9 Steps In Changing Your Legal Name

What Are The Steps In Changing Your Legal Name?

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In Michigan, you can normally change your name whenever you want, as long as you don’t do it to trick or deceive someone else. To change your name, you have to do a lot of things. These steps in changing your legal name include sending in your finalized petition, paying the fees, obtaining a criminal background check, putting out a notice of hearing, and going to the hearing.

Changing Legal Name in Michigan

For an adult (18 years or older) to legally change their name in Michigan, they must complete the following requirements:

  • Have lived in Michigan for at least 12 months.
  • Have lived in their county for at least 12 months
  • Not seeking a name change for fraudulent reasons
  • Have no criminal record (unless they can show enough legal reason to change their name)

Most applications for name changes will be granted; however, you can’t change it to a curse word, a racial slur, or a name that is meant to be confusing, like one with punctuation or numbers.

Michigan Steps In Changing Your Legal Name

 Even though the process can vary slightly from state to state, the general procedures and steps in changing your legal name you’ll need to follow are outlined below.

Step 1: Fill Out The Form to Change Your Name

First, the person who wants to change their name must get Form PC 51 – Petition to Change Name – and fill it out. When the petition is finished, the person who started it should make a copy of it for record keeping.

Step 2: Get Your Fingerprints Scanned

Individuals aging 22 and older must have their fingerprints scanned and a criminal background check done. To have their fingerprints taken, petitioners need to have a copy of their Petition to Change Name and go to the nearest Police office and request a RI-8 form. The police agency will check the individual’s fingerprints to their records before sending them to the FBI for additional investigation. This takes three to five weeks. Any background check results are reported to the petitioner’s court.

Step 3: Pay The Fingerprinting and Criminal Background Check Fee

Fingerprinting costs between $5 and $10, while background checks cost $42. Payments must be done in the form of a check or money order payable to the State of Michigan.

Step 4: Gather the Necessary Documents

The petitioner must gather the following documents before visiting the Court Clerk:

  • Form PC 51 – Petition to Change Name
  • Valid photo ID issued by the state or passport
  • Envelope with prepaid postage addressed to home

Step 5: Submit Documents to Circuit Court

The petitioner must appear in person before the Court Clerk, introduce themselves, and submit their Form PC 51 and the self-addressed envelope. The envelope will be used to send the petitioner the notice of their court date.

Step 6: Pay The Filing Fee

Petitioners should contact their local court to find out the cost in their jurisdiction. If a petitioner can’t afford the filing fee, they can submit Form MC-20 to have it waived. Some courts allow petitioners to pay the publishing cost to speed up the name change process.

Step 7: Name Change Publication

Unless the judge identifies a basis to make a name change confidential, the petitioner should publish a notice in a newspaper. Once the name change is publicized, the petitioner must send a copy of the affidavit and notice to the court.

Step 8: Pay the Publication Fee

In some courts, the petitioner can pay the publishing fee at the circuit court. If not, the medium that publishes the name change will bill the petitioner. Publication prices vary per paper, but petitioners should expect to pay $80+.

Step 9: Attend Hearing

The court will arrange a name change hearing after receiving the petitioner’s background check. On the day of their hearing, the petitioner must appear in court and provide two (2) copies of all papers. The court will question the person why they’re changing their name and to vow it’s not for fraud. If approved, the judge stamps a court order declaring the person’s name changed (PC 52). The petitioner must then have a certified copy of the court order changing their name.

Contact an Experienced Michigan Family Law Attorney

Changing your name legally, whether due to marriage, divorce, or some other reason, can be a major life occurrence. Let an experienced family law attorney from Goldman and Associates walk you through the process and steps in changing your legal name. Set up an appointment today.

Important Things You Need To Know About Friend Of The Court In Michigan

Things You Need To Know About Friend Of The Court In Michigan

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Disagreements over child custody, parenting time, and child support are typical in several family court cases. Because of the regularity with which these disagreements emerge, legal systems have judged it necessary to appoint a specific individual to investigate complaints and charges of wrongdoing.

This individual, known as the Friend of the Court (FOC), plays a key role in Michigan family law matters, particularly on the aforementioned concerns. The FOC is appointed by the family division of the circuit court in Michigan’s numerous counties. It may be helpful to dig in deeper and learn more about the Friend of the Court in Michigan. In some instances, it may be essential for parents and interested parties to go beyond what the FOC provides and contact a family law attorney to resolve disputes.

Defining Friend of the Court

The Friend of the Court (FOC) is a court-affiliated service that gathers data for the court regarding child support, child custody, and parenting time issues. When a case involving a minor child is filed in a county circuit court, the person will be given a FOC staff with whom they will work throughout the case.

The FOC will examine the facts of your case and make suggestions about child custody, visitation rights, and support, particularly medical support. You and the other parent will be asked to complete forms and participate in in-person interviews as part of the inquiry.

Refusing to comply with the request of the FOC is never a smart move. Not only will you appear disorganized and negligent, but the information provided by the other parent could influence the FOC’s decision-making process in making recommendations.

It is critical, however, that the information you provide is properly reviewed. An experienced family law attorney can help you provide accurate and precise information in a way that is favorable to you and your children.

Function and Duties of The Friend Of The Court In Michigan

If you have a family law case in Michigan that involves minor children, you may already know about the Friend of the Court, but you may not fully understand what they do or how it affects your case.

As we’ve talked about, the FOC handles a wide range of family law, divorce, and custody disputes. These issues include, but are not limited to:

  • Carrying out investigations, writing reports, and making suggestions about child custody
  • Investigating and presenting findings on matters about child support
  • Examining and reporting on issues about parenting time
  • Resolving conflicts and legal problems between parents about child custody, visitation rights, etc.
  • Supplying legal papers related to family law and serving as a legal resource when an attorney is not available.
  • Mediating disputes over child custody and parenting time when both parents are on board with the process is an alternative means of resolving disputes
  • Providing custody, parenting time, and support order enforcement services

Seek Legal Advice From a Well-Versed Michigan Family Law Attorney

Inexperienced people may find it difficult to navigate, but a well-versed attorney can help alleviate some of that stress. Get in touch with Goldman and Associates today or set up an appointment if you’re having issues about the Friend of the Court in Michigan.

Michigan Divorce Process: Where To File For A Military Divorce?

Where Do I File For A Military Divorce?

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Families in the military services already face a sufficient number of obstacles. Throwing the decision to dissolve a marriage to the mix of traveling, deployments, and separation from their families is a difficult concept to swallow. As a result of these factors, getting a divorce as an active-duty soldier or as the spouse of a soldier may appear to be an arduous task. 

Divorce in itself is a tough process, but when military divorce benefits enter the scene, it may become even more difficult. To make matters easier, here are a few things you should know about how and where to file a military divorce.

What Does Military Divorce Mean?

A military divorce is a unique sort of divorce that happens when one or both spouses are in the military. In order to protect military members who are unable to attend hearings, they often require additional standards to be met, and as a result, they occur less often than other divorces.

In contrast to a normal divorce, a military divorce in Michigan presents special difficulties involving both federal and state law. Special laws have been enacted to prevent active-duty military personnel from failing to answer to a divorce petition while they are deployed. The applicable law permits divorce process to be delayed during the duration of an active military member’s deployment and for up to 60 days afterward. Despite the fact that the criteria to file a military divorce are identical to those for a regular divorce, there may be discrepancies in the distribution of property and calculation of child support.

Seeking for a military divorce can result in conditions and aspects not present in civilian divorces. Before deciding to file, you should consult with an experienced military attorney if you or your spouse is a member of the armed forces, since there are certain laws that could possibly affect your family and yourself. Listed below are a few examples that our law company can help you understand better.

  • Benefits
  • Guidelines and rules for the armed forces
  • Division of Pensions
  • Residency requirements
  • Rights of an Unmarried Father
  • Property division
  • Serving an active officer or sailor
  • Service Members Civil Relief Act (SMCRA) relating to divorce proceedings

Where Should I File for a Military Divorce?

Generally, a military person can file for divorce in either the state in which he or she is deployed or the state in which he or she resided before going on active duty. To qualify as a resident of Michigan for divorce reasons, the military member must establish residency in the state for at least 180 days. If the military member’s spouse had resided in Michigan for at least 180 days, the divorce could also be finalized there.

If the divorce is uncontested, the active-duty service member may sign a waiver affidavit in lieu of receiving a summon. Furthermore, divorce proceedings may be postponed while the military spouse is on active duty and for up to sixty days after he or she returns home, unless a waiver allowing the divorce to continue is signed.

These regulations safeguard actual service members from default for failing to appear for a citation and permit them to participate in divorce hearings in order to influence the outcome. Otherwise, a non-military spouse may simply obtain a divorce and set conditions that are detrimental to the military spouse.

Seek Advice From Knowledgeable Military Divorce Lawyers

Whether you are a member of the armed forces or married to one, the best way to go with your divorce is by contacting skilled military divorce attorneys who have the knowledge and expertise to defend your best interests throughout a military divorce in Michigan. Contact Goldman and Associates or book an appointment immediately for a free legal consultation.

Things You Should Know About Breach Of Contract

What You Should Know About Breach Of Contract?

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Contracts are vital to every business. Businesses make contracts for everything. Whether the other party is a supplier, a customer, or another business in its area, they must uphold their end of the contract. When the other party breaches the contract, businesses can lose.

If a business’s contract has been broken, it most likely has legal recourse to make things right. However, keep in mind that most of these solutions will not last forever. That is why it is critical to understand what you should know about breach of contract.

Elements of a Breach of Contract Claim

To prove that someone has broken a contract, you need to prove the following:

  • There is a contract in place,
  • The other party breached the contract, and
  • A party suffered damages due to a breach of contract.

Every part of a breach of contract claim has several aspects that your lawyer may need to investigate.

Element #1: Demonstrating the Contract’s Existence

To establish a breach of contract in Michigan, you must first show that there was a legal contract in the first place. The other party may claim that the contract is invalid if they are trying to escape their duties.

Element #2: The Other Party Violated the Agreement

To demonstrate a breach of contract in Michigan, you must show that the other party failed to uphold their contractual responsibilities in a significant way. You must, however, be aware of many defenses to a breach of contract claim. Having an attorney on your side can help you foresee these defenses and choose the best way to counteract them.

Element #3: You Sustained Losses

Damages are the final part of a breach of contract suit. Even if you can show that the other party broke the contract in a big way, you still have to show that the breach caused you real damage. For instance, suppose a caterer backed down on an arrangement to serve 1,000 meals for an event you were organizing. If you were able to locate another provider to serve the same food for the occasion at the same cost, it will likely be difficult to prove that the caterer’s breach caused you harm.

Michigan’s Statute of Limitations for Breach of Contract

Like most business lawsuits, breach of contract claims have statutes of limitations. A statute of limitations limits how long a person or entity has to file a claim following an incident. Under Michigan’s statutes of limitations for breach of contract, a party usually has six years to file a claim. Notably, several types of contracts have different restrictions on time than this one.

However, Michigan contract law imposes varying timeframes for a few types of contracts. These time limits can be anywhere from two to ten years, so you should talk to a contract lawyer to find out which one applies to your claim.

Seek Advice From a Knowledgeable and Experienced Michigan Lawyer Today

Goldman and Associates represent both individuals and businesses of all shapes and sizes. We are well-versed in Michigan’s contract law and can provide you with all the pertinent information you should know about breach of contract. Call or book an appointment today to tell us more about your situation and find out what we can do to help you.

Things You Should Know If You Violate a PPO

What You Should Do If You Violate a PPO

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Personal Protection Orders (PPO) are issued for stalking, threats, or violence. Frequently, a PPO is issued to limit contact with a family member or domestic partner. It will restrict your freedom and may involve complicated terms and conditions. Violating a PPO is punishable by law, and you could face harsh punishment. Given the potential repercussions, understanding what you should do if you violate a PPO in Michigan is crucial.

Charges for Violating a PPO in Michigan

Due to the multiple potential restrictions that can be violated, there are no precise criteria for PPO violation penalties in Michigan. If you violate a PPO, your sanction will be decided collaboratively by the judge, district attorney, and local police. You will be taken in front of a judge within twenty-four hours, so get a defense attorney immediately. You may be arrested without a warrant and prosecuted with criminal contempt if you are discovered to have violated the terms of a Michigan protective order.

If you violate a PPO and are later found guilty of a crime, you may face punishment for the crime and the PPO violation. If you’ve been accused of violating the terms of a protection order, contact an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney.

PPO violations are punishable by up to 93 days in jail, $500 in fines, and even more severe charges. The sooner you get a lawyer on your side, the better your chances of a favorable case conclusion and avoiding a criminal penalty.

What Do Law Enforcers Do If You Violate a PPO

It is crucial to comply with a Personal Protection Order (PPO) if one has been issued against you. You could risk prison time, a fine, or both if you violate the PPO.

If the police have probable grounds to suspect you breached the PPO and have been served with the PPO, you can be arrested immediately. They are not required to get a warrant of arrest.

If the petitioner declares you violated the PPO, police may investigate. If you haven’t received a PPO, the police must provide you with a copy or inform you. If you disobey the PPO right after the officer tells you about it, they may apprehend you even without a warrant.

Even though you have not been served with the PPO, it is effective across Michigan as soon as a court signs it. Once served, the order may be implemented anywhere in the United States. If you violate a PPO from another state, the law enforcers in Michigan can arrest you even without a warrant. A law enforcement officer can make an arrest based on a copy of the other state’s order if it looks to be valid, in effect, and has:

  • The names of the parties involved
  • Evidence that it was granted before the date of the violation
  • Terms and conditions imposed on the person who violated the order
  • The issuing court’s name
  • The signature of a judge or a judicial officer

Consult a Competent Criminal Defense Attorney Regarding Your Case Today

If you violate a PPO, you must hire a lawyer as soon as possible. Goldman and Associates is an esteemed law firm, and your attorney will aggressively fight to uphold your rights in the family and criminal courts of Michigan. Schedule an appointment for a free consultation with an experienced criminal law attorney today.

How Do I Defend Myself Against False Accusations in Court?

How Do I Fight False Accusations In Court?

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False accusations can damage a person’s life and impact civil and criminal cases. Sadly, they occur frequently in cases involving divorce and child custody. It can also encompass assault, domestic violence, and sexual harassment in workplace. Being falsely accused can be detrimental, much more when you have to fight false accusations in court to prove your innocence.

How to Defend From Against False Accusations in Court

Many of us believe that the truth will always triumph in the courtroom. However, that isn’t always true. The defendant’s inability to effectively defend oneself may have a negative impact on their lives. If you have been falsely accused, it is crucial to know what steps to take. When you use the right strategy and work with an experienced attorney, you have a good chance of clearing your name.

1. REMAIN SILENT

The right to keep silent exists for a purpose. In court, whatever you say or do can be used against you. In the heat of the moment, you may unintentionally utter words that could cause you serious damage. Instead, maintain your composure and wait until you can hire a lawyer to do the talking for you.

2. HIRE A LAWYER

A competent lawyer will know precisely what to do in your case and advise you appropriately. It is also vital that the lawyer you hire has experience dealing with false accusations in court. A good lawyer who knows libel and defamation laws in your state might also be very beneficial.

3. CONSIDER COUNTER SUING

It is also vital to understand that false accusations are unlawful.  If the false accusation against you is exceptionally heinous, you may wish to consider filing a libel or defamation suit in response. However, if you want to do so, you need to remember that the statute of limitations for defamation in Michigan is one year.

4. IMPEACH A WITNESS MAKING FALSE ACCUSATIONS

If a witness falsely accuses you in court, you and your lawyer can impeach them. One technique of doing this is to submit evidence in court that undermines the witness’s credibility or demonstrates they were untruthful. 

Another way is during cross-examination, where your lawyer can confront a witness with the truth and prove they made false claims.

Attempting to impeach a witness for making false accusations is another reason why it’s vital to gather as much evidence as early as possible. If the claims are untrue, there is a strong likelihood that a witness will be caught in a lie if you have collected proof to disprove their claims.

Fighting False Accusations In Court

Defending yourself from false accusations in court can be difficult and takes the ability and knowledge of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. If you have been wrongfully accused of a crime, you should not attempt to clear your name or uncover the truth on your own. Instead, remain silent, get an attorney, collect evidence, take legal action against your accuser, and adhere to the strategy outlined by your attorney.

Consult A Competent Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Case Today

If you have been falsely charged, you must defend yourself, and hiring a criminal defense attorney is your best option. These legal professionals represent all clients and can help you fight false accusations in court and protect your name from being tarnished. Contact the Michigan criminal defense attorneys at Goldman and Associates as soon as possible to schedule an appointment and learn about your legal options.

How You Can Fight A PPO in Michigan

 

How Can I Fight A PPO?

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Having a Personal Protection Order (PPO) issued against you can have serious consequences. A PPO case is not a criminal charge, so it won’t show up on your record. The problem is that it can limit your freedom. For instance, PPOs are recorded in the police’s Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) and are part of the public record. In Michigan, having a PPO isn’t something to belittle. However, there are several ways you can fight a PPO filed against you.

What Does Having a PPO entail in Michigan?

PPOs are classified into three forms under Michigan law. The type of PPO a victim seeks depends on their relationship with the offender. When the petitioner is in a domestic relationship with the respondent, a domestic relationship PPO tries to stop certain violent behaviors. A nondomestic relationship PPO is made when there are two or more acts of stalking, regardless of how close the victim is to the respondent. Lastly, a sexual assault PPO is best for people who have been sexually assaulted but don’t live with the respondent or haven’t been stalked by the respondent respondent twice or more.

If you have a PPO, you can’t:

  • Show in certain places, including your home
  • Speak to the petitioner and other specified people, including your kids.
  • Have a firearm if your work necessitates one

If you are charged with violating a PPO, you can be apprehended without a warrant. The PPO may also be factor in a divorce or child custody proceeding. Moreover, if a judge finds you in violation of the PPO, you may face fines and imprisonment.

What Can I Do To Fight A PPO?

Because being the Respondent in a PPO matter might be detrimental, you should consult with an attorney. You can ask the judge to amend the provisions of the PPO or terminate (end) the PPO before coverage expires by filing a motion. Petitioners may also request that the judge extend the PPO’s expiration date.

File your motion with the court that imposed the protective order. There will be a court hearing at which both you and the Petitioner can present your version of events. The judge will decide whether to prolong, modify, or terminate the PPO at the hearing.

Remember that you only have 14 days to make a move to amend or cancel an ex parte PPO after learning about it. An ex parte PPO is a protection order signed by the judge without a hearing. This means that the judge approved the PPO solely on the basis of what the Petitioner stated in their petition.

The 14-day period begins once you are aware of the PPO. You may have learned about the PPO if you received the paperwork through proper service, or learned about it in another means.

If you fail to make your motion to fight a PPO within 14 days, you must demonstrate good cause for the judge to hear your motion to modify or terminate the PPO. Good cause means you had a legitimate reason for not filing your motion sooner or missing the court hearing. If the judge finds you lack reasonable reasons, your motion will be denied. 

Assuming you file your motion on time, the court will hear it in 14 days. If you are a police officer and the PPO says you can’t have a gun, the hearing will happen within five days. You must ensure that the Petitioner receives your motion and the notice of hearing at least seven days before the hearing date.

Need a Competent Attorney To Help You Fight a PPO?

If you think someone has a personal protection order against you, you should hire a persistent and competent lawyer to fight a PPO issued against you. Goldman and Associates is here to provide you all the information you need about Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Michigan. Call us today for a free consultation or book an online appointment. We will call you as soon as possible and work with you to find a solution.

How Can You Prepare Before You Go To Court For Domestic Violence Charge

Preparing To Go To Court For Domestic Violence Charge

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In a case involving domestic violence, a judge will have to weigh the credibility of the parties and decide who he or she trusts more. In a case when the only evidence is the parties’ testimony, credibility is crucial. It can make or break your case. If you keep changing your story, don’t respond to questions, get defensive, or argue, the judge might not believe you. You may avoid all of these dangers if you know what to do before you go to court for a domestic violence charge.

What does Domestic Violence in Michigan entail?

Michigan law defines domestic violence as physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or economic abuse of a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, co-parent, or household member. Domestic violence doesn’t necessitate an “injured” victim. A first conviction can lead to up to 93 days in prison or a $500 fine; a second conviction can lead to up to a year in imprisonment or a $1,000 fine; and a third conviction, which is a felony, can lead to up to 2 years in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Preparations When You Go To Court For Domestic Violence Charge

Considering your and other family members’ safety is at stake in this hearing, it’s critical that you take  the necessary steps in preparing to go to court for a domestic violence charge and fight for your case.

1. Document Injuries

Be ready to tell the court specifics about each injury, like when, where, and what time it happened. If you went to the hospital because you were hurt badly, ensure you have the documents ready to show the court. Because the majority of charges of child abuse are based on testimony, having as much proof as possible is critical.

If you still live with your abuser, leave your proof with a trusted relative or friend. If you’re isolated, store the evidence at the workplace or in a safe. Depending on the severity of the situation, a domestic violence lawyer may be able to preserve photographic evidence in their office.

2. Get in Touch With Witnesses

Subpoenas for witnesses can be served by a domestic violence lawyer. A subpoena simply orders a witness to appear and testify at your domestic violence trial. Family members, acquaintances, colleagues, law enforcement officers, doctors, or emergency department nurses could all be witnesses to the abuse. Your case strengthens with every witness who validates your claims of abuse.

3. Understand What the Courts Can Do

During a domestic violence proceeding, the judge will rule if you and your family need protection orders to be safe from an abuser. If you have minor children with your offender, the court may also give you sole custody. However, in the majority of cases, abusers are permitted to visit their children during supervised visits.

A temporary restraining order prohibits the offender from:

  • Making contact with you in any means
  • Coming close to your house
  • Coming close to your workplace

4. Learn How to Tell Your Story

Most people who have been victims of domestic violence have never been able to speak about what they went through. This is why it’s essential to practice telling your story before you go to court for a domestic violence charge. Depending on your state’s laws, you may be able to use your notes (not read from them). But if the judge says you can’t have notes on the stand, you must know all the crucial details by heart. Going over the facts in your brain can help you remember new supporting details. A domestic violence lawyer can help you prepare for court.

Need a Domestic Violence Attorney?

Contact Goldman and Associates if you need assistance with a domestic abuse concern. Our criminal defense attorney has expertise assisting individuals in escaping abusive environments and helping you in preparing to go to court for a domestic violence charge. We will handle your case and fight for your rights. Allow our years of experience to work for you! Schedule an appointment here.

What To Do When You’re Wrongfully Charged with Possession Of a Controlled Substance

What If I Was Wrongfully Charged of Possession Of Controlled Substance?

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Have you been wrongfully charged with possession of a controlled substance? It’s a terrifying experience that, regrettably, is not uncommon. While sanctions for illegal drug possession are often less severe in many other states, a charge in Michigan can have far-reaching consequences. When charged with illicit drug possession, it is vital to have the assistance of a criminal law firm with expertise in Michigan criminal courts.

Charges for Drug Possession

There are two types of conditions that establish proof of possession: actual possession and constructive possession.

Actual possession is a charge based on illicit substances found on you or under your direct control. Constructive possession, on the other hand, refers to being charged with possession of a controlled substance that was not yours but that you knew was on your premises or or that you shared ownership of.

According to HG.org Legal Resources, you can be arrested for drugs that don’t belong to you but were found in your car or house, even if you weren’t there when they were found. No matter what kind of possession is in question, if you’re apprehended for illegal substance possession in the Michigan area, it’s important to know what you’re going to do and what defenses or resources you have.

What To Do If You’re Wrongfully Charged with Possession Of Controlled Substance

If you are wrongfully arrested for possessing substances that are not yours, keep the following points and rules in mind when you react and respond:

  • You must not resist arrest.
  • Inform the authorities that you wish to talk with a lawyer.
  • Make contact with a competent criminal defense lawyer.
  • Only give out your name and a few other vital personal information.
  • Say nothing else to the cops — keep in mind, that even innocent individuals have been charged with serious crimes as a consequence of saying something inappropriate to the cops during a criminal investigation. Make sure you don’t fall into the same trap.

It’s crucial to remember that police and law enforcement officers are constantly hearing the phrase “That’s not mine!” But law enforcement officers and judges are expected to let the facts speak for themselves. Even if you are charged with a crime or put in jail, the story isn’t over. It’s just getting started. With the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you can be found not guilty.

Consult a Michigan Criminal Attorney Right Away

Contacting an experienced, proactive Michigan criminal defense lawyer is probably the most crucial thing to do if you have been wrongly accused of a crime. Your lawyer will discuss to you all of your options, including the possibility of a plea bargain and how to prove that you are innocent. The lawyer will try to contact all witnesses, collect evidence, conduct interviews, and depositions, and prevent any superfluous and evasive testing.

If you’re wrongfully charged with possession of a controlled substance, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Let the attorneys at Goldman and Associates take care of your case; we will fight for your defense. Get legal advice today! Set up an appointment here.

 

What To Do When Youre Wrongfully Charged with Possession Of a Controlled Substance

What If I Was Wrongfully Charged of Possession Of Controlled Substance?

Click here to watch this video on YouTube.
Learn more about drug charges and criminal law.

Have you been wrongfully charged with possession of a controlled substance? It’s a terrifying experience that, regrettably, is not uncommon. While sanctions for illegal drug possession are often less severe in many other states, a charge in Michigan can have far-reaching consequences. When charged with illicit drug possession, it is vital to have the assistance of a criminal law firm with expertise in Michigan criminal courts.

Charges for Drug Possession

There are two types of conditions that establish proof of possession: actual possession and constructive possession.

Actual possession is a charge based on illicit substances found on you or under your direct control. Constructive possession, on the other hand, refers to being charged with possession of a controlled substance that was not yours but that you knew was on your premises or or that you shared ownership of.

According to HG.org Legal Resources, you can be arrested for drugs that don’t belong to you but were found in your car or house, even if you weren’t there when they were found. No matter what kind of possession is in question, if you’re apprehended for illegal substance possession in the Michigan area, it’s important to know what you’re going to do and what defenses or resources you have.

What To Do If Youre Wrongfully Charged with Possession Of Controlled Substance

If you are wrongfully arrested for possessing substances that are not yours, keep the following points and rules in mind when you react and respond:

  • You must not resist arrest.
  • Inform the authorities that you wish to talk with a lawyer.
  • Make contact with a competent criminal defense lawyer.
  • Only give out your name and a few other vital personal information.
  • Say nothing else to the cops keep in mind, that even innocent individuals have been charged with serious crimes as a consequence of saying something inappropriate to the cops during a criminal investigation. Make sure you don’t fall into the same trap.

It’s crucial to remember that police and law enforcement officers are constantly hearing the phrase “That’s not mine!” But law enforcement officers and judges are expected to let the facts speak for themselves. Even if you are charged with a crime or put in jail, the story isn’t over. It’s just getting started. With the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you can be found not guilty.

Consult a Michigan Criminal Attorney Right Away

Contacting an experienced, proactive Michigan criminal defense lawyer is probably the most crucial thing to do if you have been wrongly accused of a crime. Your lawyer will discuss to you all of your options, including the possibility of a plea bargain and how to prove that you are innocent. The lawyer will try to contact all witnesses, collect evidence, conduct interviews, and depositions, and prevent any superfluous and evasive testing.

If you’re wrongfully charged with possession of a controlled substance, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Let the attorneys at Goldman and Associates take care of your case; we will fight for your defense. Get legal advice today! Set up an appointment here.