People v Williams
Michigan Court of Appeals
No 365299 (04/18/24)

MCL 28.425f permits a police officer to ask a person observed to be carrying a concealed weapon to produce their concealed pistol license (CPL) at any time and for any reason.

Makes possession of a concealed weapon a presumptive crime

Further, MCL 750.227 makes possession of a concealed weapon a presumptive crime, which can be rebutted by the suspect producing their CPL. Thus, a police officer has reasonable suspicion to  approach a person and ask for proof of a CPL after observing a bulge in the person’s clothing indicative of a hidden firearm.

The trial court’s order granting defendant’s motion to suppress is reversed.

About it

Michigan Court of Appeals Case No. 365299, People v Williams, centers on a warrantless search and subsequent arrest. The details of the case are not explicitly mentioned in the available information, but the legal reasoning behind the decision is referenced.

The case cites MCL 750.227, which prohibits carrying a concealed pistol without a license. It also references previous cases (Henderson and Williams) that established the legality of a warrantless search under the “automobile exception” when there’s reasonable suspicion of a crime.

The relevant part of People v Williams seems to focus on justifying a traffic stop. The court apparently determined that an informant’s tip about a driver possessing a handgun amounted to reasonable suspicion, warranting the stop. This aligns with the established principle that police can conduct stops based on reasonable suspicion, even if it’s a lesser standard compared to the probable cause needed for arrests or searches.

While the case itself isn’t elaborated on, it highlights the legal basis for traffic stops based on reasonable suspicion, particularly when the suspicion involves potential gun possession.

Better have a real good attorney

A New York Times report exposed widespread child labor in a Michigan factory, prompting state and federal authorities to take action. The report focused on a Hearthside Food Solutions plant in Kentwood, alleging the presence of numerous underage workers.

Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the U.S. Department of Labor launched investigations into the facility.

Additionally, Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) levied over $50,000 in fines against the plant for inadequate safety training and dangerous machinery.

Hearthside initially denied the allegations but has since paid some fines and is appealing others.

Federal and State Collaboration

The U.S. Department of Labor has increased oversight through an interagency task force focused on combating child labor. This initiative allows collaboration with other federal agencies, like the Department of Education, which offers training on child labor identification to school staff.

Strengthening Enforcement

State legislators are proposing bills to improve child labor enforcement and worker protection. One bill increases fines for violating child labor laws, aligning them with federal penalties. It also allows child workers to sue for damages and protects whistleblowers from retaliation.

Another bill proposes a complete overhaul of the work permit system in Michigan. Currently, teens obtain permits through schools. This bill would shift the responsibility to the LEO, creating a centralized database of legal teen workers and their employers. This system would enhance the LEO’s ability to identify potential child labor violations.

Immigrant Advocacy and Underlying Issues

Many underage workers in the exposed case were immigrants. Immigrant advocacy groups support the proposed bills, emphasizing provisions for compensating victims and protecting whistleblowers.

These measures could alleviate stress on immigrant families forced into child labor due to economic hardship.

However, these groups express concern that solely focusing on enforcement might drive children into even more dangerous and unregulated working environments.

As always addressing the (root causes) of child labor, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, is crucial for lasting solutions.

Better have a real good attorney