It’s critically important for every motorist to understand how to respond when a police officer pulls you over. From time to time, officers may suspect that a driver is violating a traffic law and pull them over, but the officer is required to state a specific reason for the stop. The threshold for instigating a…
The gun laws in Michigan are more complicated than some might expect. The Wolverine State has laws covering different types of guns, but there are a number of exceptions, and some of those laws contradict one another regarding open carry. The laws continue to evolve in the Michigan Legislature. There are some stated gun-free zones…
There’s often a great deal of confusion regarding when a police officer can ask for identification. In the State of Michigan, there is no Stop and ID law. That means a police officer can’t demand to see your identification unless they have reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed. Being forced to produce identification…
Reasonable suspicion and probable cause are two fundamental legal concepts utilized when determining if it’s appropriate for police to search for evidence, stop an individual for questioning, or make an arrest. The terms are related, but there are important distinctions between the two. It’s important to understand the difference between reasonable suspicion and probable cause….
A simple encounter with law enforcement can sometimes spiral out of control, with tragic consequences. Dash-cam and cellphone footage of the traffic stop of Sandra Bland by a Texas police officer is a prime example. Being stopped by the police can be a confusing and complicated experience. We at Christopher Trainor and Associates, a leading…
A person who is being arrested will always continue to have legal rights. That means during their arrest, the police should not use any excessive force that could possibly cause that person bodily harm. If excessive force is used, the individual has the right to defend themselves. It equates to assault or battery by a…
It’s generally difficult to prove a case of police misconduct. Law enforcement has been granted a pretty broad range of authority when pursuing cases, although this doesn’t mean they’re always invincible. There are still federal and even state level laws that impact how an officer must carry out his or her duties. A violation of…
