Operating While Intoxicated – Montcalm County: Our client was charged with OWI following a traffic stop because the officer had allegedly observed client’s vehicle to be weaving in his lane. Attorney Joshua Blanchard filed a motion to suppress evidence of the breath test because our client was detained for an unreasonable time prior to his arrest. On the day before the hearing on our motion to suppress, the prosecutor’s office DISMISSED the charges.

Possession of Marijuana – Montcalm County: Medical Marijuana patient was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana after being found with a small amount of medicine despite being in possession of a medical marijuana card. At the pretrial conference, the prosecutor refused to dismiss the charge. Attorney Keeley D. Heath filed a motion to dismiss based on Section 4 of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. Prior to the hearing on Ms. Heath’s motion, the prosecutor DISMISSED the charge.

Malicious use of a Telephone – Montcalm County: Our client was charged after he left a telephone message for his ex-wife. The message was alleged to contain vulgar words as well as harassing, and threatening statements. Attorney Keeley D. Heath conducted a jury trial where she was able to successfully argue that while our client’s message may not have been polite, it wasn’t criminal. After deliberations, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

Assault & Battery – Clare County: Our client and a co-defendant were charged with Assault & Battery for allegedly beating a man. It was undisputed that the complaining witness had been severely injured. At trial, attorney Joshua Blanchard established that the alleged victim’s story had changed radically from the night of the alleged assault. Mr. Blanchard was also able to emphasize that the investigating officer omitted details of a witness from his reports. After a full day jury trial, it took the jury roughly 20 minutes to return a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

Misuse of 911 – Clare County: Client was charged with misuse of a 911 service. The prosecutor’s best offer was 30 days in the county jail. Our response was to demand a jury trial. Attorney Joshua Blanchard argued that no real crime had been committed. After closing arguments, the jury was out for just 10 minutes before they returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

Manufacture / Delivery of Marijuana – Montcalm County: Client was charged with felony manufacture / delivery of marijuana. Our client had applied for a medical marijuana card pursuant to the MMMA. At the time of the raid, 20 days had passed since our client submitted his application, but he had not yet received a card from the MDCH. Attorney Keeley D. Heath filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to section 4 of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. On the morning before the motion hearing, the prosecutor dismissed the charges.

Assault & Battery / Larceny – Montcalm County: Client was charged with assault and larceny related to a neighborhood dispute. During the trial, it became apparent that the witnesses for the government had been conspiring — unknown to the prosecutor — to coordinate their testimony in an attempt to convict our client. Attorney Joshua Blanchard brought this violation of the court’s sequestration order to the trial judge’s attention. After examining several of the witnesses under oath, Mr. Blanchard moved for a mistrial, which was granted. Following the mistrial, the prosecutor decided to do the right thing and not re-try our client.

OWI 2nd / Assault & Battery – Grand Traverse County: Our client was charged with Operating While Intoxicated – 2nd Offense and Assault & Battery. With their normal “no-deals” approach to drunk driving, the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor refused to make any reasonable offers. Accordingly, attorney Joshua Blanchard prepared for a jury trial. After a full day jury trial, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY on all counts.

Assault & Battery / Illegal Entry – Montcalm County: Our client was charged following a dispute with her ex-mother-in-law. The government made several plea offers that were not acceptable to our client, so Attorney Keeley D. Heath conducted a jury trial. After just minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY on both counts.

Aggravated Assault – Montcalm County: Client was charged with aggravated assault. Our client was acting in self-defense and refused all plea offers extended by the prosecution. Attorney Joshua Blanchard tried the case to a jury. After approximately one hour deliberating, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

OWI 2nd – Leelanau County: Client was charged with operating while intoxicated, second offense. On the eve of trial, the government offered a plea to reckless driving / disorderly conduct.

OWI 3rd – Montcalm County: Client was charged with felony operating while intoxicated. We filed a motion to suppress the blood test results based on non-compliance with Michigan’s Implied Consent law. After filing the motion, the prosecutor agreed to a plea to reckless driving with no jail or probation.

OWI – Oscoda County: Client charged with OWI after a roll-over accident and .18 BrAC breath test. Reduced to reckless driving.

Use of Marijuana – Montcalm County: Client was charged with use of marijuana. We tried the case and client was acquitted at a bench trial.

OWI – Bay County: Client was charged with OWI. We concluded that the police had insufficient evidence to request a breath test or arrest client. After filing a motion to suppress, client accepted plea offer to having open intoxicants in a motor vehicle.

Assault & Battery Jury Trial – Montcalm County: Original charge was assault & battery. After a jury trial, the judge declared a mistrial when the jurors were unable to reach a verdict.

Contempt of Court Appeal – Montcalm County: We filed an appeal for a client who was sentenced to serve consecutive sentences. On appeal it was ordered that his sentences run concurrently, thereby releasing him from jail earlier than originally scheduled.

OWI 2nd – Clare County: Client was charged with operating while intoxicated, second offense. After review and negotiation, the charges were dismissed without prejudice.