Nuisance Parties - Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer, Josh Jones - July 23, 2013

Nuisance Parties - What Are They?

No one ever thinks about a party getting out of control, but it does and will happen, eventually. Nuisance parties can happen anywhere and at anytime. They are not limited to college towns, those over the age of 21, and can involve many situations and circumstances. Understand the consequences before inviting those hundred or few friends over for a "gathering."

A social gathering will turn into criminal charges if or when it becomes uncontrollable. More specifically, a nuisance party will exist if one or more of the following occurs:

•   Unlawful sale, furnishing or consumption of alcohol;

•   public drinking or drunkenness;

•   public urination or defecation;

•   littering, fights, destruction of property, loud noise or other forms of public disturbances; or

•   any other conduct that annoys or endangers the public or results in obscene or indecent behavior.

A nuisance party citation typically stems from local or city ordinances, and thus the fines and possible repercussions can and will very from area to area. A party may get out of hand, cops called, and individual's cited (including you the home owner), but that does not mean that all hope is lost.

Remember, the Law Office of JoshJones is here for you day or night, no matter the party size, the age of the client or crime committed. 

Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney - Explaining Indecent Exposure - Josh Jones - July 18, 2013

Incident Exposure - Showing A Little Too Much

The sun is out, the booze is flowing, and the music is blasting. During these times, people tend to start taking off clothes, sometimes. At a certain point, these acts become a crime. This crime is usually found to be indecent exposure. Michigan law explains, “[a] person shall not knowingly make any open or indecent exposure of his or her person or of the person of another.” MCL § 750.335a.

The key word in that statement is “knowingly.” Meaning that the individual must perform the act with some kind of intent. However, as noted, the act does not have to be performed to his or her own person, but can include the act of another.

For example, if “Jason” runs up behind a girl and takes her bathing suit off, which inevitably reveals some part of her “private region(s),” then “Jason” could be found guilty of indecent exposure. A conviction would be placed a misdemeanor on “Jason’s” criminal record, if convicted, and he would face up to 1 year in jail and/or a $1,000.00 fine.

Moreover, if there is intentional fondling of the person’s private area this can and will increase the possible punishment, if the individual is convicted. The statute does not use the term private areas, but instead says no fondling of the genitals, buttock, pubic area, or breasts (if a female is involved).

So in the end, I suppose it is best to keep your clothes on while in public or in eye of the public. This type of crime can occur almost anywhere, even in your own back yard. So, before you decide to strip down, either by yourself or with someone, you make want to think about the consequences.

PLEASE DO NOT RELY ON THESE LEGAL OPINIONS AND OBSERVATIONS WHEN REPRESENTING YOURSELF IN COURT. THESE ARTICLES ARE NOT MEANT TO COMPENSATE OR EFFECUATE LEGAL REPRESENTATION. YOU SHOULD AND MUST CONTACT AN ATTORNEY AND DISCUSS WITH HIM OR HER THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY AND ALL IDEAS, STATEMENTS, OPINIONS, EXPRESSIONS OR OTHERWISE STATED ON THIS SITE. HOPE TO SPEAK WITH YOU SOON. 

Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney - Assault & Battery - Defined, Generally

What is an Assault? What is a Battery?

Many people that hear the words “assault and battery” believe that some egregious act had to of occurred if an individual is charged with such a crime. However, this is not always the case. In order to be convicted of an assault and battery, it is best to first break down the definition of “assault and battery.”

Assault is the unlawful and intentional threat of bodily harm where the individual has the ability to carry out the act and the victim recognizes the threat of such harm. Battery is a willful and intentional contact with the victim while made against his or her own freewill. 

In essence, the assault is an attempted battery. Therefore, to be convicted of assault and battery there must be contact. This will hold true even if there was intent to make contact with another individual, yet it failed to come into fruition. An individual convicted of his or her first assault and battery can face up-to 93 days in jail and a fine of not more than $500.00 (a misdemeanor in Michigan).

Those convicted of more than one assault and battery can face even more time. Punishment increases to a possible 1-year jail term for a second conviction, attaching a possible $1,000.00 fine. For an individual who has more than 2 previous assault and battery convictions he or she faces a felony charge and could be sentenced up-to 2 years in jail with a possible $2,500.00 fine attached.

PLEASE DO NOT RELY upon any of the information contained in this article when trying to represent yourself. You should always consult with an attorney before relying upon any written advice, article, blog etc.

The Law Office of Josh Jones understands the important of keeping your record clean and making sure that you understand all of the consequences with any decision that you may make while involved in the criminal process. We will never leave you without a paddle when sitting in our boat. Contact us today for your free consultation. 

Grand Blanc, Michigan - 67-4 District Court - Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer, Josh Jones

67^th District Court: 4^th Division B - Grand Blanc, Michigan

The court is located at 8173 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, MI 48439. Judge Christopher R. Odette oversees the court’s criminal docket and Magistrate Rhonda Cary assists with Arraignments traffic infractions.

The court has jurisdiction over Grand Blanc Township, Mundy Township and Grand Blanc City. In many instances and for many matters before the court, hearings will be held at the “Central Court” downtown in Flint at the Flyod McCree Building located at 630 S. Saginaw, Flint, MI. 

The court oversees misdemeanor and felony arraignments, issues arrest and search warrants, sets bail and accepts bonds, and presides over preliminary exams for felony offenses while disposing of all civil infractions and misdemeanors. The traffic division located within the court processes traffic tickets. Defendants can admit responsibility by paying the ticket or admitting with explanation. There is also the process of setting the matter for a hearing (informal or formal). Make sure you obtain the best outcome for your case and contact an attorney for your traffic and criminal matters.

Traffic fines can be found here. You can check your record with the 67^th District Court here.

Contact Josh Jones today. He is familiar with the 67^th District Court, in Grand Blanc, and will take care of your legal matter with professionalism. He is available to speak with you 7-days a week by phone, text, email or instant message. 

52-4 District Court - Troy, Michigan - Josh Jones - Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney

52^nd District Court – 4^th Division: Troy, Michigan

Have you been arrested? Are you being or have you been ordered to appear at the 52-4 District Court in Troy, Michigan for a crime, traffic violation or probation violation? Knowing the court that you have to appear in and deal with is critical for you and your case.

The court is comprised of four (4) divisions including:

Traffic Division deals with citations written by police departments.

Civil Division handles cases that involve money or damage claims, and landlord/tenant disputes.

Criminal Division processes paperwork from police departments, state law and ordinance prosecutors. Cases involve misdemeanor offenses, both traffic and non-traffic. The Court will also oversee the beginning process of all felonies committed within its jurisdiction.

Probation Department responsible for conducting Pre-sentence Investigations, Alcohol Assessments, and Probation Violation Hearings.

The court oversees legal matters located or committed in Troy and Clawson. It has three (3) judges: William E. Bolle-Presiding Judge, Dennis C. Drury, Kirsten Nielsen Hartig and a large support staff provide quality judicial services to southeast Michigan residents. These judges are tough but can be fair, and thus you need to make sure you obtain the proper representation when dealing with any court, such as the 52-4 District Court.

The Speeding, Civil Infraction and Driver’s License/Plate Violation Fines for the court can be found here. For traffic violations, the prosecutor tend to require individuals to complete a drivers class in lieu of a reduced violation, e.g. from a 1-15 over to a impeding.

Make sure you obtain the right representation for your case—someone who takes the time to get to know your district court. Contact Josh Jones today and let him help you. 

52-2 District Court - Josh Jones - Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer - Clarkston, Michigan - ALL FELONIES & MISDEMEANORS

52^nd District Court – 2^nd Division: Clarkston, Michigan

Have you been arrested? Are you being or have you been ordered to appear at the 52-2 District Court in Clarkston, Michigan for a crime, traffic violation or probation violation? Knowing the court that you have to appear in and deal with is critical for you and your case.

The court is separated into four (4) primary divisions including:

Traffic Division deals with citations written by police departments.

Civil Division handles cases that involve money or damage claims, and landlord/tenant disputes.

Criminal Division processes paperwork from police departments, state law and ordinance prosecutors. Cases involve misdemeanor offenses, both traffic and non-traffic. The Court will also oversee the beginning process of all felonies committed within its jurisdiction.

Probation Department conducts Pre-sentence Investigations, Alcohol Assessments, Probation Supervision, and Probation Violation Hearings.

The court oversees matters involved in Clarkston, Brandon Township, Holly Township, Groveland Township, Independence Township, Rose Township, Springfield Township, White Lake Township, City of the Village of Clarkston, Village of Holly, and Village of Ortonville.

This court has two (2) judges presiding within its walls: Joseph Fabrizio and Kelley Kostin and a full support staff to provide quality judicial services to southeast Michigan residents within their jurisdiction. These judges are tough but can be fair, and thus you need to make sure you obtain the proper representation when dealing with any court, such as the 52-4 District Court.

The Speeding, Civil Infraction and Driver’s License/Plate Violation Fines for the court can be found here.

Make sure you obtain the right representation for your case—someone who takes the time to get to know your district court. Contact Josh Jones today and let him help you.