Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Sunday February 10, 22-year-old Christopher Sams of Lansing was arrested after allegedly shooting another man during a robbery. The incident occurred at around midnight at the corner of Southland and Washington avenues, according to news reports.
Robert Merritt, public information officer with the Lansing police, said that the alleged victim had suffered gunshot wounds to his buttocks after he and a friend were followed as they walked home from a local party store, where they had purchased a few items. According to the victim, as the two men followed one of them struck him in the back of the head, demanding money as he brandished a handgun. After denying the suspect’s demand for money, the alleged victim turned and began walking in the direction of his residence; this is when he said that he felt pain in his lower backside after hearing a gunshot. Sams was located and arrested shortly thereafter.
On Tuesday February 12, Sams was arraigned in Lansing District Court on numerous charges including felony firearm, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, armed robbery, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Upon arresting Sams, police said they did not find the second suspect or the handgun.
The victim’s wounds did require surgery, however his injuries were determined not to be life-threatening. Sams’ pretrial conference was set for February 19 before Lansing District Judge Hugh Clarke; his bond was set at $200,000 cash surety.
If convicted of the charges against him, Sams likely faces many years behind bars. As seasoned Michigan criminal defense lawyers, we know that charges of assault with intent to do great bodily harm carry harsh criminal penalties for those convicted. On its own, this charge can leave the defendant facing a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 10 years in prison. Combined with the other charges, the consequences will be even worse.
If you have been charged with any serious or violent offense it is critical that you discuss your case with a capable and trusted Michigan criminal defense attorney who will work to keep you out of jail and obtain positive results.