Archive for October, 2011

What happens if I am not given my Miranda Rights when I am arrested?

Miranda is the statement that everyone knows regarding your basic right to an attorney and the right to remain silent.

Failure by the officers to give you your Miranda Rights could lead to your statements being stricken, thus not allowing them to be used against you at trial.

Miranda applies when you are in custody and it pertains to statements that are made after questioning, but excludes voluntary statements that were made without provocation.  The attorney can file certain motions to have the court decide on whether the statements are admissible prior to trial.

A common misconception is that the case will be thrown out or dismissed because of the lack of Miranda prior to statements made by the Defendant. However, due to the fact that the officers and prosecution typically have additional evidence against the Defendant, this usually provides enough evidence to allow the case to proceed.

Miranda only applies to statements made by the Defendant and does not prohibit other evidence from being admitted at a trial.

Miranda Rights would be more than happy to answer any questions you have related to this topic. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at Marcus@MDWilcoxLaw.com 

Marcus D. Wilcox

www.MDWilcoxLaw.com

Attorney at Law, esq.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is meant to be general, informative and educational. It should not be taken as specific legal advice to any particular problem or issue. Please consult an attorney personally to discuss your particular circumstances.

Why am I charged with a felony that is called R/O, or resisting and obstructing a police officer?

In Livingston County it is common to get charged with the crime of Resisting/Obstructing a police officer.  The statute is as follows:

 750.81d Assaulting, battering, resisting, obstructing, opposing person performing duty; felony; penalty; other violations; consecutive terms

The charge is a 2 year felony and it pertains to people not listening or obeying officer’s commands, which normally include running away, hitting, or failing to listen to the commands of an officer.

There is also a case, People v Ventura, which makes it unlawful to resist an unwarranted or wrongful arrest if the officers are acting in good faith and on duty.  This case allows the officer a great deal of leeway and authority when arresting individuals.

The charge of R/O is broad and it is common to get charged with this statute when drinking or intoxicated.

I regularly handle these kind of charges and would be more than happy to answer any questions you have related to this topic. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at Marcus@MDWilcoxLaw.com

www.MDWilcoxLaw.com

Marcus D. Wilcox

Attorney at Law, esq.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is meant to be general, informative and educational. It should not be taken as specific legal advice to any particular problem or issue. Please consult an attorney personally to discuss your particular circumstances.

I was just charged with a felony and I am wondering how the process works?

The following is a brief synopsis of the major steps that are normally taken when charged with a felony:

Arraignment:  This is where the judge or magistrate informs you of the charges and sets a bond and bond conditions for the case.

Preliminary Examination Conference – Your attorney will meet with the prosecutor’s office to review the case and discovery issues.  There can be preliminary settlement discussions and we decide on whether to hold a preliminary examination.

Preliminary Examination– At this point in the process, the prosecutor must bring in witnesses to show there is enough evidence to charge you with the case.  The standard is low and the prosecutor must show by Probable Cause that you in fact committed the offense that you are charged with.

Pre-trial– This is a hearing in Circuit Court where settlement negotiations take place and issues regarding motions and hearings will be discussed.  This is the last step before major trial preparations commence.  If there is a plea agreement reached then you will enter a plea at that time.

Final Settlement Conference– This is where your attorney normally meets with the Judge and the prosecutor in an attempt to resolve the case and set schedules and issues regarding the upcoming trial.

Trial- If the case goes to trial, the prosecutor must show beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crimes that you are charged with.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions: Marcus@MDWilcoxLaw.com .

Marcus D. Wilcox

www.MDWilcoxLaw.com

Attorney at Law, esq.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is meant to be general, informative and educational. It should not be taken as specific legal advice to any particular problem or issue. Please consult an attorney personally to discuss your particular circumstances.