Lawmakers in Michigan are putting the finishing touches on a four-strikes bill that would mandate a harsh mandatory minimum sentence for repeat offenders. The bill was passed by the Senate, and then slightly changed by the House. Now, the Senate is reviewing the changes and expected to pass it. [Read more…]
Criminally Sentenced to Road-Kill Cleanup?
If you are convicted of a low-level offense in Ingham County, you may be serving your sentence in a very interesting manner. Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth is developing a program called “DART”, or the Dead Animal Recovery Team, made up of low level offenders with the sole task of cleaning the Ingham County roadways of dead animals. [Read more…]
DWI Penalties Vary Greatly In Michigan
The Free Press this week is working on uncovering just how where you are arrested can affect your sentence in an OWI case. Because judges are allowed a great deal of discretion in misdemeanor cases like those involving drunk driving, what might get you no jail time in Utica could land you over 30 in Warren. [Read more…]
Prosecutor Proposes Rule To Keep Innocent People Locked Up
It seems we read stories on a monthly basis of convictions being overturned after the fact. Whether due to prosecutorial misconduct or mistaken identity, the growing trend seems to suggest there are more innocent people behind bars than previously suspected. If a Wayne County Prosecutor has her way, however, some of those innocent people could be required to fulfill their sentence regardless. [Read more…]