Navigating the PPO Process in Michigan

Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) are legal tools designed to protect individuals from harassment or violence. In Michigan, we have two types: domestic and non-domestic. Domestic PPOs, typically used in cases involving intimate relationships, are often easier to obtain. Non-domestic PPOs, for situations like neighbor disputes, require a higher burden of proof. While a PPO itself isn't a physical barrier, it's a legally binding order. Violating a PPO can result in serious consequences, including contempt of court charges and new criminal charges. Whether you're seeking a PPO or defending against one, understanding the process and the implications is vital.

Learn more about domestic violence and PPOs cases in Michigan here.

 

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney  in Michigan for Help Navigating Your Personal Protection Order Case

 

If you or someone you know is facing these legal challenges, contact our criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor to learn more about how we can help you navigate the process. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

The Serious Consequences of Domestic Violence and PPO Cases

Both domestic violence convictions and PPO violations carry significant consequences in Michigan. A domestic violence conviction can lead to jail time, fines, probation, and an eight-year ban on firearm possession. This ban can have a devastating impact on hunters and gun owners. Beyond the legal penalties, there are often collateral consequences, like travel restrictions, housing difficulties, and potential immigration issues. Similarly, violating a PPO can lead to contempt of court and new criminal charges. These cases are treated seriously by the legal system, and it's essential to have experienced legal representation to protect your rights.

Learn more about domestic violence and PPOs cases in Michigan here.

 

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney  in Michigan for Help with Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Order Cases

 

If you or someone you know is facing these legal challenges, contact our criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor to learn more about how we can help you navigate the process. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

The Various Forms of Domestic Abuse

Michigan State Police identify various forms of domestic abuse, which are wide-ranging. Because domestic violence represents a pattern of abusive behaviors, it's important to recognize the many forms it can take. 

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a common form of domestic abuse, and it’s the most dangerous. Examples include: pushing, shoving, hitting, slapping, punching, biting, or otherwise harming the victim physically.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can be difficult to prove, but the harm caused is undeniable. Examples include: taunting the victim, humiliating or degrading the victim.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a common component of domestic violence.

 

Financial Abuse

Domestic abuse is a mechanism of control that is designed to chip away at the victim and make it difficult – or next to impossible – for them to break free. Consider these examples: prohibiting the victim from earning their own money, prohibiting the victim from obtaining additional education that would enhance their earning potential.

 

When a victim is isolated to this degree – with no resources to counteract the effects – getting out safely becomes very challenging. 

 

Learn more regarding domestic violence and assault charges here.

 

Consult a Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan about Your Case 

 

If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Michigan with extensive and specialized experience following an arrest, please consider calling the Ann-Arbor based practice of GLG Michigan.  (734) 263-2780

Personal Protection Orders Work in Michigan

Help for domestic violence victims can come in the form of personal protection orders (PPOs), which many refer to as restraining
orders. The intention behind such orders is to put the brakes on abuse and affording victims with specific protections. PPOs often require alleged abusers to discontinue practices like:

 

●      Contacting the victim – whether that means in person, on the phone, by mail, or electronically.

●      Approaching or following the victim.

●      Entering the victim’s home.

●      Threatening the victim or someone they care about with harm, sexual assault, or death.

●      Coming to the victim’s school or place of employment.

●      Engaging in any additional acts that cause the victim to experience fear.

●      Possessing or purchasing a gun.

 

Violating a restraining order is a separate crime that comes with serious penalties of its own.

 

Learn more regarding domestic violence and assault charges here.

 

Consult a Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan about Your Case 

 

If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Michigan with extensive and specialized experience following an arrest, please consider calling the Ann-Arbor based practice of GLG Michigan.  (734) 263-2780

Domestic Violence and Assault Charge Legal Penalties in Michigan

 The penalties associated with simple assault charges include: 

●      A first offense is a misdemeanor that comes with jail time of up to 93 days and fines of up to $500. 

●      A second offense remains a misdemeanor, but you can face up to a year in jail and fines of up to $1,000. 

●      A third offense is a felony, and a conviction carries up to five years in prison and fines of up to $2,500.

 

Other considerations are probation, community service, and court costs. Because the stakes are high, you need a practiced domestic violence defense attorney in your corner. When the charge is aggravated assault, the penalties are even more serious. Consider the following:

 

●      A first offense is charged as a misdemeanor that carries a jail sentence of up to a year and fines of up to $1,000. 

●      A second offense is charged as a felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 5 years and fines of up to $5,000.

 

Learn more regarding domestic violence and assault charges here.

 

Consult a Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan about Your Case 

 

If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Michigan with extensive and specialized experience following an arrest, please consider calling the Ann-Arbor based practice of GLG Michigan.  (734) 263-2780

What is a “Probable Cause Conference” in Michigan?

When a person is charged with a felony offense in Washtenaw County or throughout Michigan, he or she often receives a court notice for a “Probable Cause Conference,” or PCC.  While some appearances are obvious just by their titles (i.e., Trial, Sentencing, etc.), a PCC doesn’t immediately register with most people.  What is a PCC and what should people expect to occur?

Interested in finding out more? Read about probable cause conference on our website! 

There are multiple types of warrants that can be issued for your arrest

Did you know there are many different types of warrants?

The type of warrant often hinges on the type of case for which it’s sought. For instance, for most misdemeanor offenses, police will release a person from the station and seek charges through a prosecutor’s office. When the prosecutor’s office authorizes most misdemeanor offenses, they will not typically not ask for a warrant but rather for notification through the court system for an Arraignment.

For most felony offense, the exact opposite is true: Prosecutors will request an arrest warrant upon authorization of charges, and the arrest warrant will almost always go directly into LEIN. This will allow police agencies to come out looking for the person, at home, at work or wherever. If there’s a valid arrest warrant, the police have unfettered right to execute that warrant how and when they see fit.

Each type of warrant demands the attention of criminal defense attorney with the experience to help you navigate your legal situation.

Click here to learn more about the different types of warrants.

Charged with a CSC? - Felony Defense Attorney

In Michigan, sex offense allegations are generally grouped under the category of “Criminal Sexual Conduct”—known commonly by the acronym, “CSC.” These charges range from date-rape allegations on school campuses, to improper workplace relationships, to molestation. Being charged with a CSC of any type requires a strong, zealous defense to either exonerate the improperly accused or minimize the potential sentence exposure.



CLICK HERE to learn more

Geherin Law Group

Experienced felony Defense Attorney in Ann Arbor, MI

Restraining Order vs. "PPO"

Many people have heard the term “Restraining Order.” But, in Michigan, restraining orders are actually known by a confusing acronym, “PPO,” which stands for Personal Protection Order. PPOs are court orders signed by a Circuit Court Judge which typically prevent any contact with a protected person. They are civil orders, and are therefore sought by individuals, not by prosecutors or police. And they are often signed by Family Court Judges, and held before those judges. 

Learn more here.

Common Questions About "PPOs"

Every day, Dan answers calls from people seeking to get or defend a PPO, many of whom ask the same questions:

“How do I get a PPO?”

“Do I have to testify in court to get or defend a PPO?”

“What happens if I violate the PPO?”

“How will a PPO entered against me affect my job, my life, my record?”

“How long will the PPO last?”

Learn more about PPOs here.

Common Domestic Violence Questions

Every day, Dan answers calls from people facing allegations of Domestic Violence. Many ask these same questions:

“What is Domestic Violence? What must be proven?”

“Is Domestic Violence a misdemeanor, or felony?”

“How do I prove my innocence if I didn’t commit this offense”

“Will I go to jail/prison if I’m guilty of Domestic Violence?”

“If my spouse wants the charges dismissed, will the whole criminal charge simply go away?”

Domestic Violence charges are brought by the State, City or Township Prosecutor—not by the individual complainant/alleged victim. Charges range from a 93-day maximum misdemeanor offense to a 4-year maximum felony offense. What typically explains the wide difference in charges? Two factors: Degree of Injury and Prior Domestic Violence conviction(s) (if applicable).

Unfortunately, these charges are occasionally imposed by a disgruntled lover or angry spouse aiming to get advantage in a divorce/custody fight. Likewise, people are often arrested for Domestic Violence when in reality the complainant/alleged victim does not want or request prosecution.

Learn more here!