The source says that it wasn’t long after the traffic stop was initiated that officers had thrown Loggins to the ground and pinned him down. Officer Stephenson allegedly then kneeled on Loggins’ neck similar to how former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck. The 62-year-old was later charged with resisting and obstructing arrest but did not ignore the excessive force that was applied during the incident.
Instead, Loggins decided to file an excessive force complaint with the department. Sometime after the complaint was filed, the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office decided to drop the felony charges that had been filed against Loggins. The news source says Loggins is the second man this year to have criminal charges against him dropped after a use of force complaint was filed against Officer Stephenson.
Apparently, Stephenson has had six citizen complaints filed against him since January 2016 for “excessive force, improper traffic stops, improper detention, and racial bias.”
Prosecuting Attorney Claims the Use of Force Complaint was Not Initially Given to Her Office to Review
Prosecuting attorney Carol Siemon says that when the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office first received Loggins’ case to review, the use of force complaint was not included in it. She also says her office was not given videos from the dash camera or body-worn cameras. Siemon says the attorney who was assigned to Loggins’ case authorized the charges using only the police report that was provided. However, after Siemon learned more about the case and reviewed the police report, her office then requested the videos.
After Siemon’s office received the video footage, she then requested that the original attorney re-review the case with the new information they were provided. It was after this that the prosecuting attorney and her colleagues, “mutually agreed that had [their] office had all the information for the December event at the time the case was received, [they] would have not authorized [the charges].”
The court records cite that the charges that were initially filed against Loggins were dropped out of the “best interest of justice.”
Uwimana Gasito also had his charges dropped after suffered injuries after getting into an altercation with the same East Lansing police officer back in February. Like Loggins, Gasito also filed an excessive force complaint with the department after the officer used the same “head stabilization” technique that was used on Loggins. After the complaint was filed, the source says a judge signed paperwork in March to drop all criminal charges that had been filed against him.
Although State Police suggest that Stephenson’s actions were “appropriate,” the department says it plans to retrain all officers on the use of the “head stabilization” technique.
Are you a victim of a wrongful arrest? Were your rights violated during the arrest?
If you think an officer of the law violated your rights while arresting you and wish to fight your charges, you are going to need to retain an East Lansing criminal defense lawyer to help you do this. While it might be clear to you that you didn’t break a law or that the arresting officer violated your Constitutional rights, you are going to have to prove this to court if you want your charges to be dismissed or reduced to a lesser degree.
And that’s where the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. comes into the picture.
East Lansing, MI criminal defense attorney Stuart R. Shafer has over 40 years of legal experience and the skill it takes to get criminal charges reduced or thrown out. Proving an officer of the law wrongfully arrested you or violated your rights can sometimes be difficult as it is your word against theirs. However, when you have someone like attorney Stuart R. Shafer defending you, you stand a chance at obtaining a favorable outcome.
If you would like to learn more about how our East Lansing, Michigan criminal defense law firm can help you during this difficult time, contact us at 517-487-6603. The Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. not only offers legal services to those in East Lansing but also to individuals who were charged with a crime in Lansing, Okemos, DeWitt, St. Johns, Grand Ledge, and Charlotte.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: 517-487-6603
Website: www.stushafer.com
The post Felony Charges Dropped Against East Lansing Man Who Filed Excessive Force Complaint After Traffic Stop first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>Pros to Getting a Prenup
To ensure we are on the same page, let’s quickly review what a prenuptial agreement is. A prenup is “an agreement made between two people before marrying that establishes rights to property and support in the event of divorce or death.” Do you notice the two very important terms that are included in this definition? “Property” and “support.” While most associate a prenup only with property and assets, there is a lot more that can be included in this legal document. For example, you can address alimony and how it shall be awarded in the event you and your soon-to-be spouse wish to dissolve the marriage.
Aside from a prenup giving you the ability to address what happens to the assets you enter into the marriage with, there are many other pros to getting a prenup. These include:
Important: Both parties must be sure they disclose all of their assets when having their prenuptial agreement written up. Why? Well, let’s say the two of you one day decide you want to dissolve the marriage. When it comes time to divide up the assets, if something was kept secret initially that you wanted to keep protected, it could now be subject to division.
All 50 states honor prenups, says Nationwide, even Michigan. Let’s say you get married in Eaton County, MI but later move to another state. Because all states honor prenups, you could file for divorce without having to worry that you would lose the protection your prenup has been and continues to provide you with.
What are some cons to getting a prenup?
It isn’t always easy for couples to discuss prenups, especially if it is right before they tie the knot. Going through the process can bring up some rather touchy subjects (i.e. who gets what, alimony, etc.) none of which a couple preparing to get married wants to deal with.
Your prenup must be clear, conscience, and follow state laws to ensure it will be enforced in the event of divorce. Essentially, what this means is that you aren’t going to want to write up a prenup on your own. Because a prenup must be worded in a specific type of way and conform to state laws, you must have a prenuptial agreement lawyer in Eaton County, Michigan help you with yours. Although it does cost money to retain an attorney, at least you will know your legal document will hold up in court.
Now, if you are ready to speak with an experienced attorney who can assist you writing up your prenup or you have some questions you would like answered before you begin having your prenup drafted, you can always contact the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C., an Eaton County, MI prenuptial agreement law firm for assistance.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: 517-487-6603
Website: www.stushafer.com
The post Eaton County, Michigan Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer Shares Some Pros and Cons to Getting a Prenup first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>And if you’re not sure whether you and your spouse should get a prenup, read on further as we will share with you a few key benefits to getting one.
Although prenuptial agreements can be difficult to discuss with your soon-to-be spouse, it may be necessary for you to bring it up if you want to protect your assets in the event your marriage doesn’t work out. So how much can you expect to pay for one if you live in Clinton County, MI? Well, the price varies, but Business Insider cites that you could be paying anywhere between $1,200 to $2,400 “if your finances are straightforward.” If they are not or your circumstances are a little more complicated, then your prenup could cost you $2,500 and higher.
What factors affect the price of a prenup?
There are many factors that come into play when it comes to the cost of a prenuptial agreement. Some of these factors include:
For instance, Business Insider shared what a couple might pay for a prenup when living in Manhattan. The source says that while some couples might be looking at paying $7,500, others could be faced with a fee of $10,000. Now, before you assume that your prenup is going to cost you thousands, you have to remember that it all comes down to your circumstances. Therefore, if you are interested in receiving an estimate from a skilled prenuptial agreement attorney in Clinton County, Michigan and your marriage date is quickly approaching, don’t wait to contact the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C.
What are the benefits of getting a prenup?
Although prenups may be costly for some to get drawn up, if you have assets you wish to protect, then having one is priceless. U.S. News & World Report highlighted a few other reasons why you might consider getting one:
While both parties in a marriage often work toward building their careers and reaching their goals, sometimes, they have children which often results in “one spouse [having to] scale back workforce ambitions to spend more time at home.” They may then find that their career has been placed “on the back burner” which causes their “earning power [to become] limited.” When a couple considers alimony during the prenup drafting process, they might consider this type of scenario and based on their reaction, it can help one party decide if they should continue working.
U.S. News & World Report cites that the average engagement ring costs approximately $5,200. Paying half of this for a prenup would ensure your assets are protected and you would be receiving alimony in the event of a divorce given you choose to include this in it.
If you decide after you get married you want to have a prenup drawn up, you can do so. We refer to this as a post-nuptial agreement. You can also amend a prenup if your circumstances change and you and your spouse are both in agreement with the change.
Now, if you are ready to speak with a qualified prenuptial agreement lawyer in Clinton County, MI regarding getting a prenup, give us a call at 517-487-6603 so that we can answer any questions you might have.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: 517-487-6603
Website: www.stushafer.com
The post Clinton County, MI Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer Explains How Much It Costs to Get a Prenup first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>One Michigan man was made aware of how the court system works in the State of Michigan after he became the lucky winner of the $80 million Mega Million lottery jackpot back in 2013. People Magazine shared the story involving Richard “Dick” Zelasko, the man who was forced to split his winnings with his soon-to-be ex-wife, Mary Beth Zelasko. The couple married back in 2004 and had three children together. They later separated for two years and during that time they weren’t living together, Zelasko won the Mega Million jackpot.
Although Zelasko had won $80 million, after taxes and deductions, he only took home $38,873,628. And because his divorce had not been finalized at the time he collected his winnings, “a Michigan appeals court ruled that the Pontiac native must pay his ex-wife half the winnings,” reported People. The arbitrator assigned to the case “determined that Dick’s lottery winnings were “part of the marital estate” and likely not his first purchased ticket.” Dick’s attorney, however, argued that “Rick was lucky, but it was his luck, not Mary’s that produced the lottery proceeds.”
After all was said and done, Mary Beth was awarded $15 million of the jackpot winnings and the couple finalized their divorce in 2018.
Now, although this particular situation is one that is rather rare, there are times where one party in a marriage may come into some money during the time they are separated from their spouse. And depending on how the money was acquired and who your family law lawyer is, you could very well be required to split it with your soon-to-be ex-husband or wife just like Zelasko was.
Separate Property vs. Marital Property: What’s the Difference?
Separate property is any property that belongs to one spouse and was likely acquired before the couple wed. This could be an inheritance, real-estate, or other assets that one spouse already possessed ownership of before tying the knot. When property is considered “separate” in a marriage, it means that:
[Source: Michigan State Bar].
Marital property, however, is property that was acquired during the marriage and belongs to both parties. This could be real-estate, retirement savings accounts, inheritances, etc. Although the court does look to divide up marital property along with liabilities equally, it doesn’t necessarily mean the assets are split evenly down the middle. The court shall take into account several different factors before determining who is awarded what.
If I believe certain assets that were acquired in my marriage belong to me, do I still have to divide them?
It all depends. While Dick Zelasko and his attorney felt that his winnings belonged to him as he and his wife had already separated, the court still ruled in his wife’s favor. Therefore, if there is property you would like to maintain ownership of but worry the court is going to require you to split it, you should consult with Lansing, MI family law attorney Stuart R. Shafer. Distinguishing between what would be considered as marital property and what would be classified as separate property can be tricky as there are certain laws and guidelines the court will use to decide how to classify each asset in question.
Sometimes, what one spouse might assume to be his or hers actually belongs to both parties involved in the marriage. However, in other instances, the court may decide to award assets to one party rather than divide it as all marital property is. For instance, residences are one asset that can be difficult to divide, especially when there are children involved and currently reside in the home.
In any event, marital property and separate property can create a major rift between you and your spouse and even prevent your divorce from being finalized. So, to be sure you understand your rights and aren’t forced to hand over assets that shouldn’t be divided, contact the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C.now to speak with an experienced divorce attorney in Lansing, MI who is prepared to help you with your case.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C.at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
517-487-6603
Website: www.stushafer.com
The post Will Assets I Acquire While Separated from My Spouse be Considered Martial Property During Our Divorce? first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault, or rape, “is forcing or coercing an individual to engage in any non-consensual sexual contact or sexual penetration” [Source: Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board]. The State of Michigan recognizes sexual assault as criminal sexual conduct and there are four degrees of it. The first and third degrees involve forced or coerced penetration and the second and fourth degrees involve forced or coerced sexual contact. Now, if you’re wondering how the prosecutor overseeing your case is going to determine the severity of your charge, he or she will likely use the following factors:
How are individuals punished for criminal sexual conduct in the State of Michigan?
It depends on the degree of the crime you are charged with. However, most criminal sexual conduct charges carry jail time as well as fines and fees. To learn more about each type of charge, we encourage you to review The Michigan Penal Code for each degree of a sexual assault charge provided for you below.
Criminal sexual conduct in the first degree (750.520b.)
Criminal sexual conduct in the second degree, felony (750.520c.)
Criminal sexual conduct in the third degree, felony (750.520d.)
Criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree, misdemeanor (750.520e.)
Why do I need to hire a MI criminal defense attorney if I was charged with sexual assault?
There are several reasons why you need to retain an attorney after having been charged with a criminal sexual conduct charge. The most obvious reason is that you need to protect your rights and freedom, and only a qualified defense attorney is going to be able to do this. Some other reasons why it benefits to have an experienced lawyer representing your criminal case include:
Did you know that “criminal sexual conduct does not require a witness other than the victim?” Essentially, it could come down to a case of “he said she said” and if you don’t have a legal expert working by your side, the alleged victim could potentially get you convicted of a crime you didn’t actually commit.
If you are ready to discuss your case with a criminal defense lawyer in Lansing, MI now, contact the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. today.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C.at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
517-487-6603
Website: www.stushafer.com
The post Understanding the Sexual Assault Charges that were Filed Against You in Lansing, MI first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>So, without wasting any more time, let’s divulge into the question: Can I settle my divorce outside of the courtroom when divorcing in the State of Michigan?
You may be able to settle your divorce outside of the courtroom, however, you will likely need to visit it at least once during the duration of your case.
The first thing you need to understand is that your circumstances will dictate whether your case needs to go before a judge or if your case can be settled outside of the courtroom. Do you have dependent children together with your spouse? Did you acquire a significant amount of marital assets (i.e. valuables, money, property, etc. that belong to both you and your husband or wife)? Are you both in agreement with getting a divorce or is one party opposed to it? The answers to these questions will definitely play a role in determining whether your case is going to need to go before a judge.
Let’s say you don’t have any dependent children, hardly any marital assets, and you and your spouse both want the divorce. One party will need to submit the divorce petition with the court to initiate the process, but you may be able to just sign the papers agreeing that you want to dissolve your marriage and that you do not contest any aspect of it. Generally, these types of cases are settled much quicker than those involving children, assets debts, etc. and you and your spouse won’t need to step foot in the courtroom too often.
However, if you do have dependent children with your spouse, have acquired marital assets and debts together, and/or one of you contests the divorce, then this might require you to show up for several court hearings to get your matters resolved. The fact is, the more issues that exist and the more disagreements that arise, the more likely you will need to show up to court. Now, there are alternatives to going to court, even when you and your spouse are unable to come to an agreement on one or more of the matters associated with the divorce. One of those alternatives is taking your case to mediation.
What is divorce mediation?
Mediation is considered an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and “it involves a neutral third party professional who meets with the parties outside of the courtroom to attempt to resolve the case” [Source: Ingham County, MI]. The mediator’s objective is to help both parties reach an agreement on some of the most disputed issues that arise in a divorce (i.e. child support, child custody, and division of assets and debts]. The mediator who is assigned to help with your case, or the person you choose to hire, “may work out a partial or full settlement with the parties, or in some cases, no settlement,” which would then result in the case going to trial.
Many divorcing couples will often turn to mediation as they would much rather attempt to address and resolve their issues on their own and without the input of a judge. However, not all couples who go through mediation are successful in resolving their issues. Sometimes, a couple is unable to reach an agreement on a matter or one party refuses to compromise with the other and the case is then forced back into the courtroom.
How do I know if my case needs to go before a judge?
Your best bet is to contact the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. and schedule a time to come in and speak with Lansing, MI divorce attorney Stuart R. Shafer. Your case may or may not need to go before a judge but before this can be determined, you will need to have an experienced divorce lawyer review the details surrounding the marriage to decide whether the case will need to be settled in the courtroom.
If you would like to schedule a time to come in and speak with a qualified MI divorce attorney who can review with you some alternatives to going to court for your divorce, contact us now at 517-487-6603.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C.at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
517-487-6603
Website: www.stushafer.com
The post Can I Settle My Divorce Without Having to Go to Court? first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>When a court has been assigned to create a parenting time, it “shall be granted in accordance with the best interests of the child.” Now, the court does encourage that the child maintains a strong relationship with both parents so generally, the parenting time order will grant custody to both parents. The only time a parent may be awarded little or no custody of their child is when “it is shown on the record by clear and convincing evidence that it would endanger the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health.”
Now, in order for a judge to establish a parenting time order, he or she may use the following factors to influence their decision:
[Source: Child Custody Act of 1970].
Now, if you are looking to be assigned as your child’s custodial parent, which would grant you both physical and legal custody of them, you are going to want to retain a Lansing, MI child custody lawyer who can help gather all the evidence needed to support your desires. The Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. can provide you with the legal representation you not only need but will want when it comes time for your case to be heard in court. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you obtain a successful outcome in your child custody matter, contact us now at 517-487-6603.
The Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. has extensive experience in handling various types of family-related matters, including child custody and is available to provide legal services to those residing in Lansing, East Lansing, DeWitt, St. Johns, Grand Ledge, Okemos, and Charlotte.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C.at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
517-487-6603
Website: www.stushafer.com
The post What Factors Will a Michigan Court Use to Establish a Parenting Time Order? first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>So, how long will this difficult period last? How long will your charge remain on your record and when can you begin reporting to potential employers that your criminal record is “clean?” If these are some of the questions you have been asking yourself, then read on as we are addressing them below.
Something you need to keep in mind that is even when you are able to get your criminal record expunged, certain employers such as those in the law enforcement field, education, and others working for city, state, or government agencies will still be able to see your record and you will be required to provide the necessary information they are seeking regarding the offense when you apply.
Now, if you would like to find out if your criminal convictions can be expunged so that you are able to find and retain a job without having to worry about an employer turning you down because of your past mistakes, contact Lansing, MI criminal defense attorney Stuart R. Shafer. Attorney Stuart R. Shafer can review your record, determine if you qualify to have your convictions expunged, and help you take the necessary steps to get this accomplished. To get in contact with our office to learn more about getting a criminal record expunged or the other options that may be available to you, contact us today at 517-487-6603.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
517-487-6603
Website: www.stushafer.com
The post How Long Will My Criminal Conviction Remain on My Record? first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>
While this is what many are hoping for, this isn’t a plausible outcome. You see, the law isn’t retroactive which means the charges still stand and these individuals are still going to be facing the penalties they would had the law never been enacted. That means those who are still sitting behind bars for a crime that they would no longer be punished for will remain there and those whose lives have been impacted by a marijuana charge can’t undo the damage that has been done.
As frustrating as this can be, you should know that you aren’t alone if you are currently facing the repercussions of a marijuana charge that was filed prior to the passing of the new law. Fox News 7 highlighted that there are still people “working their way through the court system on charges that pre-dated the change in law” and there “are also hundreds of people serving [time on] probation on low-level marijuana charges.” The source goes on to cite that there are “even more people who have a criminal record tied to something that is no longer a crime.” Take for instance the case involving Peter Trzos, who is “a former medical doctor who pleaded guilty to felony charges earlier this year in connection with his sale of medical marijuana.”
Trzos told the source that he’s spent the last six years of his life fighting this case and he’s been “battling to keep paychecks coming in ever since his charges were filed.” Trzos had taken over a medical marijuana facility before it was raided, and he was faced with the criminal charges. Not only was he hit with several marijuana charges, but also charges for having weapons in his possession as he owned guns. Trzos decided to accept a plea deal that involved him pleading guilty to possession and manufacturing charges in an effort to avoid being hit with additional charges.
As a result of the conviction, Trzos can no longer hold a medical license, says the news source. In fact, the charges have even led to him being denied a job as a Lyft driver given his criminal background. As unfortunate as it is, there are plenty of individuals just like Trzos who have been faced with the struggles convicted criminals encounter for a crime that is now no longer considered an offense.
Is there any possibility that the marijuana charges that were filed prior to the passing of the new law will be ever be dropped?
Although the likelihood of this happening is slim, one lawyer who pushed to have recreational marijuana legalized told the news source that if legislative action is taken, there is a chance that some low-level marijuana convictions may be expunged. The news outlet says that “California enacted legislation earlier this year that started an automatic process to potentially reduce, or dismiss, sentences and records for crimes that are no longer illegal under state law.” If Michigan were to pass a similar bill, it could “potentially remove convictions” as well. Will this happen? That is still unclear so for now, if you are currently facing any type of marijuana charge, you are encouraged to contact Lansing, MI criminal defense lawyer Stuart R. Shafer.
Our firm has extensive experience in handling these types of cases and will do all that we can to help get your charges reduced or dismissed.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
517-487-6603
The post What Will Happen to My Marijuana Conviction Now that Marijuana is Legal in Michigan? first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>
The news source stated that Iesha and Anthony Williams, as well as Del Morgan, were all stopped in Lansing twice on November 30th, 2016 and were subjected to “an unlawful search, false arrest, and unlawful seizure of cash.” During the first stop, MSP Trooper James Moots claimed he smelled marijuana coming from out of the vehicle and asked if anyone had a medical marijuana license. If you weren’t aware, a person is permitted to possess certain amounts of medical marijuana given they have the authorization to do so, although the state has yet to pass laws that permit individuals to possess marijuana for recreational purposes.
Moots claimed that after he asked that question, he didn’t receive a response although the two individuals claimed in the lawsuit that they did, in fact, tell the officer that they had a license when they were initially pulled over. The officer proceeded to pat down Anthony and then arrested him. Iesha was then interviewed by the officer. After being detained and taken to the local jail, it wasn’t until about an hour later that Anthony was released. The source claims there was no citation written, however, the officer allegedly confiscated close to $35,000 from Anthony’s pockets. The source went on to explain that the officer then contacted Tri-County Metro Narcotics and asked the unit to conduct surveillance on the individuals as he felt there was some discrepancy with the story the two provided in how they acquired such a large sum of money.
After following the three around for three hours, the undercover officers witnessed them visit four medical marijuana dispensaries and three retail stores. It wasn’t until they made a lane change without signaling and failed to yield at a yellow light that the undercover officers pulled their vehicle over. Iesha and Anthony confirmed that they had just visited dispensaries and Anthony told officers that he was a caregiver and that he had his identification card in his wallet Despite the statements given, officers arrested all of them and took them in to be interviewed. Officials seized 20.8 ounces of marijuana, their phones, and had their vehicle towed. The source highlighted that the officers seized the items “because of the discrepancies about the money and the purchase of an illegal amount of medical marijuana.”
The three were later charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana. They went on to hire a Michigan criminal defense lawyer, which is something you should always do when you have been charged with any type of crime, who determined that there had been multiple discovery violations in the case. As a result of his findings, the representing defense attorney asked that:
Eventually, a resolution was agreed upon regarding the charges, but the two individuals are now seeking $500,000 along with attorney fees in their lawsuit they recently filed for their wrongful arrest among other things.
The truth is, many individuals are faced with similar circumstances, although some are forced to spend months or even years behind bars. The fact is, officers of the law will often violate an individual’s rights in order to detain them for a crime they believe they have committed. And when it becomes your word against an officer of the law, you don’t stand a good chance at defending yourself unless you have a criminal defense attorney working by your side.
Therefore, if you have been arrested in Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Dewitt, St. Johns, Charlotte, or Grand Ledge and believe your rights were violated during an arrest or that you did not commit the crime you are being accused of, contact Lansing, MI criminal defense attorney Stuart R. Shafer. Our office is capable of helping you fight these charges and prove that you are the victim of a wrongful arrest.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
517-487-6603
The post Michigan Couple Wrongfully Arrested for Possession of Medical Marijuana first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>
Has your marriage become unstable to the point where you and your spouse no longer can stand to live in the same household? Have your disagreements or inability to mend your issues led to the two of you separating? If you said yes and are now wondering whether this separation period is going to lead to divorce, then you will want to read on as there are a few likely outcomes that are possible, but it depends on the intentions you have for separating in the first place.
According to Gadoua, there are three main reasons why a couple might choose to separate from one another. These include:
While Gadoua acknowledged that separation is generally viewed as a “breaking point,” it doesn’t have to be, especially if you are using the time to strengthen your marriage rather than looking for a way to end it. Gadoua went on to say that despite the beliefs of many who feel that separating during a time of despair and struggle is when a husband or wife should cling on to their spouses, separation “can be quite effective in bringing two people closer together” when certain guidelines are employed. Some suggestions Gadoua provides for couples who are looking to separate to strengthen their marriage include:
While separating might work for some couples, it isn’t the best option for all. Sometimes, a separation could lead to a couple drifting farther apart which may then lead to divorce so it is best to speak with Lansing, MI family law attorney Stuart R. Shafer who can assess your current situation and help you make an informed decision regarding whether separating from your spouse is the best option.
You can reach the Law Offices Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
517-487-6603
The post Does Separation Always Lead to Divorce? first appeared on Stuart R. Shafer Law Offices.]]>Sources say the 68-year-old told the employee, “Here, I will just use this as a mask,” before wiping his face. Police said the man continued to be “loud and disruptive” before leaving the Dollar Tree store in a white van.
Officials were later tipped off to the identity of the man, who was later arrested. The news source says that his case was referred to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for charges. This incident occurred just one day after another happened in Flint, Michigan. The source reported that a security guard was gunned down “after turning a customer away for trying to enter a Family Dollar without a mask.”
With New Rules Come New Adjustments
In an effort to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, new rules are being set all across the state of Michigan. Stores are requiring that customers wear face masks and the Governor expects individuals who do not live together to remain six feet apart. When a person breaks those rules or intentionally puts someone at a heightened risk of contracting the virus (i.e. sneezing or wiping their nose on someone else), they risk being criminally charged.
In fact, a North Dakota man was arrested back at the beginning of April after he coughed at a local Walmart, reports The Verge. The Walmart location the man had gone to was limiting the number of people inside the store and he “apparently wasn’t happy to hear that” so he “intentionally coughed on store employees.” But he isn’t the only one who has been arrested for coughing on another person. In fact, there is a growing list of people who have been arrested for intentionally coughing in public amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
To prevent from being criminally charged and potentially tainting your record, it is best that you make the necessary adjustments to ensure you are in compliance with all the new rules that are being set. In the event you were recently arrested in Lansing, Michigan and are facing criminal charges, Lansing, MI criminal defense attorney Stuart R. Shafer is here to help you understand your rights. The residents of Michigan are facing multiple hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the last thing anyone needs is to have serious criminal charges recorded on their record.
You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. at:
1223 Turner Street, #333
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: 517-487-6603
Website: www.stushafer.com
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