Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I register as a medical marihuana patient with the state?

"Qualifying patients" must register with the Michigan Department of Community Health, Bureau of Health Professions, P.O. Box 30083, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

To register, the patient must submit (on forms provided by the department) the following information:

(a) an application or renewal fee;
(b) the name, address, and birth date of the qualifying patient;
(c) the name, address, and telephone number of the qualifying patient's physician;
(d) the name, address, and birth date of the qualifying patient's caregiver, if any.
(e) written certification that the person is a qualifying patient.

Can I use marihuana while on parole/probation if I have an MMMP card?

Your probation officer or parole agent can impose restrictions on your possession and use of medical marihuana as a condition of your supervision, even if you have a valid MMMP card. Most offenders' supervision is subject to an "obey all laws" condition. Since marihuana possession and use is illegal under federal law, supervisory authorities can sanction an offender for possessing marihuana, even if he or she has an MMMP card. Sanctions could result in a subsequent charge, called a violation of probation. If you are on probation, parole, post-prison supervision, or other form of conditional supervision for conviction of a crime, you should consult with your parole and probation officer regarding whether your possession or use of marihuana may subject you to incarceration for violation of the conditions of your supervision. The MMMP will revoke the card of a cardholder if a court issues an order that prohibits the cardholder from participating in the medical use of marihuana or otherwise participating in the MMMP.

I am facing a lengthy prison sentence. Can I get prisoner bootcamp (SAI) and get released early?

The prisoner bootcamp is an excellent alternative to prison, as it allows those who are truly devoted to rehabiliation one last opportunity to be released early, sometimes as early as 90 days. The problem is, not everyone qualifies for the SAI program, and the rules and regulations are constantly changing. First, your sentencing judge must not object to your participation in prisoner bootcamp. Second, you must be sentenced to a minimum prison term of three (3) years or less, or two year minimum or less for Breaking and Entering or Home Invasion. Third, you must not be convicted of one of the many offenses that are excluded from the program. Before you make any decisions about your case, you should consult with your lawyer and determine whether your offense of conviction, or even your prior offenses, will automatically prevent you from participating.

Is it possible to get a case dismissed when you are charged with a serious crime?

Although rare, it is always possible to get your case dismissed prior to trial. A skilled Michigan criminal defense attorney will take the time to thoroughly review every aspect of your case. In some cases it is discovered that there have been violations of correct police procedure, whether on the arrest or on the search and seizure of evidence. When this can be proven, the evidence against you may no longer be admissible in court, and the case might be dismissed. In other cases, and depending on the client's financial resources, Garrison & Associates, PLLC can launch an independent investigation to uncover additional evidence that the prosecutor "forgot" to include. If the prosecutor still refuses to dismiss, a jury trial will be necessary.

Will I have to spend time in jail for a criminal charge?

Initially, after the arrest, you will likely spend some hours locked up awaiting your arraignment, which is the formal hearing in which you are charged with the crime, you make your plea (guilty or not guilty) and your bail is set. It is imperative that you have legal representation at your arraignment, as your lawyer will argue that you should be released while your charges are pending. Many times a lawyer can convince the Judge to release you on a personal bond, which means you would not have to pay anything to be released from custody. Once you are released, every effort will be made to defend you aggressively so that you do not get convicted.

What is a Grand Jury?

If you have been arrested and charged with a felony, a Grand Jury may be necessary to indict you. An indictment is a formal accusation that an individual has committed a felony offense. Grand juries are most commonly used in Federal cases.

Aren't all lawyers mostly the same in criminal law?

No. Many attorneys have very little experience with defending criminal cases. They may tell you that they can take on a criminal case, but it is critical that you retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer with trial experience. Because the economy is so bad, lawyers are now trying to diversify their practice areas. This means that a lawyer might tell you that his specialty is criminal law when his practice really consists of a combination of bankruptcy matters, child custody and divorces, business litigation, etc. You wouldn't go to a doctor who claims to be a dermatologist, pediatrician, oncologist, cardiologist, and also a neurologist. You should demand the same of your lawyer.

What can your firm help me with?

Our office can assist clients facing virtually any type of felony or misdemeanor offense, including DUI/OWI, drug possession, drug trafficking, assault & battery, domestic violence, theft, weapon charges, violent crimes, white collar crimes, kidnapping, child abuse and more.

Contact a Michigan criminal defense attorney today if you are seeking an aggressive defense lawyer to fight for you in court.