Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

COVID-19 and Child Custody Arrangements in Michigan

Last updated April 6, 2020 by

Family cutout and gavel depicting COVID-19 and Child Custody Arrangements in Michigan

We find ourselves in an unprecedented time. Just a short while ago, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

While it originated in China, the virus has spread quickly throughout the globe. As of April 6, 2020, there are over one million confirmed cases worldwide.

To combat the rapid spread of the virus, scientists have recommended social distancing. U.S. states have declared a state of emergency. States have issued executive orders to their citizens to stay at home . Non-essential businesses, schools, and large public events have been canceled and closed.

Social Distancing and Co-Parenting

Federal Charges for Hoarding & Price Gouging: What You Need to Know

Last updated April 3, 2020 by

David J. Kramer — No Comments ↓

Judge holding gavel with gloves on depicting price gouging charges

Judge holding gavel depicting price gouging charges

Are you a nurse, doctor, or a critical infrastructure worker? Has your supply of safety equipment – gloves and masks – been rationed by your employer because there isn’t enough to go around?

As if the mounting death toll around the world isn’t enough during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are always people who are trying to make a profit off of the dire needs of others.

In this case, it’s bathroom and cleaning supplies, gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer.

In the months before coronavirus hit the U.S., and in the first weeks of the emerging crisis, some people saw an opportunity to make money.

How?

By being the first to buy up large quantities of the things people want and selling them back at exorbitant prices.

You might call it “retail arbitrage.” The federal government might call it “price gouging” or “profiteering.”

Is Intentionally Spreading COVID-19 a Terrorism Act?

Last updated March 30, 2020 by

David J. Kramer — No Comments ↓

American flag and gavel depciting terrorism

In so many ways, it’s hard to believe the news stories these days are real. At least three people have been arrested, and potentially charged with terrorism, for coughing in public.

You know how you should never make a joke about having a bomb in an airport?

Apparently, it’s now true that there is no room for jokes about coronavirus in public spaces. If you even attempt one, you might end up in jail.

Michigan Murder Arson Case on Appeal: The Linda Stermer Story

Last updated March 27, 2020 by

David J. Kramer — No Comments ↓

Gavel and smoke depicting murder arson case

Gavel and smoke depicting Linda Stermer murder arson case

It’s like a scene from a horror movie. Wife drugs husband, douses him in gasoline, sets fire to him, and when he escapes the house alive, runs him over with her van.

The other option is just as horrible: wife finds husband engulfed in flames in their living room, begs him to leave as she escapes the burning house, loses sight of him outside, and accidentally runs over him with her van as she tries to drive away for help.

Coronavirus Lockdown Resources to Avoid Panic and Tragedy

Last updated March 23, 2020 by

David J. Kramer

You have made your Costco run. You have filled your spare bedroom with toilet paper. Your mobile office is set up, and you are locked into one of many media outlets to get the latest scoop on new coronavirus cases in your area of Michigan.

However, you are still afraid. Maybe your hours are getting cut, or you’ve been laid off. Or perhaps you have risk factors for the virus, and you’re worried about getting very ill.

Critical Warning for Commercial Driver’s License Drivers About DUIs

Last updated March 20, 2020 by

David J. Kramer

Semi truck depicting commercial driver's license

Do you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL)? Do you rely on your CDL for your line of work?

Many people in Michigan hold a commercial driver’s license and use this exclusive license for their job. Without a CDL, there is no job and no way to earn money.

Illegal Drug Possession Charge: How to Avoid a Criminal Record

Last updated March 16, 2020 by

David J. Kramer

Gavel and handcuffs depicting illegal drug possession attorney

Gavel and handcuffs depicting illegal drug possession

Are you, or is someone you love, in trouble for possession of an illegal substance? Do you want to avoid having a criminal record or jail time if this is a second illegal drug possession offense?

Taken: Popular Sex Trafficking Myths Debunked

Last updated March 13, 2020 by

David J. Kramer

Silhouette of female depicting sex trafficking

Have you seen the movie Taken? It’s a heart-pounding thriller about a beautiful teenaged girl getting kidnapped and sold into sex slavery. Her father finds her, then embarks on a quest to track down her kidnappers and exact revenge.

There is a problem with this movie. As entertaining as it is, and as much as we would like to believe injustice in this situation, the premise isn’t true.

Everything You Want to Know About the Courts in Michigan

Last updated March 9, 2020 by

David J. Kramer

Michigan Hall of Justice - depicting Michigan courts

Every state has numerous courts. It can be bewildering when you encounter the court system for the first time.

To everyone who works in the court system, the information is old news; they give the same directions all the time. However, if you are worried about your charges, and you also don’t know the difference between the courts involved in your case, it’s going to add a new level of anxiety.

In this article, you will see a quick overview of all the courts in Michigan, and then a highlight of the three courts that count for most criminal cases. This guide will help you get an idea of how the system works.

University of Michigan Sex Abuse Scandal

Last updated March 6, 2020 by

David J. Kramer

Gavel and stethoscope depicting University of Michigan Sex Abuse Scandal Involving Former UM Doctor

If you’ve been following breaking news in Michigan, you might know that the University of Michigan is having its “day in the sun” with a former doctor involved in a sex abuse scandal that took place over many years.