Tag: MIP

Jan 10 2012

Michigan marijuana laws much harsher than minor in possession of alcohol laws Posted by Rich Migala        0 Comments

Recently the University of Michigan released a study showing that young people in Michigan are reducing their level of alcohol abuse or misuse but at the same time increasing their use of marijuana.  The study found young people view marijuana use as less detrimental or criminally harmful and more [Read More...]



Tags: 1st offense 2nd offense minor in possession of alcohol MIP possession of marijuana
Categories: Criminal Law Driving Violations

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Nov 07 2011

Speaking to WMU pre-law society tonight Posted by Rich Migala        0 Comments

Speaking to Western Michigan University Pre-Law Society tonight about law as a career and legal topics of interest to college students.  Will talk about consenting to search, MIP, possession of marijuana, open intoxicants, leasing apartments, and other topics.



Tags: consent to search minor in possession MIP open intoxicants possession of marijuana
Categories: Criminal Law Driving Violations

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Nov 02 2011

When is it smarter to plead guilty rather than avoid a conviction Posted by Rich Migala        0 Comments

I get a lot of calls from Western Michigan University (WMU), Michigan State (MSU) and U of M students from the Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and southwest Michigan area after being arrested for Minor in Possession (MIP), open intoxicants, possession of marijuana, and other similar charges trying to avoid [Read More...]



Tags: battle creek Kalamazoo minor in possession MIP misdemeanor conviction open intoxicants possession of marijuana probation southwest michigan
Categories: Criminal Law Driving Violations

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Oct 20 2011

Should minor take PBT if accused of being a MIP? Posted by Rich Migala        0 Comments

I have a friend in Kalamazoo who wanted to know if it was better if their minor child who was a student at Western Michigan University (WMU) who was accused of being a MIP should take a PBT or not. Obviously if they haven't been drinking the answer is yes. If they were drinking, it becomes harder. [Read More...]



Tags: minor in possession MIP misdemeanor PBT preliminary breath test
Categories: Criminal Law Driving Violations Miscellaneous

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Oct 11 2011

Can I get a public defender for an MIP charge? Posted by Rich Migala        0 Comments

If you are a GVSU (Grand Valley State University) student, you are out of luck getting the court to appoint you a public defender.  Kalamazoo County courts sometimes do so WMU (Western Michigan University) students may have a better shot at it.  MSU (Michigan State University) and U of M (University [Read More...]



Tags: felony GVSU Kalamazoo minor in possession MIP misdemeanor MSU open intoxicants UofM WMU
Categories: Criminal Law Driving Violations Miscellaneous

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Oct 04 2011

Is an MIP diversion that involves 2 years of probation worth it? Posted by Rich Migala        0 Comments

I have a Kalamazoo area Grand Valley student who was arrested for MIP (minor in possession of alcohol). The judge imposes a two year probation. Is it worth it? I say yes. A misdemeanor conviction should be avoided as it might interfere with you getting a job, getting into grad school, medical or [Read More...]



Tags: Grand Valley GVSU Kalamazoo minor in possession MIP misdemeanor probation
Categories: Criminal Law Driving Violations

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Oct 01 2011

Did you know universities have ordinances that are crimes? Posted by Rich Migala        0 Comments

Did you know MSU has an ordinance against removing refuse that is a misdemeanor if violated? I didn't either until I had a client cited for it along with an MIP charge. Go figure. Actually it worked out ok. Got the MIP dismissed and if she successfully completes her six month probation, the [Read More...]



Tags: minor in possession MIP misdemeanor misdemeanor defense ordinance violation
Categories: Criminal Law Driving Violations Miscellaneous

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Sep 07 2011

What happens to possession charge if I violate probation? Posted by Rich Migala        0 Comments

Client gets deferral for a possession of marijuana charge, if completes 9 month probation, charge dismissed.  Gets MIP 3 months later.  Now faces conviction for possession AND probation violation charge as well.  Dang kids.



Tags: minor in possession MIP possession of marijuana probation violation
Categories: Criminal Law

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