Michigan Court of Appeals Opinion – Crime Definition

Published Michigan Court of Appeals Opinion

Docket No(s) 362161
Lower Court Docket No(s) 2021-000966-FC
Hood, J.

“Crimes are supposed to be defined by the legislature, not by clever prosecutors riffing on equivocal language.”

[*1] “[C]rimes are supposed to be defined by the legislature, not by clever prosecutors riffing on equivocal language.” Dubin v United States, 599 US ___, ___; 143 S Ct 1557, 1572; ___ L Ed 2d ___ (2023) (quotation marks and citation omitted).

At issue here is the equivocal (subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to mislead or confuse) language of the reckless driving statute, MCL 257.626, which prohibits “operat[ing] a vehicle . . . in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property . . . .” MCL 257.626(2).

The traditional, narrow understanding and application of this statute is that it criminalizes driving in a reckless manner. The prosecution’s novel, expansive reading of this statute would also criminalize the decision to drive a vehicle that is not appropriately maintained due to the risk of potential mechanical failure.

Under this novel prosecution theory, a jury convicted defendant Timothy John Otto for reckless driving causing death, MCL 257.626(4).

The prosecution’s theory was that Otto failed to maintain the truck he was driving and that failure made him criminally liable under MCL 257.626(4)when the truck’s brakes failed while he was driving it, causing a wreck that resulted in a child’s death.

On appeal, Otto argues that he was denied effective assistance of counsel because his trial counsel failed to move to dismiss the reckless-driving charge when the facts of this case— failing to maintain a vehicle and then operating the poorly maintained vehicle—cannot support a [*2] conviction under MCL 257.626(4)1 

We agree. The text and context of MCL 257.626(4), and more broadly the Motor Vehicle Act, MCL 257.1 et seq., do not support the boundless interpretation underpinning the prosecution’s theory and Otto’s conviction.

We vacate his conviction. To hold otherwise would be to allow the prosecution—not the Legislature—to criminalize a wide array of commonplace conduct (such as failing to check your brakes, driving on old tires, and driving on empty) that the Legislature did not intend to outlaw.

FAQ

What is conviction vacated mean?

When a sentence is vacated: It legally annuls the conviction. Vacating a criminal sentence means removing that conviction from a person’s record. The record will then appear as if the person was never charged and convicted of a crime.

Why would a sentence be vacated?

Someone who has their conviction vacated are released from custody under certain conditions, such as a plea bargain being breached, proof of ineffective counsel, court bias, or another similar factor that might have impacted the outcome of the original trial.

Is vacating the same as dismissing?

‘Vacating’ or ‘setting aside’ is used when referring to nullifying a specific judgment from the judge (in this case, a guilty or ‘no contest’ judgment).

‘Dismissing’ applies to the entire case. It means that the case is thrown out for reasons other than its factual merits.

Does vacated mean innocent?

Winning the motion to vacate doesn’t mean that this is the end of the matter. The conviction or sentence is canceled as if it never existed, but the court doesn’t close your case. Instead, the prosecutor then decides whether to drop or pursue the original charges.

More Posts

Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) – Michigan

Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) – Michigan

Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) in Michigan: Definitions, Penalties, and Legal References.Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) is a set of laws in Michigan that define and penalize various forms of sexual offenses. These laws are categorized into four degrees, with each degree...

read more
23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and your data is?

23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and your data is?

As of Friday 3/28/25, the firm’s shares were worth less than a dollar.If you are charged with a crime you're part of the State of Michigan family now. Call us - Because you don't want to be a part of that family. Komorn Law (248) 357-2550Genetic testing service...

read more
Free Speech, Terror and Michigan Law

Free Speech, Terror and Michigan Law

Michigan Supreme Court Vacates Court of Appeals Ruling, Temporarily Preserves State Anti-Terror StatuteIf you are charged with a crime you're part of the State of Michigan family now. Call us - Because you don't want to be a part of that family. Komorn Law (248)...

read more
Domestic Violence Conviction Prohibits Gun Ownership

Domestic Violence Conviction Prohibits Gun Ownership

No Second Amendment Rights For YouIf you are charged with a crime you're part of the State of Michigan family now. Call us - Because you don't want to be a part of that family. Komorn Law (248) 357-2550A federal judge in Michigan has ruled that a man with a prior...

read more
What Are Your Rights Before And After Arrest?

What Are Your Rights Before And After Arrest?

What are your rights before and after arrest?Generally, police require a search warrant to lawfully enter any private premises or to search electronic devices such as your phone or computer. If the police do not possess a search warrant, you are under no obligation to...

read more
Michigan Probationers Allowed Medical Marijuana

Michigan Probationers Allowed Medical Marijuana

Yea. We did that...What it is supposed to beOn February 11, 2021, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that judges cannot prohibit individuals on probation from using medical marijuana if they are registered patients under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA)....

read more
Michael Komorn-Criminal Defense Attorney

About Your Attorney

Attorney Michael Komorn

Categories

Other Topics

Driving Under the Influence

Michigan

Your Rights

Michigan Court of Appeals

Law Firm VIctories

Share This