Recently, 26-year-old Chad Neiderquill was charged with robbing a Saginaw woman which he knew with a screwdriver. Neiderquill allegedly stole the woman’s prescription medication on September 4 as she was carrying in and putting away groceries.

The victim, 60-year-old Lillian George, told police that Neiderquill was driving in the area as she was putting away groceries, and that he stopped and offered to help her. George said that once all of the groceries were inside, the defendant demanded that she give him her prescription medication, including oxycodone. Saginaw Police Detective Sgt. Reggie Williams said the woman claimed that when she refused, Neiderquill pulled a screwdriver out of a pocket to threaten her, holding it above her head and threatening that if she called police, he would claim George sold him the medications.

On Tuesday November 26, Neiderquill pleaded guilty to armed robbery before Saginaw County Circuit Judge James T. Borchard. He was initially charged with carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent and extortion as well, however prosecutors dropped these charges in exchange for his guilty plea. A news article at Mlive.com indicates that prosecutors will recommend the judge sentence Neiderquill to three years and six months in prison, a minimum sentence for armed robbery according to the defendant’s state sentencing guidelines.

Neiderquill remains in jail on a $75,000 bond, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Borchard on January 9.

In this situation, pleading guilty to armed robbery possibly prevented the defendant from spending up to life in prison. In Michigan, anyone who uses fear, force, or violence in an attempt to steal money or possessions from a person and who does so while possessing or even insinuating the presence of a dangerous weapon may be sentenced to life behind bars according to the Michigan Penal Code 750.529.

Continue reading

On Thursday November 21, BAYANET (Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team) detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Mount Pleasant, according to news reports at Mlive.com. The detectives searched a residence near East Henry on North Adams while investigating the suspected sale of heroin. Upon searching the residence, investigators seized $3,000 worth of heroin packaged in 110 individual packages.

In the course of searching the residence, detectives seized $680 in cash, a loaded shotgun, and a small amount of marijuana in addition to 13.4 grams of heroin. Police state that after seizing the drugs and other items, one woman and two men were arrested. Those arrested include 36-year-old Jody Jean Jackson of Mt. Pleasant, 42-year-old John Stefon Holmes of Saginaw, and 23-year-old Laron Dale Clark of Flint. The three are currently incarcerated in Isabella County, according to The Morning Sun.

The three face multiple charges, including delivery of a controlled substance on or within 1,000 feet of school property, possession of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school property, maintaining a drug house, possession of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school property, and delivery/manufacture of cocaine, heroin, or other narcotic less than 50 grams. According to court records, Jackson has a previous conviction for marijuana possession, and was put on second-offense notice. Holmes and Clark also had previous convictions related to weapons and drug offenses.

The affidavit supporting the complaint for a warrant to search the home states that the three individuals were arrested after undercover officers conducted controlled purchases of substances. These substances were tested and allegedly contained heroin. The undercover officers made the controlled buys on November 13 and November 20.

Michigan State Police, Mount Pleasant Police Department, and the Isabella County Emergency Services Team assisted BAYANET detectives in the search of the home.

Michigan drug crime defense attorneys know that without capable legal support, these individuals potentially face a substantial number of years in prison if convicted. In fact, delivery of narcotics on or within 1,000 feet of school property is a felony offense which could result in a maximum prison sentence of 60 years. Possession with intent to deliver less than 50 grams of heroin is a felony offense which could leave the defendant facing up to 40 years in prison if convicted.

Continue reading

Late last week, 44-year-old Steven Krygowski of Jackson was arraigned on multiple charges stemming from a break-in at a neighbor’s apartment. News articles at Mlive.com state that Krygowski broke into the apartment of his neighbor, who was sleeping, and assaulted him.

Jackson Police Lt. Elmer Hitt said that the suspect was charged with breaking and entering, assault with intent to rob while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon. The victim, who is 69 years old, was found by police when they arrived at the scene with a head injury; police said he was talking and conscious when they arrived at approximately 4:30 a.m. He was listed in stable condition after being transported first to Allegiance Health, then to University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.

Hitt claimed that the victim did not know what weapon Krygowski used to strike him with, however witnesses claimed to have seen Krygowski carrying a baseball bat when he exited the apartment. Police believe the victim and Krygowski were well acquainted, as the victim said that the defendant had mentioned something about giving him money while in the apartment.

Krygowski is scheduled to appear in court again on December 5.

The penalties an individual faces if convicted of breaking and entering in Michigan depend on the circumstances. Ultimately, what occurs once inside or what it is determined by police and prosecutors as your intentions will be key in sentencing. For instance, if someone breaks and enters a building with the intention of committing larceny, that individual may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. Additionally, assault with intent to rob could potentially leave the defendant facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted, even life in prison if in possession of a dangerous weapon when the crime was allegedly committed.

Continue reading

Black Friday is an exciting and much-anticipated day for Michigan shoppers who cannot wait to get their hands on those great deals that only roll around once each year. If you have been through it before, you know how frenzied it can be; people lined up outside the door, even around the block to make sure they get their hands on those unbelievable bargains. It can be fun, exciting, even stressful if you don’t really enjoy the crowded atmosphere – but it can also be dangerous.

Unfortunately, Black Friday is the day many thieves and pick pockets choose as their best opportunity of the year to make a few “hauls” of their own. Here are a few tips to help ensure both yourself and your purchases make it safely home on Black Friday 2013:

  • Take steps to ensure you’re not the victim of a pickpocket. Wear your purse across your body so it cannot be easily removed, or better yet, leave it at home. Considering carrying your wallet in a pants pocket or inside coat pocket.
  • Don’t purchase more than you can carry. If you intend to buy out the store, take a friend or family member along who can help you carry your purchases to the car, or ask an employee for help.
  • Park as close as possible to the entrance of the store; at night, park under a light if possible. Always have your keys in your hand when walking to or from your car.
  • Before entering your car, take a close look around it and peer inside (particularly the back seat) before getting in.
  • Never place your purchases where they are visible through the windows of your vehicle, such as in the back seat. Put them inside the trunk for safe keeping.
  • Be safe at the check-out by leaving your credit card or checkbook in your purse/wallet until the cashier asks for it. Would-be criminals would like nothing better than to look over your shoulder and get account information!
  • Make sure your cell phone is fully charged, turned on, and easily accessible. Keep it close to your body so that if you’re in a noisy crowd you can feel it vibrate. If shopping with a group of people who will meet up later, make sure everyone has all of the others’ phone numbers programmed into their phones.
  • Decide on a specific place to meet at a designated time if shopping with a group.

Shopping online this Black Friday? You still need to be safe. Shop only with companies you trust and have dealt with before. Save all of the receipts for items you purchase online by printing them out and keeping them together in a file folder. Instead of using your regular credit/debit card, consider a disposable credit card or money order instead.

Black Friday is the biggest day of the year for getting your hands on those unbelievable bargains and Christmas gifts, but be cautious!

Continue reading

Lawyers – we’re everywhere, including in a number of classic and soon-to-be classic movies. Some of my favorite movies have given birth to great quotes. These are lines you can repeat to other people, lawyer or not, and have them get what you’re talking about. If you haven’t seen some of these movies, I recommend you stream or borrow them as soon as possible.

To Kill a Mockingbird

There are so many great things about the 1962 film version of To Kill a Mockingbird, including this quote from attorney Atticus Finch: “You never really understand a person . . . until you consider things from his point of view.” Finch is talking to Scout, his young daughter, but I think it sums up the theme of the movie perfectly.

Posted in:
Updated:

In December of 2012, Joseph Gentz pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the January 2012 strangulation death of Jane Bashara. Bashara’s husband, Bob Bashara, allegedly threatened Gentz and offered him money to kill his wife.

According to news reports at the Detroit Free Press, Gentz did not fully understand the plea of second-degree murder he was entering into. Appellate attorney Phillip Comorski who was appointed to represent Gentz filed a document with the appeals court regarding a letter written to the Wayne County Circuit Court which indicated “certain conditional promises associated with the plea were not fulfilled by the prosecutor.”

Ultimately, the document filed with the appeals court indicated that the trial court failed to address the claims of Gentz’s letter adequately, and that a post-conviction hearing was conducted by the trial court without the presence of the defendant’s appellate lawyer.

Throughout the murder trial, Gentz was represented by another attorney who explained to Gentz that by withdrawing his plea, he would once again face potential life in prison for a conviction on first-degree murder charges. Gentz allegedly has an IQ level considered below average, but he was found to be mentally competent to stand trial on the murder charge.

Comorski appealed Gentz’s conviction toward the end of September; approximately one month later, prosecutors responded by arguing that the appeal of the defendant’s conviction should be denied. Gentz was originally sentenced to 17 to 28 years in prison. Prosecutors filed a document with the Michigan Court of Appeals arguing that Gentz cannot challenge his plea on appeal without moving to withdraw the plea in trial court on the same grounds.

News articles indicate that Gentz appeared at a July 17 hearing with Reed, requesting to withdraw his guilty plea in front of Wayne County circuit Judge Vonda Evans. Prosecutors argued that Gentz expressed no dissatisfaction with the representation Reed provided him at that time. Comorski asked that a proper hearing in front of the judge be held so that he can determine whether other considerations were offered to his client which were not followed through on by Reed.

Continue reading

On Friday November 22, police executed a search warrant at a home in Antwerp Township; during their search, police found a Taser, methamphetamine residue, and three ounces of marijuana according to a news article at Mlive.com.

A 55-year-old man who was at the home when police entered on Friday morning refused orders to lie on the floor; he ran into a bathroom while being chased by police, according to a news release issued by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office. The man was charged with possession of meth, a stun device, and obstructing police officer. Three other individuals were also at the residence at the time the search was conducted.

Information regarding possible illegal narcotics activity at the home led police to conduct the search warrant. In addition to other items already mentioned, police found meth-smoking paraphernalia.

Another woman was arrested in the course of events; the 40-year-old Paw Paw woman had an outstanding warrant, and will likely be charged with marijuana and methamphetamine possession. Two others at the home included a 65-year-old Mattawan man who will face charges of maintaining a drug house, possession of meth, and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. A 36-year-old Kalamazoo man is expected to face charges of meth and marijuana possession as well.

The investigation is ongoing according to news reports.

Possession of methamphetamine or marijuana are taken very seriously in the state of Michigan, as is possession with intent. Individuals who are convicted of possession or possession with intent to deliver or distribute may potentially face years in prison and substantial fines, depending on the amount of drug involved and other factors. More serious drug charges can leave an individual facing life in prison.

Continue reading

Every year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation releases crime statistics, outlining the number of violent crimes and property crimes in cities across the US. I think the report is a handy tool for criminal defense lawyers who are looking to move their practice or set up their first practice. Although the FBI advises against ranking the cities or making a list of the “most dangerous cities” in the country, I think it’s easy enough to look at the statistics and see which cities have a greater demand for criminal defense lawyers, and why.


Chicago

According to the Washington Post, the number of murders in Chicago in 2012 allowed it to claim the title of “Murder Capital of the US.” The city had 500 murders in 2012, according to FBI crime statistics, while New York City had 419. The previous year, Chicago had 431 murders and New York 515. If you’re a recent law school graduate and want to pursue a career in criminal defense, I’d recommend checking out Chicago, since there’s a lot of opportunity for work and for enjoying life in a big city.

Individuals who have had their driver’s license suspended due to multiple DUIs often choose to appeal without the assistance of an experienced Michigan driver’s license restoration attorney. Unfortunately, this can leave you in a bigger mess than you were to begin with. We have consulted with many clients who, had they obtained our help, would likely have won back their privilege to drive.

Why do those who have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked choose to appeal with the DLAD on their own? Often times it is simply a case of not understanding how complex the process is. An individual may assume that the procedure is simple and straightforward, and that after they have waited the required year to appeal the hearing officer will simply restore his or her license. This is NOT the case; in fact, appealing the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license is complex, and even unmanageable for those who decide not to secure the services of a skilled lawyer.

Those who have had their license suspended and who choose to “go it alone” when appealing to the DLAD often make both procedural and substantive mistakes. There are strict procedural guidelines put in place by the DLAD for filing an appeal. By missing a deadline, incorrectly filing out background letters or documents, or filing the incorrect document, the odds are your appeal will not be won. This results in a total waste of time and effort – and you will have to wait an entire year before appealing again.

Continue reading

On Wednesday November 20, 22-year-old Adam Andrew Phillips waived his probable cause hearing after being accused of attempted murder in the beating death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, according to news reports at Mlive.com.

Phillips allegedly beat 18-year-old Elizabeth Batchelder, his ex-girlfriend, into a coma. Phillips’ adopted grandfather, Clifford Mead, claimed in court that he lived with Phillips and the victim at a home on Sweet Street, the address where the alleged assault took place. Mead testified that the couple had been arguing on the day the alleged assault occurred, and that later in the day he saw Batchelder covered in blood after he heard screaming. Mead also claimed that the victim was gasping for air. He also claimed prior to the break-up, the couple had been involved in domestic disputes, some violent. The defendant was convicted on domestic violence charges in April of 2012.

Phillips’ grandfather said that he “just blew up.” He suspects that the violent incident was caused when the defendant found photos on his ex-girlfriend’s cell phone. She suffered a coma caused by a fracture to her skull, according to police; Batchelder is three months pregnant. Police and rescue workers responded to the scene at approximately 7 p.m. according to police Lt. Pat Merrill, who said a neighbor heard Batchelder’s screams. She had suffered blunt force trauma injuries to her head and face.

The defendant had left the residence before police arrived, however they located him the next day and took him into custody. He is charged with attempted murder.

Attempted murder is a very serious charge in the state of Michigan; if convicted, Phillips could face up to life in prison. While it seems apparent the defendant has anger issues, it is still unfortunate that any 22-year-old individual may face a lifetime behind bars.

Continue reading

Contact Information