Can police extend a traffic stop to search the vehicle with a dog? No, unless a police officer has a reasonable, articulable suspicion of criminal activity; a police officer cannot extend a traffic stop beyond the time necessary to address the traffic violation that...
I’ve been asked whether a marijuana roach counts in the weight allowance under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. A marijuana roach is the unsmoked, left-over end of a marijuana joint, blunt, or cigarette. And, yes, marijuana roaches contain useable marijuana that...
In 2006, Michigan passed the Self-Defense Act, which governs when an individual can, and cannot, use deadly force against another individual. Pursuant to the Act: (1) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses...
Michigan law does not prohibit the modification of a firearm. Common firearm modifications include replacing or modifying: Grips including pistol grips; Triggers including differing pull settings; Stocks including folding stocks; Sights including scopes, dot sights,...
In response to the terrorist attacks in the United States and in Europe, many Michiganders are obtaining concealed pistol licenses. However, it’s important to understand that Michigan law limits where a concealed pistol or taser can be carried. Generally speaking, in...
When police arrest persons possessing firearms, police often seize those firearms. Will police return those firearms to the owner? The answer is “maybe.” Firearms As Evidence Sometimes firearms are seized by police as evidence. For instance, where a person is charged...