ByMatthew BenedictIn this video, I discuss how a Michigan resident can be charged with domestic violence where the victim has no physical injury. I receive a lot of calls from people and they say to me, “No one was hurt, how can they charge me with a DV?” Or I will hear, “I didn’t lay a…
ByMatthew BenedictDriving with an ignition interlock device or BAIID can be challenging. The driver may not appreciate how fragile their new driving privileges really are. It’s important to have an idea about what problems may arise with an interlock device installed in your automobile. I made this short list of advice for my clients. Then I…
ByMatthew BenedictBelow is a short video to help people understand the most common plea offer for a Domestic Violence 1st offense in Michigan. I received two calls recently from people asking me to help them decide if they should take this plea deal. The video discusses MCL 769.4a and how it works, and some of the…
ByMatthew BenedictCriminal sentencing in Michigan is when the judge renders a sentence upon a criminal law defendant after a verdict or a guilty plea. The criminal sentencing hearing, or just sentencing hearing, typically occurs a few weeks after a trial or plea hearing. Depending on the crime, a lot of work must be completed before sentencing….
ByMatthew BenedictA person accused of drunk driving knows that they are in for grievous consequences if they are convicted. While the punishment for a DUI is not the same in every state, this is not a conviction you want to have on your record. Additionally, most states will make your punishment more severe if you caused…
ByMatthew BenedictWhat is in this video In every criminal case, before the judge renders a sentence, the defendant and his attorney have an opportunity to speak to the judge in court. In this video, I discuss what a defendant should and shouldn’t say to a judge during a sentencing hearing. A defendant that makes sentencing errors…
ByMatthew BenedictI have been practicing law since 2001, most of my trial experience is in the 86th district court. As a Traverse City criminal lawyer, I grew up in the 86th District Court and believe I know this court system well. I have represented over 800 clients in the 86th District Court. The Big Three Crimes…
ByMatthew BenedictRemoving a criminal conviction in Michigan has received a lot of press lately. Not that long ago there was expungement week, a national campaign that provided free legal clinics across the country, and with marijuana legalization in Michigan, legislators are eager to remove moot marijuana convictions from the past. The media quotes a University of…
ByMatthew BenedictI have represented many people facing a drunk driving charge. Within the general pool of first offense, drink drivers are the people that refuse a chemical test after being arrested. In Michigan, once arrested, the police read a standardized form explaining the client’s chemical rights. This usually occurs once the client is placed under arrest…
ByMatthew BenedictIn law school, every lawyer learns that each law is passed for a purpose. The intent of the legislature, their goals, can be deduced from the statute. The intent of the Legislature was to prevent the dangers associated with driving a motor vehicle while drunk. We all know what these dangers are—reckless driving that kills…
