suspended after being convicted on charges of substance abuse? You may not be aware that it may be possible to have your license reinstated, although it is a rather complicated process. However, an experienced Michigan driver’s license reinstatement attorney can guide you through the process to determine whether you are eligible for an administrative review, and help ensure you meet the requirements.

People are human and mistakes are often made. Without a driver’s license, your life can be severely restricted, making it difficult if not impossible to get to and from work, school, and to meet other obligations. Until you lose your right to drive, you may not realize just how important it is to functioning in your daily life – we often take things we don’t consciously think about for granted.

It is highly advised that you seek the expertise of a reputable lawyer when attempting to have your license restored. There are numerous forms involved in the process, and you must submit a complete substance abuse evaluation to the Michigan Secretary of State’s office. While it may sound simple, even finding an evaluator who is credible and respected by the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD) isn’t a simple process.

If your evaluation is not completed properly, it will jeopardize your chances of having your license reinstated. There are numerous criteria that must be met, including a history of treatment you have received or support groups you have attended, any lifestyle changes that have been made since the suspension of your license, information regarding where you currently live and work, and more. It is imperative that at your DAAD hearing your examiner can be convinced that you will not be a risk if given back your rights to get behind the wheel. All documentation must be in order, every “i” dotted and “t” crossed. You only get one opportunity per year to get it right, so it’s recommended you do not take any chances by going it alone.

August 7, 2012

Flint Double Homicide Under Investigation as Number of Multiple Homicides Continue to Rise for 2012

by Scott Grabel

On Sunday, August 5th, a 911 call was made by a woman on Flint’s north side claiming that someone broke in to the home where she was staying. The woman called from a neighbor’s house, claiming she was cut several times and that two men in the home were killed. While the details remain sketchy, the Michigan State Police Crime Lab and Flint Police are investigating what appears to be a double homicide. Two males were found dead at the scene according to Flint Police Captain T.P. Johnson. The residence is located in the 800 block of West Dayton Street.

Reports claim the two deceased males died from apparent gunshot wounds. The female who called 911 was also in the residence at the time of the attack which took place approximately 5:30 a.m. Johnson said the woman fled to the neighbor’s house to make the call, and had suffered knife wounds to the neck area.

Michigan criminal defense lawyers realize that there have been numerous murders in Flint so far this year, and that many of those have involved multiple murders. In fact, the story above brings the total number of double homicides in the city this year to four. A triple homicide occurred in late July as well.

The year began with a double homicide, when on January 18th firefighters discovered the bodies of a 23-year-old and 25-year-old, both who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. On April 8th, a man and woman were shot to death at the male victim’s home on Easter Sunday. June 26th brought another double homicide when a young man and woman in their 20’s were shot at the home of Roderick D. Harris, who then turned himself in and confessed to shooting the two victims, stating that he shot in self-defense when the two came to collect a debt.

The one triple homicide which occurred just last month happened on July 18th when two men and an unidentified woman were shot to death at a home on Frazer and Tacken streets. A fourth victim survived her injuries after being beaten and shot.

July 31, 2012

Police Taser Fowlerville Man Driving on Suspended License After He Flees Officers

by Scott Grabel

On Sunday, July 29th, a 38-year-old man driving on a suspended license would not cooperate with police during a traffic stop in Fowlerville; he was eventually tasered by police, although it was reported that the Taser barb had no effect on the man. Police did eventually capture the man, who is now sitting behind bars at the Livingston County Jail.

Michigan drivers license suspension attorneys realize that frequently, individuals drive on a suspended license out of necessity. When they are caught, the penalties can be severe; in fact, the driver may face fines, a lengthening of the suspension period and possibly even jail time. It is best to consult with a lawyer when your license has been suspended or revoked, who will work to get your license reinstated so that you can avoid this situation.

In this case, the driver was pulled over by police and would not cooperate with them. He refused to give police officers identification, then fled on foot at which point the officer gave chase and fired a Taser barb. The man then returned to his vehicle, got in it and fled at a high rate of speed through a residential area according to police, who then followed him as he drove to his home where he again refused to cooperate. He was tasered a second time, again with no effect, then ran inside his home where he was apprehended by police and deputies from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department.

In Michigan, fleeing and eluding police may incur additional penalties including court fines, jail time and additional license sanctions. In this case, the Fowlerville man would have likely been better off had he cooperated with police. Now, he could possibly face additional charges for speeding or reckless driving, eluding police and more.

July 30, 2012

Detroit Third District Court Judge Believes Convicted Felons Deserve a Second Chance

by Scott Grabel

On Wednesday evening, July 25th, New Galilee Baptist Church in Detroit was the site of an expungement and federal pardon seminar hosted by Third District Court Judge Deborah Thomas and others. The seminar was designed to help the thousands of convicted felons in the Detroit area with having their records expunged, essentially giving them a “clean slate.”

Michigan criminal defense lawyers know the negative impact of a criminal record on individuals lives. Those who have been convicted of even a single felony offense often carry a stigma with them for life, making it difficult to secure employment or federal housing aid. Many cannot open their own business or carry a gun. In short, a criminal record can be a life-long burden, impacting lives of those convicted decades after the fact.

Unfortunately, many convicts aren’t aware that they may be able to have their records expunged in some situations. If an individual has received only a single felony and the offense doesn’t carry the possibility of the maximum sentence of life in prison, that individual can file to have his or her record cleared (expunged) five years following the conclusion of the individual’s imprisonment, parole or probation.

Thomas explained at the seminar that convicts can improve the chances of having their criminal record expunged by “giving back” to the community. For instance, those who work to become leaders in the community or who hold down a steady job and work to reform their lives are more likely to have their request granted by a judge.

The fact is, many of those convicted on felony charges are young, and their lives are essentially ruined forever. Many of these individuals end up living with grandparents, and although they may have a skill, they cannot find employment because of a criminal record. Currently, individuals who are convicted on multiple charges during a single incident are not eligible to have their records expunged. Thomas would like to see that change.

July 27, 2012

Medicare Fraud Scheme Conviction Ends in 5 Year Sentence for Detroit Clinic Owner

by Scott Grabel

In October of 2011, 53-year-old Emilio Haber pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiring to commit health care fraud. Haber was sentenced on Monday, July 23rd, to five years in prison and three years of supervision once his prison time is served. U.S. District Judge Patrick Duggan of the Eastern District of Michigan in Detroit handed down Haber’s sentence.

Haber will also be required to forfeit his bank account assets, which total approximately $99,000. He, along with co-defendants in the case, will also pay $6.4 million in restitution.

Michigan fraud defense attorneys know the serious consequences those accused of fraud related offenses face if convicted, and that it takes a skilled lawyer with expertise in complex financial matters to provide a solid, effective defense.

Haber allegedly bilked Medicare by paying some of his patients to fake ailments. Haber owned RiteCare LLC, a clinic located in Metro Detroit according to court records and testimony. According to these records, recruiters were paid as much as $150 to find individuals who for $75 would fake certain symptoms at the RiteCare clinics. Between 2007 and 2009, the fraudulent RiteCare scheme resulted in $6.3 million in Medicare payments of the $8.5 million in claims submitted.

According to the FBI website, Haber was ordered to pay $6,341,000 in restitution along with his co-defendants. The website also claims that Haber oversaw the fraudulent Medicare schemes at two of his clinics, and that he billed Medicare for tests and services which were not necessary, many of them nerve conduction studies.

The case against Haber was investigated by HHS-OIG (Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Haber’s financial future once released from prison appears bleak, considering the millions in restitution he and his co-defendants face.

July 27, 2012

Michigan Driver’s License Restoration Lawyers Work on Behalf of Those Convicted on Charges of DUI

by Scott Grabel

Individuals convicted on charges of driving under the influence or OUI, OUIL or OUID in the state of Michigan face serious and even life-changing consequences. Not only may you be subjected to jail time, steep fines and a permanent criminal record, you may have your driver’s license suspended or revoked. Until this happens, most individuals do not realize how seriously it impacts their lives. Having the right to drive is essential to life. Driving to and from work, to doctor appointments, to buy groceries, even shuttling the kids around; when you can no longer drive, it can be devastating to your life.

Michigan driver’s license restoration lawyers work on behalf of those who have had their license suspended or revoked following a DUI conviction. Why do you need an attorney to have your license reinstated? It isn’t as simple as you might think – in fact, the process can be quite difficult and complex.

Ultimately, individuals who have had their driver’s license revoked usually have only one opportunity each year to file a driver’s license restoration petition. Get it wrong, and you will likely face being without your license for another year. Regardless of whether your license has been suspended or revoked following a second or even third DUI conviction, you need an attorney who is skilled, experienced and knowledgeable in the process of having it restored.

What will a dedicated Michigan driver’s license restoration attorney do on your behalf to ensure you will reclaim your right to drive? Your lawyer should first prepare you for your DAAD (Driver Assessment and Appeal Division) hearing, consult with you regarding what will need to be proven at this hearing, and assist you in obtaining effective letters of reference for submission at the hearing. It’s important that the letters of reference submitted come from reliable sources, such as co-workers, sobriety sponsors, family members or others who are respected in your community. Without capable legal counsel, most individuals have no idea how to proceed or what is necessary to have their license reinstated.

July 25, 2012

Judge Throws Out Lansing Case Involving Slashing of Ex’s Boyfriend

by Scott Grabel

A Lansing man was charged in June of this year with assault with intent to murder and first-degree home invasion. 34-year-old Jason Desjardins was accused of allegedly slashing the boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend, but according to court records Lansing District Judge Charles Filice has now dismissed the case.

Michigan violent crimes attorneys know that being convicted on charges of assault with intent to murder carries serious penalties. The convicted individual may face a sentence of life in prison. If the accused had been convicted on the home invasion charge, he may have been imprisoned for as long as 20 years.

It all began on June 21st around 3:30 a.m. when police were called to a residence in the 300 block of South Holmes Street after the caller reported a stabbing. When Lansing police arrived on the scene, they witnessed a man running from the perimeter of the home. That man was Desjardins, who police found shortly thereafter hiding under a vehicle approximately a block away.

According to the victim, Desjardins came to the home because he wanted to speak with his ex-girlfriend. Police said that when the victim opened the door, he was slashed immediately. Police also recovered the weapon used to slash the victim, but would not disclose what the weapon was.

The victim, a 27-year-old Lansing man, spoke with police at the time of the incident. Living at the residence with his girlfriend, police described the injuries as deep lacerations. He was treated for injuries which were not considered life threatening at a local hospital.

According to court records, prosecutors in the case made a motion to dismiss the charges.

Although reports did not reveal why prosecutors decided to drop the charges against Desjardins, it is likely due to the fact that penalties for a conviction are so harsh, and the victim did not sustain life-threatening injuries.

Michigan criminal defense lawyers know that all too often, young people such as the 27-year-old defendant in this case make mistakes out of passion or jealousy. However, the penalties for a conviction are extremely harsh, literally ruining the accused individual’s life and any chance to become a productive citizen.

July 17, 2012

Ohio Man Faces Murder and Assault Charges in Deaths of Two Michigan Sisters

by Scott Grabel

A shooting that occurred on Friday evening, July 13th, left two sisters dead and their mother wounded. Now, 38-year-old Ohio resident Thomas Fritz faces charges of assault and murder once he is apprehended. The shooting took place in Blissfield in southeast Michigan. Fritz allegedly shot his ex-girlfriend, her sister and her mother.

The victims were identified as Lisa Gritzmaker, 24, Amy Merrill, 33, and Robin Lynn McCowan, 52. One of the victims made a 911 call which led police to a home where the women were found. As of this writing, police were still in pursuit of Fritz, who is thought to be driving a burgundy colored Honda four-door vehicle. He is considered by police to be armed and dangerous.

Fritz is a registered sex offender, convicted in April 2006 on one count of sexual battery for which he was sentenced to one year in state prison. According to Michigan State Police Lt. Sean Furlong, the relationship between Amy Merrill and Fritz had ended within the three weeks prior to the murders.

An annual summer festival held in the small farming community of Blissfield had just come to an end when authorities received the 911 call. While living in Michigan with Amy Merrill, Fritz had used a different name according to police, which was likely due to his Ohio probation.

Murder is an extremely serious criminal offense, one that results in severe punishment when the accused is convicted. It is critical that those charged with murder consult with an aggressive Michigan criminal defense lawyer right away to discuss the most effective plan of action.