Smell of marijuana no longer legal grounds for search

Smell of marijuana no longer legal grounds for search

The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that the smell of marijuana alone is no longer sufficient probable cause for police to conduct a warrantless search of a vehicle. This decision overturns a previous precedent where the odor of marijuana was considered enough justification for a search.

The Court reasoned that because the use and possession of marijuana is now legal for adults in Michigan under certain circumstances (following the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act – MRTMA), the smell of marijuana no longer automatically indicates illegal activity. The odor could just as likely be associated with the legal possession or recent legal use of marijuana.

Therefore, the Court concluded that while the smell of marijuana can still be a factor in determining probable cause, it must be accompanied by other specific and articulable facts indicating illegal activity to justify a search.

This ruling stems from a case where a firearm was found in a vehicle after a search was conducted based solely on the smell of marijuana. The Supreme Court sided with the lower courts in suppressing the evidence, stating that the initial search was unlawful because the smell of marijuana alone did not provide probable cause in light of the state’s legalization of cannabis.

This decision is a significant shift in Michigan law and will likely impact how law enforcement conducts vehicle searches. It emphasizes the need for additional evidence beyond the smell of marijuana to establish probable cause for a search.

They can’t say because we smell weed we are going to search your car. Because the whole town may reek.  Alas… there are a hundred other words to choose from to make the arrest.

They have to say something else now. If you’re sitting behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle all a police officer has to say is “I believe you’re impaired”. And operating a motor vehicle impaired is a crime.

So don’t think this is a win. Maybe a little one.

Read the ruling linked below.

Michigan Supreme Court Smell of marijuana no longer legal grounds for search

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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Michigan Forfeiture News Articles

Michigan Forfeiture News Articles

Can the police sieze your belongings and hold it without charging you with a crime?

Civil asset forfeiture is a legal process that allows law enforcement agencies in Michigan to seize property they suspect is connected to criminal activity, even if the owner hasn’t been charged with a crime. This practice has been controversial, leading to significant reforms in recent years.

Key Points:

News Article links

  • Definition: Civil asset forfeiture permits authorities to confiscate assets believed to be involved in or resulting from criminal conduct without necessarily charging the owner.Mackinac Center
  • Reforms: Michigan has implemented several reforms to address concerns about civil asset forfeiture:Mackinac Center
  • 2015: Increased the standard of evidence required for forfeiture from “preponderance of evidence” to “clear and convincing evidence.”Mackinac Center
  • 2016: Eliminated the requirement for property owners to post a bond before challenging a seizure.Mackinac Center
  • 2019: Mandated a criminal conviction or plea agreement before forfeiting property valued under $50,000 in drug-related cases.AP News
  • 2022: Amended laws to allow forfeiture of assets over $20,000 at airports without a criminal conviction.Mackinac Center
  • Recent Developments: In 2023, a federal court ruled that Wayne County’s vehicle seizure program violated constitutional due process rights, highlighting ongoing concerns about forfeiture practices.Mackinac Center
  • Statistics: In 2022, Michigan law enforcement agencies seized over $10.2 million in cash and conducted nearly 4,000 forfeitures. Notably, more than 150 individuals lost property without being charged, and another 100 without a conviction.Mackinac Center
  • Criticism: Critics argue that civil asset forfeiture can lead to abuses, disproportionately affecting innocent individuals and marginalized communities. 
  • Advocacy for Change: Organizations like the Mackinac Center for Public Policy advocate for ending civil asset forfeiture, suggesting that property should only be forfeited following a criminal conviction to better protect citizens’ rights.Mackinac Center

Understanding Michigan’s civil asset forfeiture laws is crucial, as they directly impact property rights and law enforcement practices. While reforms have been made, ongoing debates suggest that further changes may be necessary to ensure fairness and protect citizens’ rights

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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What Happens When the Government Takes Your Property?

What Happens When the Government Takes Your Property?

Can the police sieze your belongings and hold it without charging you with a crime?

Forfeiture laws in Michigan allow the government to seize property – like cash, cars, or even houses – if they believe it was involved in a crime.  This can happen even if the owner hasn’t been convicted of a crime. It’s a complex area of law with some important things to understand. 

What is Forfeiture?

Forfeiture is a legal process where the government takes ownership of private property because it’s believed to be connected to illegal activity. There are two main types:  

Criminal Forfeiture: This happens after someone has been convicted of a crime. The property seized is usually related to that specific crime. 

Civil Forfeiture: This can occur without a criminal conviction. The government argues that the property itself was involved in a crime, regardless of whether the owner is found guilty.  

Important Points to Know:

What Property Can Be Forfeited?

Under Michigan law (specifically related to drug crimes, (MCL 333.7521), a wide range of property can be seized, including:

  • Money, negotiable instruments, and securities.
  • Real estate (MCL 600.3815)
  • Vehicles, boats, and aircraft (S.B. 2 & H.B 4001-4002)
  • Equipment and materials used in illegal activities (like drug manufacturing).
  • Anything of value exchanged for illegal substances.

How Does it Work?

Seizure: Law enforcement can seize property if they have probable cause to believe it’s connected to a crime. In some cases, they need a warrant, but not always (MCL 333.7522). 

Notice: If your property is seized, the government is supposed to notify you (MCL 600.4707 & 333.7523). If they can’t find you, they may publish a notice online or in a newspaper.  

Claim: If you want your property back, you usually have a limited time (e.g., 20-28 days after notice) to file a claim with the government, stating your interest in the property and why it shouldn’t be forfeited. This claim often needs to be written, signed, and verified (notarized).  

Civil Action: If you file a claim, the government (usually the Attorney General or local prosecutor) may then file a civil lawsuit in court to try and get a forfeiture order.

Burden of Proof: In a forfeiture hearing, the government generally has to prove by a “preponderance of the evidence” (meaning it’s more likely than not) that the property was connected to a crime (MCL 600.4707). However, for property valued over $50,000 in drug cases, the burden might shift to the owner to prove they didn’t know about the illegal activity (according to some interpretations of MCL 333.7523a).  

Conviction Requirement (Limited): A significant reform in 2019 (Senate Bill 2 and House Bills 4001 & 4002) requires a criminal conviction or plea agreement for forfeitures of property valued under $50,000 in drug-related cases, unless the owner abandons the property (news from May 2019).  

Rights of Property Owners

You have the right to:

  • Be notified about the forfeiture proceedings.
  • File a claim to contest the forfeiture.
  • Have a hearing in court (if you file a claim).
  • Present evidence to show your property wasn’t involved in a crime or that you were an innocent owner.

What Happens to Forfeited Property?

Generally, the law enforcement agency that seized the property can keep it for their use or sell it.

The proceeds from the sale are often used for law enforcement purposes (MCL 333.7524).

Kelsey’s Law Connection: It’s important not to confuse forfeiture laws with traffic laws like Kelsey’s Law (related to teen drivers and cell phone use). They are completely different areas of law.

Links to Laws:

  • MCL 333.7521 (Controlled Substances – Forfeiture): You can find these sections within the Michigan Public Health Code on the Michigan Legislature website.
  • MCL 600.4701 (Revised Judicature Act – Forfeiture): This act also contains provisions related to forfeiture.

Recent News:

  • Michigan Supreme Court Ruling (July 2024): The Michigan Supreme Court ruled against Detroit’s practice of seizing cars in drug-related cases unless there’s evidence the car was used to transport drugs for trafficking purposes. This decision is seen as a curb on aggressive forfeiture practices.  
  • Report on Forfeiture (October 2023): A report highlighted that even with recent reforms, Michigan still sees cases where people lose property without being charged with a crime, and most forfeiture cases happen without much court oversight (Mackinac Center, October 2023). 
  • Limitations on Forfeiture Without Conviction (2019): As mentioned earlier, laws were passed in 2019 requiring a conviction in many drug-related forfeiture cases involving property under $50,000 (Michigan.gov press release, May 2019).

It’s crucial to understand that forfeiture laws can have a significant impact on individuals, even those who haven’t been found guilty of a crime. If your property has been seized, it’s highly recommended to seek legal advice immediately to understand your rights and options.

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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Making terrorist threat or false report of terrorism is free speech?

Making terrorist threat or false report of terrorism is free speech?

Making terrorist threat or false report of terrorism is free speech?

The US Constitution and Michigan Constitution prohibit the government from making laws that abridge the freedom of speech

Summary

In the case of People of the State of Michigan v. Michael Joseph Kvasnicka, the Michigan Court of Appeals addressed the constitutionality of the state’s law on making a threat of terrorism, MCL 750.543m.

The defendant, Michael Kvasnicka, was charged under this statute after sending a social media message to a young girl, stating she was “not gonna be laughing once I come to your school and shoot it up or blow it up.”

Don’t worry about it

Kvasnicka moved to dismiss the charges, arguing that the statute violated his First Amendment rights. The trial court denied this motion, leading to an interlocutory appeal.

Upon review, the Court of Appeals unanimously found that MCL 750.543m was unconstitutional, determining that it infringed upon free speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Read this out loud to yourself

Upon review, the Court of Appeals unanimously found that MCL 750.543m was unconstitutional, determining that it infringed upon free speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.

750.543m Making terrorist threat or false report of terrorism; intent or capability as defense prohibited; violation as felony; penalty.
Sec. 543m.

(1) A person is guilty of making a terrorist threat or of making a false report of terrorism if the person does either of the following:
(a) Threatens to commit an act of terrorism and communicates the threat to any other person.
(b) Knowingly makes a false report of an act of terrorism and communicates the false report to any other person, knowing the report is false.
(2) It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the defendant did not have the intent or capability of committing the act of terrorism.
(3) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 20 years or a fine of not more than $20,000.00, or both.

Your First Amendment Rights Threatened?
Fight for your Constitutional Right.

Call Our Office
Komorn Law (248) 357-2550

And now for something completely different.

Sometimes our posts provide a general overview of things with opinionated sarcasm and dry humor by the writer to lighten the same old same old of other law sites.  It does not substitute for legal advice. Anyone charged with a criminal offense should consult an attorney for specific legal guidance. BTW. True Fact: When Michael Komorn fights the justice system there is only one focus. You and your rights.

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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Washtenaw Prosecutor will not file any criminal charges on you

Washtenaw Prosecutor will not file any criminal charges on you

Washtenaw County Policy Directive 2025-01

POLICY REGARDING QUANTITATIVE DRUG CHECKING

Introduction

The overdose crisis in America has persisted for decades, resulting in profound loss and suffering across the nation. Since 1999, opioid overdoses have tragically taken the lives of more than a million individuals, and the number of drug overdose deaths continues to escalate each year. This heartbreaking reality affects every community, leaving no place untouched by the repercussions of this ongoing tragedy.

Don’t worry about it

Wastenaw County will check your drugs and you won’t be charged.

Read the release here

Washtenaw County -Policy 2025-01 – Quantitative Drug Checking Policy

Also Washtenaw County, several sites and governmental agencies offer free naloxone—a “safe and life-saving  medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose.”

Choose your drugs wisely

Naloxone (Narcan) only works on overdoses caused by opioids. This family of drugs includes prescription painkillers like OxyContin, fentanyl, methadone, and Vicodin, as well as street drugs like heroin.

Naloxone will not reverse overdose resulting from non-opioid drugs, like cocaine, benzodiazepines (“benzos”), or alcohol.

More info

Will Narcan Work on Cannabis “Overdoses”?

No – Just go watch your favorite movie.

Want more info Go here –>More info (According to Dabbin Dad)

Komorn Law (248) 357-2550
Criminal Defense | DUI | Traffic Tickets | Business | Family Law

Naloxone FAQs

What is naloxone?
Naloxone, also known as naloxone HCL or Narcan, is a medication approved by the FDA that effectively counteracts the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose by blocking brain receptors and enabling the restoration of normal breathing.

What is an opioid?
Opioids are powerful medications that effectively alleviate pain by dampening the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain, while also influencing brain regions that govern emotional responses, thereby lessening the perception of pain.

Examples of Opioids:

  • Morphine(MS Contin®)
  • Codeine
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Norco®)
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®)
  • Oxycodone(Percocet®, OxyContin®)
  • Oxymorphone (Opana®)
  • Fentanyl (Duragesic®)
  • Buprenorphine(Subutex®)
  • Methadone
  • Heroin

Who should carry naloxone?
In 2018, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams issued a vital public health advisory that emphasized the essential role of naloxone in saving lives, encouraging various individuals to not only carry naloxone but also to receive training in its effective use.

  • Individuals taking high doses of opioids as prescribed for the management of chronic pain.
  • Individuals taking prescription opioids concurrently with alcohol or sedating medications (i.e. benzodiazepines).
  • Individuals misusing prescription opioids or using illicit opioids such as heroin.
  • Individuals with a history of opioid use disorder.
  • Individuals completing opioid detoxification.
  • Individuals recently discharged from emergency medical care following an opioid overdose.
  • Individuals recently released from incarceration with a history of opioid use disorder.
  • Family and friends of people who have opioid use disorder.
  • Community members who come into contact with people at risk for opioid overdose.

Sometimes our posts provide a general overview of things with opinionated sarcasm and dry humor by the writer to lighten the same old same old of other law sites.  It does not substitute for legal advice. Anyone charged with a criminal offense should consult an attorney for specific legal guidance. BTW. True Fact: When Michael Komorn fights the justice system there is only one focus. You and your rights.

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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