If you’re called to provide a deposition or testify in a hearing, before a grand jury or in a trial, you’ll take an oath to swear to tell the truth. Intentionally lying can get you charged with perjury – particularly if the lie is material to the matter about which...
White-collar Crime
What’s the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion?
There is a big difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance. Tax evasion is when you knowingly don't pay your taxes, while tax avoidance is when you take legal steps to reduce your tax bill. While there is nothing wrong with minimizing your taxes, you need to be...
3 things you need to know about consent and sexual assault
If a person you have had romantic relations with accuses you of sexual assault, you likely need to figure out how to defend yourself. One defense option you can consider is consent. While consent is a strong defense in a sexual assault case, you need to prove certain...
Does Michigan have Romeo and Juliet laws?
The age of consent in Michigan is 16 years old, which means that it is illegal for an adult to engage in sexual relations with someone under that age. Even if they consent, it doesn’t matter. The age difference is great enough that this is still considered a crime...
What do racketeering convictions mean for Michigan defendants?
Since you aren’t part of a mob or mafia, how could you possibly be arrested in connection with racketeering? It is a common misconception that one must be affiliated with organized crime to face racketeering allegations. On the contrary, anyone can find themselves...
Tax fraud vs. tax mistakes: What’s the difference?
It’s very natural to be worried about making mistakes on your taxes. You don’t want to run into trouble with the IRS, whether that means facing an audit or paying fines. But people often worry that things are going to be even worse than that. They’re concerned that...
Could seeking a plea deal be your best option?
If you’ve been charged with a crime you didn’t commit, of course, you want to present an aggressive defense. However, things often aren’t that simple. That’s particularly true in white collar crimes. However, in any type of criminal case, a person facing criminal...
Understanding Michigan embezzlement laws
Embezzlement is more than just simple theft. It’s taking advantage of your position of trust to steal or misappropriate funds or property that do not legally belong to you. If you are facing embezzlement charges, it is important to be aware of what the law says and...
Money laundering can have serious legal consequences
Money laundering is when money earned from illegal activities is “washed” by integrating it into legitimate businesses. The concept of this received quite a bit of buzz when the show Breaking Bad first came out and showed how Walter White took his profits from making...
Could floating a check lead to check kiting accusations?
If you use checks and have ever been close to your pay date while needing a little extra cash, you may have tried to use checks to “float” to the next payday. Oftentimes, if you pay with a check, that check isn’t cashed right away. Essentially, you’re using it like a...