Sextortion – Michigan

Sextortion – Michigan

Sextortion – Extortion with an S.

Michigan House Bills 5887 and 5888 make sextortion illegal in Michigan.

The law defines sextortion as a threat to create or disseminate sexually explicit images or videos of another person to coerce them.

The new law makes a first offense a felony punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine, with increased penalties for subsequent offenses.

For adults victimizing minors, vulnerable adults or someone who suffers serious mental or physical harm because of the sextortion, they’d be guilty of a felony punishable by up to 25 years’ imprisonment.

A minor who engages in sextortion is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year imprisonment.

Read the laws here: Michigan House Bills 5887 and 5888 

Tip: Don’t take or let anyone take naked pictures of you ever.

 Questions from the interwebs…

If I am a “sex worker” and have an only fans page. My pictures are everywhere on the internet. I put them under peoples windshield wipers as samples on advertising postcards at the strip clubs, dispensaries and shopping areas.

 

A guy told me he was going to send a link to my family if I don’t give him free access to my page.  Is that sextortion or just plain old extortion? Or is it just good old theft of intellectual property? or is it verbal assault or what?

 

Answer: Consultations cost $420 an hour.

Attorney Michael Komorn

Attorney Michael Komorn

State / Federal Legal Defense

With extensive experience in criminal legal defense since 1993 from pre-arrest, District, Circuit, Appeals, Supreme and the Federal court systems.

KOMORN LAW (248) 357-2550

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Traffic Laws FAQs – Speed and Speed Limits

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Note: This article provides a general overview and does not substitute for legal advice. Anyone charged with a criminal offense should consult an attorney for specific legal guidance.

Recent

Earned Sick Time Act – 2025 New Laws in Effect for Michigan

Earned Sick Time Act – 2025 New Laws in Effect for Michigan

Some laws in effect in 2025 “Enacted by the People of Michigan”

Here we go…remember these laws can change at any moment because that’s what the politicians do that you don’t.

Earned Sick Time Act

Because everyone is sick…sometimes

Read more on your own time.

AN ACT to require certain employers to provide certain employees with paid medical leave for personal or family health needs, as well as purposes related to domestic violence and sexual assault; to specify the conditions for accruing and using paid medical leave; to prescribe powers and duties of certain state departments, agencies, and officers; and to provide remedies and sanctions. 

Read more if you care

Need to hire one of Michigan’s top legal defense Attorneys?
Do your research then call our office. Komorn Law (248) 357-2550

Bonus Law

Flashing Your Headlights

This is one of those “it depends” situations.

Michigan law states that it’s illegal to use or flash your high beams within 500 feet of another vehicle. It’s unlikely that you’ll be ticketed for doing it, but it could happen.

Or to warn other drivers of a speed trap…

Drivers must use a distribution of light that’s high enough and intense enough to see people and vehicles at a safe distance. When approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, drivers must aim their lights so that the glaring rays don’t go into the other driver’s eyes.

Here’s the Law – MCL 257.700

The violation, which is considered a civil infraction, will carry a 2-point penalty for “improper use of lights/failure to dim.

Now let’s talk about those “low beam” LED headlights where you have to just grip the steering wheel and go blindly forward.

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State / Federal Legal Defense

With extensive experience in criminal legal defense since 1993 from pre-arrest, District, Circuit, Appeals, Supreme and the Federal court systems.

KOMORN LAW (248) 357-2550

Disclaimer: This article provides a general overview and does not substitute for legal advice.  As with any law it can change or be modified and research should be done before you rely on any information provided on the internet. Although we make all attempts to link relevant laws these laws can often be gray and corrupted to fit a narrative. Anyone charged with any alleged crime should consult an attorney for specific legal guidance.

If I renounce my US citizenship can I get it back?

If I renounce my US citizenship can I get it back?

Venezuela or Bust

If I renounce my U.S. citizenship can I get it back?

Renouncing U.S. citizenship is a serious legal action. It involves voluntarily giving up your status as a U.S. citizen, usually by signing an oath of renunciation at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. This decision is permanent under U.S. law, but there are ways to regain citizenship if circumstances change.

The law governing this is found in Section 349 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). When someone renounces citizenship, they lose their right to live and work in the United States as a citizen. However, it does not bar them from applying to regain citizenship later.

Need to hire one of Michigan’s top legal defense Attorneys?
Do your research then call our office. Komorn Law (248) 357-2550

Section 349 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) outlines the circumstances in which a U.S. citizen can lose their citizenship. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for implementing this section of the law.

Some examples of acts that can lead to the loss of U.S. citizenship include:

Working for a foreign government

A U.S. citizen may lose their citizenship if they work for a foreign government or political subdivision and:

  • They are a citizen of that country
  • They take an oath of allegiance to that country
  • They intend to give up their U.S. citizenship

Renouncing citizenship

A U.S. citizen can renounce their citizenship by:

  • Appearing in person before a U.S. consular or diplomatic officer in a foreign country
  • Signing an oath of renunciation
  • Submitting their U.S. passport to the consular officer

Serving in a foreign military

A U.S. citizen may lose their citizenship if they:

  • Enter or serve in the armed forces of a foreign country that is at war with the U.S.
  • Serve as a commissioned or non-commissioned officer in the armed forces of a foreign country

Even after relinquishing U.S. citizenship, former citizens may still be subject to prosecution for crimes committed in the U.S. or abroad.

They may also be responsible for repaying financial obligations, such as child support, that they incurred as U.S. citizens.

To regain citizenship, you must first qualify under normal immigration laws. This often means applying for a green card (permanent resident status) like any other immigrant.

After living in the United States for a certain period as a lawful permanent resident, typically five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen), you can apply for naturalization.

Naturalization is the process by which a non-citizen voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen again.

However, the process is not automatic, and several hurdles may arise:

Intentionality: U.S. officials will scrutinize whether you renounced citizenship for reasons like avoiding taxes, which could complicate reapplication.

Waiting Periods: Immigration processing times can vary, and you may have to wait several years to regain citizenship.

Limited Exceptions: In rare cases, if someone renounced citizenship under duress (like TDS) or without full understanding of the consequences, they might argue their renunciation was not valid. This situation often requires significant legal effort to prove.

It’s important to know that dual citizenship is an alternative for some. Renouncing U.S. citizenship is not required unless another country specifically prohibits dual nationality.

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State / Federal Legal Defense

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KOMORN LAW (248) 357-2550

Disclaimer: This article provides a general overview and does not substitute for legal advice.  As with any law it can change or be modified and research should be done before you rely on any information provided on the internet. Although we make all attempts to link relevant laws these laws can often be gray and corrupted to fit a narrative. Anyone charged with any alleged crime should consult an attorney for specific legal guidance.

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Earned Sick Time Act – 2025 New Laws in Effect for Michigan

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Some laws in effect in 2025 “Enacted by the People of Michigan”

Here we go…

Minimum wage

Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act – Michigan’s minimum wage will increase twice during 2025, per a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the standard minimum wage rate in Michigan will increase from $10.33 to $10.56 per hour.

Those under the age of of 18 will also see an increase, from $8.78 to $8.98 per hour. Minors are required by law to be paid 85% of the minimum hourly wage rate.

Tipped employees rate of hourly pay will go from $3.93 to $4.01 per hour.

The Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act, Public Act 337 of 2018 (PDF)

MCL – Section 408.934.amended
408.934.amended Minimum hourly wage rate. Effective 2/21/25

MCL – Section 408.934a.amended
Compensation for workweek in excess of 40 hours; exceptions; rules; unpaid minimum wages; appropriation; compensatory time in lieu of monetary overtime compensation.

– Don’t spend it all in one place.

Earned Sick Time Act

Because everyone is sick…sometimes

The Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) in Michigan will take effect on February 21, 2025. The law applies to all Michigan employers, regardless of size, and requires them to provide paid sick leave to their employees

Applies to all employers in Michigan with 1 or more employees, except for those  employed by the United States Government. Includes salaried (both exempt and non-exempt) and full and part-time hourly workers.

Accrual rate: Employees will earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked.

Minimum sick leave: Businesses with fewer than 10 employees must offer up to 40 hours of paid sick leave, while businesses with 10 or more employees must offer 72 hours.

Carryover: Earned sick time must carry over from year to year.
Use: Employees can use sick leave for themselves, their family members, or for certain public health emergencies. They can also use it for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking-related purposes.

Read more on your own time.

Need to hire one of Michigan’s top legal defense Attorneys?
Do your research then call our office. Komorn Law (248) 357-2550

Car Safety Restraints

House Bill 4511 makes changes to the existing Michigan vehicle code to align state laws regarding child safety restraints with current federal law.

Under this new law children 12 or younger are required to be in a rear seat of the vehicle; there are also updated requirements base on age and height.

Get out there and buy a $400 car seat for that 12 year old.

Automatic Voter Registration

Beginning June 30, 2025 the Michigan Secretary of State will automatically register any person who applies for a license or ID card who is eligible to register to vote.

The S.O.S. will then send that applicant a notice of registration, including instructions on how to decline that registration should they so choose.

Just like the Automatic State Park Fee.  Here we go again. Michigan eyes hunting, fishing, boating fee increases, change to park fees

Opt out -The new grift.  Fighting to get your money back while they harvest interest on the millions of drivers who automatically paid and want the money back. The perfect hustle. Leave it up to the Government. Just like guilty until you’ve paid thousands to prove innocence and it’s still on your record for the public to find.

How To Find Out If Someone Voted In Michigan?

More Stuff

Driving Under the Speed Limit

We all get irritated with overly slow drivers from time to time, especially on Orchard Lake Road. But is what they’re doing against the law?

It sure is. If you happen to be ticketed for it, you could face a fine of anywhere from $35 to $500.

Read More – 257.627 Speed limits (PDF)

Flashing Your Headlights

This is one of those “it depends” situations.

Michigan law states that it’s illegal to use or flash your high beams within 500 feet of another vehicle. It’s unlikely that you’ll be ticketed for doing it, but it could happen.

Or to warn other drivers of a speed trap…

Drivers must use a distribution of light that’s high enough and intense enough to see people and vehicles at a safe distance. When approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, drivers must aim their lights so that the glaring rays don’t go into the other driver’s eyes.

Here’s the Law – MCL 257.700

The violation, which is considered a civil infraction, will carry a 2-point penalty for “improper use of lights/failure to dim.

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Are you Feeding your Halloween Pumpkins to Deer?

Every year as Halloween approaches, social media fills with suggestions about leaving your carved jack-o-lanterns outside for deer to munch on once you’re finished with them. While this practice is perfectly acceptable in many states, it’s important to note that in Michigan, doing so is classified as baiting and is illegal.

Use You Right To Remain Silent

If you have been accused or charged with a crime.
Say nothing to anyone. Talk to us first.
Our firm is experienced in both State and Federal courts defending clients.

CALL NOW

Attorney Michael Komorn

Attorney Michael Komorn

State / Federal Legal Defense

With extensive experience in criminal legal defense since 1993 from pre-arrest, District, Circuit, Appeals, Supreme and the Federal court systems.

KOMORN LAW (248) 357-2550

Disclaimer: This article provides a general overview and does not substitute for legal advice.  As with any law it can change or be modified and research should be done before you rely on any information provided on the internet. Although we make all attempts to link relevant laws these laws can often be gray and corrupted to fit a narrative. Anyone charged with any alleged crime should consult an attorney for specific legal guidance.

The Police Took Your Cellphone – Now What?

The Police Took Your Cellphone – Now What?

Everything you have and say will be evidence used against you.

The Police took your cellphone – Now what?

After your arrest, you arrive at the police station where you go through the booking process, and your cellphone is taken from you. Once you are released, your cellphone is returned to you in a plastic bag. What just happened?

Well your data on your phone, SIM, SD card if relevant, could have been reviewed or copied or not.

Although it’s not easy to get past the password, fingerprint or face security features, it’s possible they let you make a call and saw your passcode or you asked to make a call while you were in cuffs and they held the phone up to your face or used your finger. 

They then kept the phone awake after that.  Simple tricks.  They may even ask you if you want to make a call so they can do that.

The SIM Card

The SIM card holds little information in smartphones but still has your phone number and other unique numbers that identify it.

Police may use that info to track the location of the SIM card.

Some phones may lack SIM cards or the ability to access them, while others may manage all their data directly on the circuit board, with software modifications. It all depends on issuer, make and model.

The SD card

Your SD card if your phone has a place for it, may contain your photos, videos, texts, data, files and other user content.

This data could play a crucial role in building an extensive personal profile of you while also emphasizing any interactions with other people you may encounter who could inadvertently be classified as individuals of interest.

These tactics can be utilized with minimal justification, to create a rationale for surveillance on you or your contacts in the near future as with anything they find on your phone.

Need to hire one of Michigan’s top legal defense Attorneys?
Do your research then call our office. Komorn Law (248) 357-2550

What are your rights?

Your rights, laws, and protections may vary based on the specifics of your arrest and how your mobile device was seized.

You have the right to refuse a warrantless search of your cellphone. If you find yourself under arrest or in police custody, it is important to clearly articulate that you do not consent to the search of your devices..

A law enforcement agency is authorized to perform a search of your device without a warrant only when it can sufficiently prove that a pressing emergency situation exists. Which shouldn’t be that difficult of a story to make up.

If you are the victim of an unlawful search by Law Enforcement you will have to put up a fight:

If evidence obtained from an unlawful search of your cellphone or electronic device is being used against you in a criminal case, Your attorney should file a motion to suppress that evidence based on 4th Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

If evidence obtained from the warrantless or nonconsensual search of your device is not presented against you in a criminal case, you may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit for damages as permitted by Section 1983 of Title 42 of the U.S. Code.

Title 42, Section 1983, of the United States Code is a procedural vehicle by which one whose federal statutory or constitutional rights have been violated can bring an action against state “actors” who commit these violations “under color of law.”

Section 1983 actions include suits over freedom of speech, search and seizure, excessive force, cruel and unusual punishment, and due process violations.

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Arrested for recording or photographing the police?

You have the right to photograph and take video of law enforcement officers but there are rules. There are rules they make up too like interfering and obstruction.  This usually leads to added charges like resisiting and violence towards a police officer.

 

Here are some links

  • Supreme Court of the United States Whether it has been “clearly established” since at least 2014 that the First Amendment protects the right of individuals to record police officers carrying out their duties in public. 
  • Recording Police – Freedom Forum
  • Glik v. Cunniffe (1st Cir. 2011) is a case in which the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit held that a private citizen has the right to record video and audio of police carrying out their duties in a public place
  • Question Presented  Likewise, the Tenth. Circuit found that filming police was clearly established First Amendment activity, and therefore denied qualified immunity to a police…

Use You Right To Remain Silent

If you have been accused or charged with a crime.
Say nothing to anyone. Talk to us first.
Our firm is experienced in both State and Federal courts defending clients.

CALL NOW

Attorney Michael Komorn

Attorney Michael Komorn

State / Federal Legal Defense

With extensive experience in criminal legal defense since 1993 from pre-arrest, District, Circuit, Appeals, Supreme and the Federal court systems.

KOMORN LAW (248) 357-2550

Disclaimer: This article provides a general overview and does not substitute for legal advice.  As with any law it can change or be modified and research should be done before you rely on any information provided on the internet. Although we make all attempts to link relevant laws these laws can often be gray and corrupted to fit a narrative. Anyone charged with any alleged crime should consult an attorney for specific legal guidance.