Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Blog

Today Michigan signed a new law making the anti-depressant tianeptine sodium into a schedule 2 controlled substance. Tianeptine sodium was previously unlisted as a controlled substance in any state or on the federal level. What is Tianeptine Sodium? Tianeptine sodium is used as an anti-depressant drug. It is considered an atypical anti-depressant, which means it…

Assault with a self-defense spray or foam is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in prison, a $2,000 fine, or both. The law instructs judges to consider enhancing a person’s sentence where there is an assault or threat of use of self-defense spray. A person may use self-defense spray in self-defense, which is…

Yes, the smell of marijuana gives a police officer probable cause to search a vehicle. The Law The Fourth Amendment provides that police officers need a warrant to conduct a search. There is an exception for the searches of cars, however. Under this warrant exception, a police officer can search a vehicle if there is…

Possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony is a felony itself. Anyone convicted of a crime who wishes to possess a gun should read the below law carefully. When this article says “possess,” that refers to the possession, use, sale, transport, purchase, ship, carry, receive, or distribute a firearm or ammunition…

In California last year a man was charged with driving under influence. The only substance in his system – caffeine. The police officer observed erratic and reckless driving, and believed the man to be under the influence of drugs when the man was amped up and agitated. A drug test came back negative for all…

In A Few Words No, drinking and driving in your own driveway is against the law, with a possible exception discussed below. Background This rule comes from the Michigan Supreme Court case of People v. Rea. The Court found that even a private driveway falls under the drunk driving statute. In this case, Defendant Gino…

In Michigan, it is against the law to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by an inhalant such as glue, paint, or other chemical agent. What is an Inhalant? A solvent chemical absorbed into the body through inhalation (huffing) is an inhalant. Solvents are chemical agents often found in everyday household products. Such chemicals include benzene,…

It depends. This is a common question I’m asked when a person is facing probation. Probation is a period of time following a conviction where a judge will set up requirements and prohibitions for the person convicted of a crime. All Judges Are Different What happens on probation is ultimately up to the judge, and…

Here at ArborYpsi Law we focus on a couple of areas of law where we can especially be of service. Drinking and Driving Cases ArborYpsi Law represents people accused of drinking and driving. A DUI is a crime that is easy to commit and serious at the same time. A DUI conviction will be on…

Anabolic Steroids are a Schedule 3 Controlled Substance, which means it is illegal to use or possess anabolic steroids without a prescription. What is an Anabolic Steroid? An anabolic steroid is a type of drug that promotes muscle growth. These drugs are used by bodybuilders and athletes because of the potential to increase athletic abilities…