Bond reform is an issue that was at the center of controversy before COVID-19. With the coronavirus causing deaths and stealing headlines, the effect of protecting the community with bond has become a significant issue of division between prosecutors and defense lawyers across the United States. In the state of…
COVID-19 has affected many across the United States and has created what many have phrased as the “new normal.” Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the “stay at home” order until May 15, and the Michigan Supreme Court has adjourned all trials until at least June 22, 2020. Administrative Order 2020-10…
Original Case Details Desmond Ricks was convicted of second-degree murder and spent 25 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. He accused of shooting a friend outside a Detroit restaurant and blamed the police for pinning the case on him without the proper evidence. He accuses police…
The Wayne County Jail has seen a dramatic decline in inmates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napolean stated that the only people left that are currently in custody at Wayne County Jail are those who are charged with felonies and those who pose some sort of…
A Circuit Court judge out of Genesee County has reinstated criminal charges against former Thetford Township police chief Robert Kenny. This ruling overrules the District Court judge’s decision dismissing the case at preliminary exam. Genesee County Circuit Judge David J. Newblatt overturned 67th District Court Judge Vikki Bayeh Haley’s decision…
There are approximately 4000 people in the state of Michigan that are on parole and wear an electronic tether. The Michigan Department of Correction first made an order to have electronic tethers taken off 3000 of these parolees to only change their minds a short time afterwards. On Monday April…
Wayne and Oakland Counties are two of Michigan’s most populous counties. They are also two of the hardest hit counties when it comes to infections of COVID-19. The Wayne County Jail has already reduced population due to the outbreak of the virus. The jail population has been reduced by over…
In the wake of COVID-19, the Michigan criminal justice system is in a state of disarray. While it has always been understood if every case went to trial under normal circumstances, our courts would be in jeopardy; we are now in an area that has never been seen before. One…
Current Stay At Home Order Order 2020-21 is the executive order that was put in place by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This order has limited gatherings, travel, and required “non-essential” workers to stay home to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. Facemasks, gloves, and social distancing have become a…
Macomb County Circuit Court judges plan to meet in May to appoint an interim prosecutor to fill the role vacated by now-former prosecutor Eric Smith. These judges plan to meet on May 20 remotely to alleviate any current health and safety concerns due to the ongoing pandemic. 15 judges plan…