What is corruption? U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments

What is corruption? U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments

What is corruption? U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments that could impact bribery cases in Illinois

The high court is reviewing a law that’s popular among federal prosecutors — including those pursuing former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.

A cash-strapped mayor in northwest Indiana goes to a trucking company after engineering city contracts in its favor, and he tells its owners he needs money.

They pay him $13,000 for consulting. But there’s no evidence he did any work.

The feds call that corruption. But next week, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether the mayor even committed a crime under a law that’s popular among federal prosecutors — including those pursuing former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.

Read more here at the Chicago Sun Times

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Real Questions from Real Calls

Question: There is so much corruption in my case I need a lawyer!

Answer: Do you have irrefutable evidence?

 

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MSP Flint post commander rigging promotion exams says lawsuit

MSP Flint post commander rigging promotion exams says lawsuit

The former commander of the Michigan State Police post in Flint is alleged to have been providing answers to promotion exam questions to favored officers, while also engaging in retaliatory actions against others, as stated in a federal lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Flint, sheds additional light on an ongoing MSP internal affairs investigation that originated at the Flint post. This investigation has resulted in several personnel actions, including firings, forced retirements, a demotion, and a resignation. Furthermore, it has had an impact on the MSP post in West Branch, located in Ogemaw County.

First Lt. Yvonne Brantley, who was the post commander in Flint, retired in lieu of being fired. Sgt. Jared Chiros, who worked at the Flint post, had resigned.

Brantley is the sole defendant named in the lawsuit filed by Trooper Evan Neilson, although Chiros also holds a substantial involvement in the legal proceedings.

The internal affairs investigation determined that Brantley would favor or target certain individuals for promotion or non-promotion and for those who she wanted promoted, she would feed them answers to test questions and provide the test questions to prepare for taking the examination the lawsuit alleges.

DUI for Alcohol or Marijuana or Prescription Drugs - Fight it

Real Questions from Real Calls

Question: I need to sue the police for civil rights violations. Do you do that?

Answer: We are sorry. We are a legal defense firm and will fight for your rights and freedom in the “justice system” but we do not do lawsuits at this time. Maybe in the near future.

 

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Senate considers bill making governor, lawmakers eligible for FOIA

Senate considers bill making governor, lawmakers eligible for FOIA

Why this was not a thing and passed decades ago would be a good question.

The Senate oversight committee will review a bill that aims to extend Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act to cover lawmakers and the governor’s office.

Senate Bills 669 and 670 aim to expand Michigan’s current FOIA laws by including the Legislature and the governor’s office. These proposed changes would grant individuals the opportunity to request records and other pertinent information from government organizations, enabling them to gain crucial insights into their operations.

The bill carried over to 2024.

Senate Bill 670 seeks to expand the reach of FOIA law, making it applicable not only to lawmakers and the governor’s office but also mandating House and Senate leaders to appoint a dedicated FOIA coordinator for each chamber.

This proposed legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability within our government by ensuring that key figures and decision-makers are subject to the same level of scrutiny and public access.

Senate Bill 670 is closely linked to Senate Bill 669, which serves to refine the law by incorporating essential cybersecurity safeguards. Additionally, it extends exemptions from FOIA regulations to encompass personal notes taken by board members during public meetings.

Michigan stands out from other states as it remains one of just two states that do not subject lawmakers and governors to FOIA exemptions.

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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Whitmer expressed her support in her 2025 budget recommendations for legislation that would automatically charge vehicle owners a fee for entry to state parks.

Another fine piece of legislation introduced House Bill 5428, which would automatically take from vehicle owners a $10 entry fee for the recreation passport, regardless of whether they visit state parks.

Vehicle owners who do not want to pay the fee would have to request a refund from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, within 30 days of the charge.

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 A former DNA analyst with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) manipulated DNA results and “cut corners” – and as a result, all of her work at the agency over nearly 30 years has been called into question.

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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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