Author: lecalef

For individuals in Michigan convicted of Operating While Visibly Impaired, Operating While Intoxicated, or Operating with a High BAC, the legislature requires the completion of a substance abuse assessment prior to sentencing. MCL 257.625b(5). Often this is approached as just one more requirement in a long list of conditions placed upon an individual convicted of … Continue reading Substance Abuse Assessments and OWI Offenses

Michigan’s newest jail reforms include significant changes for individuals with outstanding low-level arrest warrants. In commentary included in the Guide to Michigan’s 2020 Jail Reforms it states: “To encourage appearance in court for people with low-level outstanding warrants, the new law requires swift processing, without arrest, of defendants with certain outstanding warrants. . . .” … Continue reading New Law Provides Benefit to Individuals Who Voluntarily Present on Outstanding Warrants

Approved criminal justice reforms begin March 24, 2021 in Michigan. The first wave of changes affects non-serious misdemeanor sentences, intermediate sanctions for felonies, and HYTA. Many of the changes are showcasing a shift in focus from incarceration to non-jail sentencing. Amended MCL 769.5 creates a rebuttable presumption against jail or probation for non-serious misdemeanors. While … Continue reading First Wave of Criminal Justice Reforms Going Into Effect March 24, 2021