Starting in March 2021, changes in Michigan law relating to the requirements a convicted person faces while on probation went into effect. Under this new law regarding terms of probation, there is a “rebuttable presumption that individuals convicted of numerous should face only a fine, community service or nonjail or probation sentence. MCL 769.5(3)
This means that the presumption under current Michigan law goes in favor of those convicted of a criminal offense. Those convicted of a misdemeanor crime should expect to avoid jail under most circumstances now and potentially probation. A court can still depart from this presumption and slam a convicted criminal with jail and probation. The court will need to have reasonable grounds for doing so. There are many judges in West Michigan and the Grand Rapids, Michigan area will will continue to hammer people with jail so please call Shawn at 616-438-6719 if you are facing a criminal charge.
Probation Reforms and Serious Misdemeanors
Under the current Probation reforms in Michigan, serious misdemeanors do not get the benefit of the new presumption. An individual who gets convicted of a serious misdemeanor can and will face jail and probation. We know what these misdemeanors are because they are listed in MCL 780.811.
The list of serious misdemeanors includes: assault and battery, domestic violence, any aggravated assault, child abuse, breaking and entering, drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Only a fool would face these kinds of charges without defense counsel. So do not hesitate to call Shawn at 616-438-6719 if you are facing any of these serious misdemeanors.
These reforms are significant and the lawyers at The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan are well aware of them. We keep up to date on all reforms that deal with Criminal Law in the Wolverine state.