tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47980630637123797192024-03-13T19:34:31.685-04:00Fausone Bohn, LLPExperienced and practical Michigan attorneys solving the problems of business owners, their families, and veterans... one case at a time.Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.comBlogger682125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-74740260538658403602016-02-26T09:00:00.000-05:002016-02-26T09:00:51.322-05:00Conservatorships and Nursing Homes<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Dan Williams, Esq.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Should a nursing home be able to
obtain a conservatorship through the probate court, when the patient has
previously designated a power of attorney for their financial needs? In recent weeks, I have had a number of
clients seeking advice about what to do in that exact situation. A conservator is a court appointed individual
who makes financial decisions for a person who is incompetent or
incapacitated. There are ways to contest
a nursing home’s petition for a conservatorship, but you need to contact a
probate litigation specialist who can properly review your case and, advise and
represent you in challenging such a petition.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At Fausone Bohn, LLP, Dan
Williams focuses on probate disputes. If you have an estate planning issue, or
believe that you may need to go to Court to right a wrong with a loved one’s
estate plan, give us a call at (248) 380-0000.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-8675240714073016082016-02-22T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-22T08:00:02.432-05:00Identity Theft and Financial Transaction Device Crimes Clarified<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Dan Williams, Esq.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Last month the <a href="http://courts.mi.gov/courts/coa/pages/default.aspx">Court of Appeals</a>
clarified what constituted sufficient evidence to convict a defendant for the
crimes of Identity Theft and Steal/Retain a Financial Transaction Device
without Consent in <i>People v. Velton
Miller</i>. You can read the Opinion <a href="http://www.michbar.org/file/opinions/appeals/2016/011216/61716.pdf">here</a>. Financial crimes are complicated for
defendants and prosecutors. What do you
think constitutes sufficient evidence to convict a person of identity theft or
a financial transaction device crime? In
answering that question, you’ll likely be surprised. Having spent more than four years prosecuting
these types of complex crimes, many times, I was surprised at the answers as
well. If you are charged with a
financial crime, not just any defense attorney will do. Find one who has the experience to understand
the complexity, breadth and connections of Michigan’s criminal laws regarding
financial crimes.<o:p></o:p></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-54082471886832337912016-02-17T09:00:00.000-05:002016-02-18T14:01:42.231-05:00Special CPL Provisions for Retired Law Enforcement Personnel<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Daniel Williams, Esq.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you are a former law
enforcement officer or a United States
military veteran, you may be eligible to carry a concealed weapon on premises
that are otherwise prohibited to the general public. Those recognized as law
enforcement include: Police officers; corrections officers; reserve officers of
a police; former members of the United States Armed Forces; and a parole or
probation officer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
If you believe you have been wrongly accused of
violating the Firearm Laws of Michigan, or any other criminal offense in the
State of Michigan, immediately contact Fausone Bohn, LLP and ask for Dan
Williams. As a current Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Westland
and former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Wayne County, Dan has a vast
knowledge of criminal court proceedings. With his substantial trial experience,
he is prepared to take any case to trial for a client, if necessary. Call us at
(248) 380-0000 and schedule your free consultation today!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 215.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-81828039383408857942016-02-11T09:00:00.000-05:002016-03-08T08:56:37.396-05:00Practices to Implement When Carrying a Concealed Pistol<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Mark Mandell, Esq.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Hopefully,</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> you have
read my </span><a href="http://fbfirm.blogspot.in/2016/01/proper-gun-storage-keeping-your-family.html"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">previous
blog</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> on the importance of properly storing your concealed
pistol. Now, I want to provide some valuable information for those who plan to
carry their pistol in public. Understanding the situations and places where you
can and cannot possess your weapon will be imperative to your safety and
freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">First and foremost, always have
your CPL license and some sort of state-issued identification card in your
possession any time you decide to carry. Next,
do not carry your pistol if you are planning to consume alcohol. As part of
your CPL, you are giving implied consent to submit to chemical analysis for
alcohol and/or controlled substances. In other words, you will be required to comply
with any blood, breath, or urine testing that a law enforcement officer
requests.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Finally, you should be aware of
premises that prohibit any possession of a firearm,
whether licensed or unlicensed. This includes any: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">School
or school property;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Depository
financial institution (bank or credit union);</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Property
owned or operated by a place of worship;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Court;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Bar
or tavern, even in the absence of a posted sign indicating the establishment as
a prohibited premise;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Hospital;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Day
care center, public or private;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Dormitory
or classroom of a community college, college, or university;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Stadium,
theater, and any entertainment facility
with a seating capacity of 2,500 or more
individuals</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you find yourself facing legal
consequences for a pistol-related offense, you should immediately contact the
attorneys at Fausone Bohn, LLP and ask for Mark Mandell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">As a
former prosecuting attorney, Attorney Mark Mandell has extensive criminal trial
experience. While some attorneys avoid trials, Mark is always prepared to take
his clients' case to trial if needed. Contact Attorney Mark Mandell at (248)
380-0000.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-17901751451004273422016-02-09T10:57:00.000-05:002016-02-09T10:57:00.168-05:00Lake Erie Water Quality Market<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Paul Bohn, Esq.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Back in July 2015, I wrote a <a href="http://fbfirm.blogspot.in/2015/07/officials-in-great-lakes-region-to-act.html">blog</a>
discussing a joint effort between Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces to
address the dangerous levels phosphorous and nitrogen runoff that are causing
massive algae blooms in Lake Erie. While the <a href="http://glc.org/">Great
Lakes Commission</a> (GLC) pledged a 40% reduction of algae blooms in Lake Erie
by 2025, they did not discuss how they would achieve this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Well, good news. The GLC has
developed a plan to achieve their algae bloom reduction goal. The initiative
will provide what’s called a water quality trading system. It is a market-based
approach to pollution reduction, in which the government sets an overall water
pollution reduction requirement and then provides water quality credits that
can be earned by entities for reducing pollution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If properly implemented, a supply
and demand for these credits will be created. Industries that are engaging in
pollution reduction will stock-pile the credits, and then sell them to those
who have high pollution reduction costs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The proposed trading system will
include most pollution sources contributing to runoff into Lake Erie. This
includes farmers, sewage treatment plants, power plants, and factories. It is a
great alternative to traditional pollution reduction methods that force each
pollution source to install expensive new technology to reduce their own
emissions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Now, pollution sources will be
able to determine if they are best served by becoming a buyer or seller of
credits, based on their ability to adhere to the new regulatory requirements.
The GLC believes this innovative approach will significantly reduce pollution
runoff and thereby improve water quality in Lake Erie, what do you think?<o:p></o:p></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-89809574043499010262016-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:002016-02-04T10:25:04.893-05:00US Supreme Court Addresses Juvenile Homicide Sentencings Again Monday<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The nation’s highest Court waded
back into the waters of juvenile murder sentencings again on Monday in <i>Montgomery v. Louisiana</i>. The Court determined that their earlier
decision in <i>Miller</i> was retroactive,
or applicable not only to juveniles moving forward, but also to those already
convicted and sentenced.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Many states had followed the
Court’s decision in <i>Miller</i> by stating
that they would not apply the law looking backwards. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/26/opinion/the-supreme-court-says-again-juveniles-are-different.html?_r=1">The
Supreme Court’s decision means those State Court decisions are null and void,
and that every juvenile sentenced to life without parole still residing in the
criminal justice system will have to have their sentence reviewed</a>. For Michigan, that is more than 300 cases
which the Courts will have to review for re-sentencings. This is just the
latest in the way Courts are looking at children and the criminal justice
system, and the recognition that juveniles must be considered differently than
adults when considering how to sentence them for our most serious crimes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you or a loved one have been
charged with a criminal offense, no matter how serious, the criminal law
specialists at Fausone Bohn LLP are prepared to handle your matter with
expertise and understanding. Whether
it’s a traffic ticket, misdemeanor or felony, give us a call.<o:p></o:p></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-11412458790222263972016-01-28T10:04:00.000-05:002016-02-04T10:04:58.782-05:00Pastor’s Family Feud Continues After Death<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Most people hear the word
“probate” and they cringe. To avoid that
sinking feeling of what to do when a loved one passes away, many people seek
estate planning attorneys to complete a will or trust to prevent the need for a
family to fight about a deceased’s possessions in Court. While a good estate plan can prevent a
probate fight, if they are not done properly, they can create an even larger
family feud in Probate Court.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Highlighting this fact is the case of prominent national pastor Bishop William Bonner. His family has filed a case in the Wayne
County Probate Court challenging the administration of the Bishop’s will. The family claims are summarized in the
Detroit News Article that can be read at <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2016/01/26/bishop-family-battles-church-estate/79378916/">http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2016/01/26/bishop-family-battles-church-estate/79378916/</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Ultimately,
the lesson here is, if you don’t have an estate plan, think there are issues
with your estate plan, or if things have changed since you dusted it off five
or ten years ago, you should talk with an estate planning attorney. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">If you believe
that you have been wrongfully left out of a family member’s will, or you
suspect problems with an issue, you may have a case.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In those instances, you need to contact a
real probate litigator, rather than simply an estate planner.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">At FausoneBohn, LLP we have experts who specialize
in both.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">If you have an estate planning
issue, or believe that you may need to go to Court to right a wrong with a
loved one’s estate plan, give us a call.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-86600956625247367522016-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:002016-01-19T09:36:27.152-05:00Proper Gun Storage: Keeping Your Family Away From Harm<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark Mandell, Esq.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you are a <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1878_1591_3503_4654-10926--,00.html"><span style="color: blue;">concealed
pistol license</span></a> (CPL) holder, do not take the responsibility lightly. There
are countless scenarios in which you will find yourself knee-deep in legal
trouble if you are not aware of the location of your pistol at all times. Since
the majority of CPL holders do not carry on a daily basis and instead stash
their pistol in their home, it’s easy to lose track or forget about the weapon
entirely. This is why proper storage in a gun safe is of paramount importance.
Limiting the access to only yourself is the first step to proper storage, but
your responsibilities do not end there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Even if the gun is locked away
in a safe, you should routinely make sure the pistol was not removed. In the
event that the firearm is missing, do not assume that you misplaced it and that it will turn up at some point. Instead, you
should report the theft within 5 days or else be responsible for a civil
violation and fined up to $500.00.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Properly storing your weapon
will also prevent your children from accessing it and potentially facing
serious legal consequences for you and the child. For the sake of argument,
let’s say your child stumbled upon your pistol while he/she was snooping around
in your closet. Wanting to show off their mom or dad’s awesome gun, they decide
to bring it to school. According to the <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1878_1591_3503_4654---,00.html"><span style="color: blue;">Firearms
Laws of Michigan</span></a>: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“If
a pupil possesses in a weapon free school zone a weapon that constitutes a
dangerous weapon… the school board shall expel the pupil from the school
district permanently.” </span></i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You will then be fighting an
uphill battle to get your child reinstated, needing to prove in a clear and
convincing matter that it was not possessed for use as a weapon or was intended
for delivery to another person for use as a weapon; or the student didn’t know
he had it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Expulsion may be the tip of
the iceberg if prosecutors want to “throw the
book” at you. Section 750.227 of the Firearms Laws of Michigan states:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>“A
person shall not carry a pistol concealed on or about his or her person, or,
whether concealed or otherwise, in a vehicle operated or occupied by the
person, except in his or her dwelling house, place of business or on other land
possessed by the person, without a license to carry the pistol as provided by
law. A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony, punishable by
imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or by a fine of not more than
$2500.00.” </i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s possible for a child as
young as 14 years old to face these felony charges if the judge is trying to
make an example out of him/her:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“If
a juvenile 14 years of age or older is accused of an act that if committed by
an adult would be a felony, the judge of the family division of circuit court…
may waive jurisdiction… after the waiver, the juvenile may be tried in the
court having general criminal jurisdiction of the offense.”</span></i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The penalties will only
increase in severity if the child used the weapon with or without intent to
harm others, and could even be facing federal charges.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Finally, you as the parent
could be facing criminal charges if the following circumstances exist: (1) you
have custody of the minor; (2) the minor possessed the weapon in a weapon free
school zone; (3) you were aware of the child’s intent/actions or you acted to
further the violation. Given the high frequency of mass shootings, this may be happening more than we would like to
think. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All of this can be easily
avoided if you develop a safe method of storage for your weapon and always know
its whereabouts. You can find gun safes as cheap as $50.00, so there is really
no excuse to leave your weapon vulnerable to theft or possession by a child. If
you find yourself facing legal consequences for a pistol-related offense, you
should immediately contact the attorneys at Fausone Bohn, LLP and ask for Mark
Mandell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a former prosecuting attorney, Attorney Mark Mandell has
extensive criminal trial experience. While some attorneys avoid trials, Mark is
always prepared to take his clients' case to trial if needed. Mark taught trial
advocacy skills as an adjunct professor at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He
uses his experience as a prosecutor and professor to fight for his clients,
whether that be at trial or for the best possible plea agreement to minimize
jail, prison, or probation. Experience and credibility is the name of the game when appearing before a judge and Attorney
Mark Mandell has it!</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-61540156412404989122016-01-08T13:00:00.000-05:002016-01-08T13:00:17.415-05:00Health Care Racket Dismantled in SE Michigan, Owner to Pay Back $4.5 Million<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Tariq Hafeez, Esq.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Another health care racket was shut down in metro Detroit
last month, as Amer Ehsan was sentenced to 80 months in prison. As the owner of
Advance Home Health Care Services Inc., Ehsan was able to defraud patients and
the government for over $7 million dollars. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The actions committed by him and his co-conspirators that
included physicians, physical therapists and patient recruiters took advantage
of the new <span style="color: #4472c4; mso-themecolor: accent5;"><a href="https://www.medicare.gov/"><span style="color: #4472c4; mso-themecolor: accent5;">Medicare</span></a></span> program that offers assistance to disabled patients who need health
services around the clock. He paid physicians to refer beneficiaries to his
company and also to produce false documentation stating that patients needed
home health care. He also scammed the
government by creating fake patients for his physical therapy company, Michigan
Rehab and Management Services LLC. He
used the same scheme with physical therapists as he did with physicians for
home health care referrals. Some patients were in on the scam as well,
receiving cash kickbacks if they agreed to sign fake physical therapy records. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In total, Medicare paid a total of more than $4.5 million
and U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman intends to get every penny back. In
addition to the federal prison sentence, Ehsan was also ordered to pay over
$4.5 million in restitution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have increasingly represented health care providers and
physicians who are in this very situation, and am willing to help anyone who is
in need of legal counsel for health care related business matters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If you, or someone you know, is a healthcare professional or provider
and is facing legal action, call Fausone Bohn LLP immediately and ask for Tariq
Hafeez. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Tariq is focused on
providing legal counsel to health care related businesses including physicians'
practices and home health care providers in addition to his expertise in the
areas of business and corporate law, and commercial and civil litigation. Call
today for your free consultation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-80206062036752561242015-12-23T08:00:00.000-05:002015-12-23T08:00:25.585-05:00Massive New Trail System Coming to Michigan<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Paul
Bohn, Esq.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ever
dream of the day that you can just hop on your bicycle and ride all the way to
South Haven to spend the day on Lake Michigan? What about riding all the way to
Lambeau Field to see the Detroit Lion’s get their second win in 20+ years in
the State of Wisconsin? Well, those
dreams are quickly becoming a reality for nearly 50% of the state’s population
as the “Big 400” trail development project is underway!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The </span><a href="http://5healthytowns.org/?module=Home"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">5
Healthy Towns Foundation</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">,
a tax-exempt private foundation for community improvement, has recently begun
fundraising efforts to develop a loop trail to connect Chelsea, Dexter,
Stockbridge, and Pinckney. Users will be able to ride, hike, or cross-country
ski through the beautiful woods, farmland, and along waterways with this new
44-mile nature trail. It is projected to cost $1 Million and the foundation is
already 1/3 of the way there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This
loop will be tied into the existing </span><a href="http://www.michigantrails.org/michigans-iron-belle-trail"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Iron Belle Trail</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> that runs from Belle Isle to
Ironwood, Wisconsin. It will also connected to </span><a href="http://www.hamburg.mi.us/lakelands_trail_state_park/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Lakelands Trail</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, which stretches from Port Huron on
the east side, to South Haven on the west.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A
second project, named the </span><a href="http://waterlootrail.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Waterloo Trail</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, has already been put into motion. The
</span><a href="http://www.potomba.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Potawatomi
Mountain Biking</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
Association has joined forces with renowned trail-builder, </span><a href="http://www.spectrumtraildesign.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Spectrum
Trail Design</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, to
create 25 miles worth of mountain biking trails. The $500,000.00 project will
include a wide-range of trail-difficultly so that all can enjoy the thrill of
mountain biking safely within their skill-level. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Within
5 years, the hope is to connect the Waterloo Trail to the Big 400 project. Once
completed, Michigan’s non-motorized trail system will be among the best in the
nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">To
find out more information, or to donate to their efforts, visit <a href="http://hwpathways.org/">Hwpathways.org</a>
or <a href="http://waterlootrail.org/">waterlootrail.org</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-2994565516869597052015-12-18T15:00:00.000-05:002015-12-18T15:00:04.106-05:00How to Obtain Your CPL in 4-Steps<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Mark Mandell, Esq.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Looking to obtain your Concealed Pistol License (CPL) in the State of Michigan but don’t know if you are eligible and/or how to apply? Look no further, for your convenience we have compiled all the information you will need to determine if a CPL is right for you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Step 1: Eligibility Requirements</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Before you start the application process, make sure you are able to answer yes to all the following:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Am I 21 or older? (per federal law)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Am I a US citizen?</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Am I a legal resident of Michigan and have been living in the state for at least 6 months? </span></li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">If you are unsure, just see if at least one of the following applies:</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">I have a valid Michigan driver’s license and/or personal identification card</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">I am registered to vote in Michigan</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">I am an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces who is stationed out of state but Michigan is still my home of record; or I am permanently stationed in Michigan </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Do I have a valid Michigan driver’s license or official Michigan personal identification card?</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">I am not, nor ever was, subject to an order or disposition for:</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Involuntary Hospitalization or Alternative Treatment?</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Legal incapacitation?</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Personal protection order?</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Bond or conditional release prohibiting purchase or possession of a firearm? (does not apply to past bonds or conditional releases)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Finding of not guilty by reason of insanity?</span></li>
</ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">I have never received a dishonorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Will I pass a criminal background check? </span></li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, you will need to visit the link below to see if you are still eligible.</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><a href="http://michigan.gov/msp/1,1607,7-123-1591_3503_4654-10926--,00.html">http://michigan.gov/msp/1,1607,7-123-1591_3503_4654-10926--,00.html</a></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Step 2: Pistol Safety Training Course</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">After you have made sure you are able eligible, you will need to successfully complete an appropriate pistol safety training course. To find available courses near you, contact your local law enforcement agency or use the class locator on <a href="http://www.ccwclasses.net/cpl-classes-michigan.">http://www.ccwclasses.net/cpl-classes-michigan.</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Average Course Length: minimum of 8 hours in duration (5 hours in classroom instruction, 3 hours shooting range instruction)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Average Cost: $100-$200</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Make sure your certificate states the following: “This course complies with Section 5j of 1927 PA 372” and “the Individual has successfully completed the course” </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Step 3: File a Concealed Pistol License Application</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">After you have received a valid certification of completion, you will need to complete a Concealed Pistol License Application and file it with the County Clerk of the area in which you reside. Here is a checklist of items to bring with you to the County Clerk:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">CPL Course/Class Certificate of Completion</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">$100.00 for the application and licensing fee payable to the county clerk (payable by cash or credit card)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Fingerprinting receipt from a Michigan Law Enforcement Agency </span></li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Or they can take your fingerprints on-site at county clerk (may be an additional $15.00 for fingerprint service)</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Once all fees are paid and fingerprints are filed, the county clerk will issue a license or notice of statutory disqualification within 45 days. Instructions on appeal process will be included with a notice of disqualification. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Step 4: Know When to Leave Your Weapon at Home</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Where you can/cannot take your weapon:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Other states that will honor your Michigan-licensed CPL: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">States that will not honor your Michigan-licensed CPL: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, New York City, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, N. Mariana Islands</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Michigan Pistol-Free Zones: follow the link for most updated list: </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1878_1591_3503_4654-10947--,00.html">http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1878_1591_3503_4654-10947--,00.html</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Step 5: CPL Renewal Program</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">You will need to renew your CPL every 4-5 years, depending on the issue date and your date of birth. The cost will be $115.00. The renewal application does not require you to re-take the CPL course, but it is recommended if you have not touched the weapon or practiced at a shooting range since you have received the license. Plus, the CPL education is constantly evolving and keeping that knowledge fresh in your mind can be the difference in a life-or-death situation.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">I hope you find this guide helpful as you navigate the concealed weapon licensing process. Once you are a licensed weapon holder, you will then be responsible for the safe-keeping of your weapon, staying up to date on all laws and regulations, and most importantly the ability to judge when use of such weapon is absolutely necessary. This newfound responsibility should not be taken lightly, as even those most prepared can find themselves in legal trouble. In the unlikely event you are facing weapons-related charges, you need to contact Fausone Bohn immediately and ask for attorney Mark Mandell. Whether or not you handled the situation correctly, as a CPL holder you can bet that you will be at the top of the list when the investigation starts.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">As a former prosecuting attorney, Attorney Mark Mandell has extensive criminal trial experience. While some attorneys avoid trials, Mark is always prepared to take his clients' case to trial if needed. Mark taught trial advocacy skills as an adjunct professor at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He uses his experience as a prosecutor and professor to fight for his clients, whether that be at trial or for the best possible plea agreement to minimize jail, prison, or probation. Experience and credibility is the name of the game when appearing before a judge and Attorney Mark Mandell has it!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-61846599810033152482015-08-31T07:00:00.000-04:002015-08-31T07:00:01.946-04:00Steep Penalties for Assault by Strangulation or Suffocation<div class="MsoNormal">
Mark Mandell, Esq.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
About two years ago, a new
Michigan law prohibiting “assault by strangulation or suffocation” went into
effect. The law imposes severe penalties upon an aggressor who engages in the
conduct prohibited by the statute. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
MCL 750.84 states that any person
who assaults another person by strangulation or suffocation is guilty of a
felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to $5,000,
or both. The law defines “strangulation or suffocation” as “intentionally
impeding normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on
the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of another person.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is not necessary for a victim
to suffer any actual injury in order for the State to charge an aggressor with
assault by strangulation. Furthermore, an aggressor’s intent – which must be
proven for a defendant to be found guilty – may be inferred simply from the use
of physical violence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In short, assault by
strangulation is a very serious offense that is difficult neither to commit nor
to charge. Citizens should be mindful to
avoid any conduct that could be construed as prohibited under this statute. <o:p></o:p></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-69699263337110460302015-08-21T17:14:00.000-04:002015-08-21T17:14:24.436-04:00Michigan Court of Appeals Finds Juvenile's Convicted of First Degree Murder Have A Sixth Amendment Right to Have A Jury Determine Their Sentence<div class="leftCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Daniel Williams, Esq.</i></span></div>
<div class="leftCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="leftCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="leftCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">The
Michigan Court of Appeals determined in a published opinion yesterday, <em>People v. Skinner</em>, ___
Mich. App. ___; ___ N.W.2d ___; COA #317892 (Aug. 20, 2015) the Juvenile
Offenders who are convicted of homicide, and who face a sentence of life
without the possibility of parole are entitled to have a jury determine their
fate at sentencing. Previously, a Judge would impose the sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="leftCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="leftCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">However, the COA found that in the
circumstance where a Juvenile is convicted of First Degree Murder, they have a
right to demand that a jury be impaneled to determine if such a sentence is
appropriate. The Court found "[w]e find that the Sixth Amendment
mandates that juveniles convicted of homicide who face the possibility of a
sentence of life without the possibility of parole have a right to have their
sentence determined by a jury."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="leftCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="leftCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">The COA indicated, through a
thorough analysis, that the right stemmed from the United States Supreme
Court's opinion in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>Miller v. Alabama</em>, 576
U.S. ___; 132 S.Ct. 2455; 183 L.Ed.2d. 407 (2012), the new sentencing scheme
would ensure that the factors necessary to impose a mandatory life sentence on
a juvenile offender would best be preserved. As the COA noted,
"[t]he<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>Miller</em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Court did not address the issue
of <em>who</em> should
decide whether a juvenile offender should receive a life without parole
sentence and we are unaware of any court that has yet to address the
issue."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="leftCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="leftCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">Regardless of where a person stands
on the issue of juvenile offender sentencing, this opinion puts the Michigan
Courts at the forefront in how the determination of a life without parole
sentence can and may be imposed. While the case is likely to be appealed
to the Michigan Supreme Court, and potentially, to the United States Supreme
Court, the opinion provides a thorough and significant change in how juvenile
offenders will, for now, be sentenced in Michigan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-27997193557055352015-08-12T13:12:00.002-04:002015-08-12T13:15:29.103-04:00Landmark Decision Reverses Course For Michigan’s Sentencing Guidelines in Criminal Felony and High Misdemeanor Cases<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i>Daniel Williams, Esq.</i><br />
<br />
On Wednesday, the
Court issued an opinion in <i>People v.
Lockridge, </i>a link to which is attached above, which dismantles the way that
convicted felons in Michigan have been sentenced since the “truth in
sentencing” laws went into effect on January 1, 1999. The legislature enacted mandatory sentencing
guidelines, which amount to a scoring equation, and based on the offender’s
prior criminal record and the facts and circumstances of the case, a mandatory
minimum sentence could be determined.<br />
<br />
The sentencing Court was bound by that number, unless they could come up
with “substantial and compelling reasons” to depart, either above (more time)
or below (less time) than what the mandatory sentence under the guidelines
scoring required. The Court defined what
substantial and compelling reasons meant in <i>People
v. Babcock</i>, indicating that the Court could only depart upward or downward
where evidence not taken into account by the sentencing guidelines was
available to the Court.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
The sentencing
guidelines, however, could be scored based on the lower threshold of a
preponderance of the evidence, and it was not required that the Defendant be
found guilty of the offense for the sentencing guidelines to apply. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
In <i>Lockridge</i>, the Court has done away with all of that. The sentencing guidelines are still in
effect, but now they are advisory, where the Judge can use them as a guide, but
he or she is not mandated to impose a minimum sentence within that range. Nor can the guidelines be scored using a
preponderance of the evidence standard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
The Michigan Supreme Court has brought Michigan’s sentencing scheme in
line with that used by the Federal Courts.
In <i>Lockridge</i>, the Court made
clear that based on rulings from the United States Supreme Court, the notion
that facts could be used in sentencing that had not been proven beyond a
reasonable doubt was a violation of a Defendant’s Sixth Amendment Right to a Fair
Trial. Furthermore, rather than needing
a substantial and compelling reason to depart from the guidelines, a sentencing
Court’s determinations will be reviewed by an appellate court only for a
determination that the sentence imposed was reasonable. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The
result is that the Court has now returned Michigan to an age where judicial discretion
is the norm for criminal sentencings.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The results are both positive and negative for convicted offenders.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">While judicial discretion in the imposition
of sentences means that a Court can look at the individual circumstances of
each case and make individualized, Defendant specific sentencing
determinations, there are some draw backs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Advising clients as to what the possible sentence for a crime is going
to be is a far easier task when the sentence is mandated by the sentencing
guidelines.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The minimum score is
determined by the guidelines calculation, unless the case was particularly
egregious.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Now, there are a lot more
variables in determining what an appropriate sentence might be, and what
factors will ultimately be considered by the Court in trying to fashion an
appropriate sentence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Frankly,
the </span><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Lockridge</i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> opinion makes having a
knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney all that much more
important.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Only time will tell if this
return to an age of widespread judicial discretion provides a better sentencing
scheme, or provides a system of inequity similar to what led to the creation of
the sentencing guidelines in the first place.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">When
judicial discretion is the norm, having an attorney who is familiar with the
system, and has experience with how Judges will handle a criminal defendant who
is being sentenced before them can be invaluable.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">As a former assistant prosecuting attorney,
Dan Williams is very familiar with the criminal justice system, criminal
procedure, and with the Judges who preside on Wayne County’s Criminal
Bench.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">If you have found yourself on the
wrong side of the law, give us a call to see about taking your case on today.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-21111178204798652272015-08-11T09:00:00.000-04:002015-08-11T09:00:00.887-04:00Summary of Amendments to the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Michael
McNamara, Esq.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">On
August 18<sup>th</sup>, changes to the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA)
program will take effect following Governor Snyder’s approval of Public Acts
31-33 of 2015. The most significant
change is the age for HYTA is being extended to 24 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">he
original purpose of the HYTA was to allow judges to place a youth aged 17-20
who pled or was found guilty of a crime on probation</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">to avoid a criminal record upon compliance
with the judges sentence. Essentially it operates like a conditional dismissal,
under which compliance with the court’s punishment will guarantee that there is
no conviction, allowing the offender’s record to remain clean.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This
is especially important for young men and women who will soon be searching for
their first career position, if not so already. By complying with the HYTA
program, an offender will never have to check “yes” when asked if they have
been convicted, which can make or break a person’s prospects for employment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">PA
31 extends this age limit all the way to a person’s 24<sup>th</sup> birthday,
with some conditions attached. First, if the offender is 21 or older then he or
she cannot be assigned to youthful trainee status without the consent of the
prosecuting attorney. Next, youthful trainees may now be required to maintain
employment or attendance in school. If he or she is not employed or enrolled in
school, the court may then require that this person actively seek employment or
entry into an educational institution (high school, community college, trade
school, university, etc.). Finally, a youthful trainee over the age of 21 may
now be subject to electronic monitoring during his or her probationary term.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There
are crimes that could result in the automatic revocation of youthful trainee
status as provided in PA 32. With this new legislation, all of the crimes that
qualified an offender for the HYTA program will now disqualify their status on
a subsequent offense. In other words, they have one chance to participate in the
HYTA program. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In
the past, it was up to the court to maintain or revoke the status of a trainee
who committed another HYTA-qualifying crime. Now, the courts must revoke the
status of a trainee who will then be subject to applicable penalties and prison
sentences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
final amendments provided in PA 33 focus on the duration and conditions for
felony offenses. Traditionally, such offenses resulted in the individual being
committed to the department of corrections for custodial supervision and
training (similar to boot-camp) for not more than 3 years. PA 33 reduces the
maximum sentence down to 2 years. Also, the act will list certain offenses that
will exclude the trainee from being committed to the department of corrections
for custodial supervision and training. Prior to this any youthful trainee
could have been committed, even if the crime they committed was relatively
harmless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
final change resulting from PA 33 is the addition of a mandatory probation
period of no more than 1 year for youthful trainees who were committed to the
department of corrections or to the county jail. Before this amendment, Judges
would simply give the trainee a choice of custodial supervision or probation.
Now, Judges can use a combination of the two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">These
changes are a part of Governor Snyder’s goal to reduce the prison population
and cost of incarceration. Through reduction of HYTA sentences and extending
the eligible age limit, it is expected that fewer offenders will go to prison
resulting in savings for Michigan taxpayers while offering young offenders a
chance to avoid an adult criminal conviction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If you or your child are facing criminal
charges, you need to contact attorney Mike McNamara immediately. He is an
expert in the Michigan criminal justice system and can make the difference
between having a clean record and being haunted by a conviction for the rest of
your life. Visit the contact page of Fausone Bohn LLP for more information</span></i></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-65973358422697688022015-08-03T09:30:00.000-04:002015-08-03T09:30:00.102-04:00Resisting Arrest: Things to Avoid when Pulled over by a Police Officer<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mark Mandell, Esq.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Motorists are pulled over by
police officers every day for a variety of different reasons. Whatever the
circumstances, there are many acts prohibited by law citizens should avoid when
being stopped by police so as to refrain from making matters worse. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
First, <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(2pymjnkgo2diqrfbsytz2wtg))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-750-479a">MCL
750.479a(1)</a> states that when a police officer in uniform signals by hand,
voice, emergency light, or siren for the driver to pull over, the driver may
not willfully disobey the signal. An individual who does willfully obey such a
direction is guilty of fourth-degree fleeing and eluding, a felony punishable
by imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to $2,000. Both the level
of the felony and the punishment increase if the fleeing results in an
accident, results in the death or injury of another person, the speed limit is
less than 35 miles-per-hour, or the driver has prior convictions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Second, there are more laws that
apply once a driver has come to a stop. MCL 750.479(1)(b) states that a person
may not assault, batter, wound, obstruct, or endanger an officer enforcing the
law. This includes the use or threatened use of physical interference or force
as well as a knowing failure to comply with a lawful command. An individual who
engages in any of the prohibited conduct is guilty of a felony punishable by
imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to $2,000. Furthermore, if a
violation of this statute causes injury or death to the officer, the punishment
significantly increases. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To avoid incurring any additional
legal trouble, your best bet when traveling on the roadways is always to comply
with an officer’s commands. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you have questions about
criminal matters, fraud or other legal issues, please contact Mark Mandell at
248-468-4536 or online at <a href="http://www.fb-firm.com/">www.fb-firm.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Fausone Bohn, LLP has assisted clients pulled over for drunk driving
and other driving infractions throughout southeast Michigan, including Detroit,
Ann Arbor, Northville, Novi, Livonia, Canton, Farmington, and Royal Oak.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-73999595268495789182015-07-29T09:00:00.000-04:002015-07-29T09:00:02.082-04:00Partner Jim Fausone Elected VP of U of M’s Civil & Environmental Engineering Association<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Canton, MI – </span></b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The University of Michigan’s Civil & Environmental
Engineering Friends Association (CEEFA) recently elected local resident and
business owner Jim Fausone as their Vice President. Fausone graduated from U of
M with an engineering degree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“It’s
an honor to serve in this position where I have the opportunity to give back
the University engineering community and help support current and future
students,” said Fausone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">CEEFA
provides a network for alumni, as well as a network of alumni for current
students to tap into. The group sponsors scholarships and career mentorship
programs for current students as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Fausone’s
engineering background includes serving in the National Oceanic &
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and working in civil and environmental engineering
fields. Eventually, he would become the president of a multi-million dollar
industrial services, waste transportation and environmental contracting
company. In addition, Fausone now serves as the Chair of the Detroit Board of
Water Commissioners – soon to be the Great Lakes Water Authority. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Today,
Fausone runs the Northville-based law firm of Fausone Bohn, LLP, which is
celebrating its 20<sup>th</sup> anniversary this year. And, Fausone also
established a veteran’s practice, Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC, now one of the
largest veterans law firms in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
Fausone said he hopes his multi-faceted background will help him in his new
role. “It’s important to show students that there’s a lot you can do with an
engineering degree, whether you’re working on hard technical problems or trying
to become an entrepreneur. And the degree even comes in handy as a lawyer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Fausone
lives in Canton, MI with his wife, Carol Ann, also a U of M graduate in the
School of Nursing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-514547742654575092015-07-14T09:00:00.000-04:002015-07-14T09:00:01.352-04:00Officials in Great Lakes Region to Act on Algae Problem, Water Diversion<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Last
month, Quebec City hosted a conference of the 8 Governors from the Great Lakes
US States and 2 from Canadian Provinces to discuss issues facing the Great
Lakes. One of the top issues discussed
was the algae blooms on Lake Erie; to which Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario pledged
to a reduction of 40% by 2025.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">While
the pledge is a step in the right direction, environmental groups have tried to
call attention to this issue for years but have been largely ignored by
government officials in the region. In
2011, a sixth of Lake Erie was covered with toxic algae blooms. It reduced fish
populations, fouled beaches, and most importantly it contaminated the drinking
water. The bloom produced a concentration of a liver toxin that was 1,200 times
the limit set by the World Health Organization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
drinking water contamination continues to be one of the largest issues
associated with the algae blooms. Just last August, Toledo was without drinkable
water for 3 days because of dangerous toxin levels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Some
environmental groups are not only angry with the delayed action, but with the
announcement itself. The conference provided no details on how the reduction
will be carried out nor any mechanism to ensure compliance. The governors only
said that “adaptive measures” will be taken by State environmental agencies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
Sierra Club and the Food and Water Watch believe the announcement just shows
how the agricultural industry continues to remain untouchable. Since the algae
blooms are largely created by agricultural runoff containing phosphorus,
measures would be taken to regulate agricultural pollution. Unfortunately, no
such measure was expressed in the announcement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">A
spokeswoman for the Food and Water Watch issued a statement “Relying on
voluntary action is irresponsible and leaves a major source of drinking water
for the region at the mercy of an industry looking to profit above all else”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Another
big issue raised was whether or not Great Lakes water should be diverted to
Waukesha, Wisconsin. This community has had a polluted well for years, and now
the Wisconsin DNR requests access to the safe water in the Great Lakes. In
order to have access, the request needs approval from all 8 Great Lakes States.
Just one vote against it can deny the whole proposal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">State
leaders are expected to proceed with caution in forming their response because
they believe the decision will become precedent for all future water diversion
requests, which will be highly significant in the near future as water becomes scarcer
around the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Michigan
will arguably be the most important voice in the matter as it is the only state
completely in the Great Lakes Basin. While it is important to provide those in
need with available water sources, Michigan has the most to lose if diversion requests
start to flood in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-40187421705678877902015-07-13T08:00:00.000-04:002015-07-13T08:00:01.427-04:00Former Nursing Home Employee Terrorizes Resident in Michigan<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Daniel Williams, Esq.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
arrest of 21 year old Tyler Malone serves as a reminder that nursing home abuse
does not have to simply be physical abuse, but can also take form as emotional
and mental abuse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">While
working in 2014 as a resident assistant at Life House Crystal Springs in Gaines
Township, Michigan, he targeted an 86-year-old female resident to prey on. The
abuse he inflicted was equivalent to psychological torture. He harassed her
with repeated phone calls; threw shoes at her; dumped water on her; made
threats of sexual assault; and stalked her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Kent
County sheriff’s deputies were made aware of his actions from family members
and coworkers, who quickly arrested the suspect. He is charged with
second-degree vulnerable adult abuse and stalking and is currently held in the
Kent County Jail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Sadly,
there are more people like Malone still employed at assisted living facilities
around the state. Their method of abuse leaves victims with emotional scars
instead of physical scars. With no visible injuries, it is difficult to prove
any abuse has taken place, especially if the aggressor uses scare-tactics to
keep the victim silent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This
is why it is paramount for victims of elder abuse to speak up immediately.
Family and friends also need to be vigilant when visiting the elder in a
nursing home. Your family deserves aggressive representation to ensure your
loved ones' rights are protected. No citizen deserves that kind of neglect or
harmful treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><i>If
you suspect a care facility or in-home care service has acted negligently, you
need to contact attorney Dan Williams immediately. As a former Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney for Wayne County in the Elder Abuse Unit, and a current
elder abuse attorney for Fausone Bohn LLP, he has vast expertise handling these
types of cases. He will fight to ensure that all involved in the matter are
held accountable, and is prepared to go to trial if need be.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><i>Give
us a call today for a consultation on your case. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-37570583902172634192015-07-10T16:45:00.000-04:002015-07-10T16:45:00.891-04:00Bikes for Vets Helps 8 Veterans at Event<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">On
July 1<sup>st</sup>, eight more vets were equipped with brand new bikes, thanks
to <a href="http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps">Bikes for Vets</a>,
<a href="http://qualigence.com/">Qauligence</a>, and <a href="http://www.ddbicyclesandhockey.com/">D&D Bikes and Hockey</a>. With
the money raised by Qauligence, D&D Bikes and Hockey was able to purchase a
bike, mesh backpack, helmet, lock, and kickstand for each veteran. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
crowd of around 40 people gathered for the presentation included state
politicians, private contributors, and community leaders. The room was filled
with smiles, laughter, and excitement as each veteran explained what he/she
planned to use the bike for. Many vets were eager to exercise daily to maintain
a healthy lifestyle. Others were relieved that they finally had a reliable
method of transportation for work and school. One such veteran, Demien DeYonte,
plans to go to school to become a prosthetics manufacturer so he can provide
prosthetic limbs to fellow servicemen and women that were wounded while in
service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Bill
Mowder, the director of the program, is ready to take the next step in building
Bikes for Vets. While 15 donated bikes is great, he plans to reach every
veteran in need statewide. He is not concerned with creating a national brand nor
making money. Instead, as long as a veteran was made better-off by th</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">e program, then his job was done.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MHF0ibr14ZA4_SWT_lfP-VHYkbyQKcwOY_1uYopkPrpyHw3cNPmtDNaZDwadtURp-OGBtleI7vjJ4zRSVB8UCeKKBgwfvSJEkaO2-qIE4UqQmyYafBZKzen_W1iKromoz0JCm20TBR4/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MHF0ibr14ZA4_SWT_lfP-VHYkbyQKcwOY_1uYopkPrpyHw3cNPmtDNaZDwadtURp-OGBtleI7vjJ4zRSVB8UCeKKBgwfvSJEkaO2-qIE4UqQmyYafBZKzen_W1iKromoz0JCm20TBR4/s320/IMG_1178.JPG" width="294" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1KpS2AL4C0JePLSWcTMdcfkdwZkpNt_KKFSU1IYq316KQrCNwx6X5lVQBw9F4F9YhliIH1QAOR9PXE6ets5u1qQ5csyOtc6khSrIlEbPYO6QblF_4fxJbNi7fXufa7a4VuDWTdw_vbU/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1KpS2AL4C0JePLSWcTMdcfkdwZkpNt_KKFSU1IYq316KQrCNwx6X5lVQBw9F4F9YhliIH1QAOR9PXE6ets5u1qQ5csyOtc6khSrIlEbPYO6QblF_4fxJbNi7fXufa7a4VuDWTdw_vbU/s320/IMG_1186.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZw5ds7IhnenPEgXOOzwMmA3Cy0YCeptkxmrY_Je27Vuh0dqUS4HFlQR1QLjscOoY_EKU0EYBXYJ8TyfWVIVImaiGTWNezf71hHiQgT-S6z3vCC795KVG0IvG6DJDBb_LawUX5rRMMrQ/s1600/IMG_1190+%2528640x321%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZw5ds7IhnenPEgXOOzwMmA3Cy0YCeptkxmrY_Je27Vuh0dqUS4HFlQR1QLjscOoY_EKU0EYBXYJ8TyfWVIVImaiGTWNezf71hHiQgT-S6z3vCC795KVG0IvG6DJDBb_LawUX5rRMMrQ/s320/IMG_1190+%2528640x321%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 149.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-13249914147757648522015-07-10T16:00:00.000-04:002015-07-10T16:00:00.662-04:00DWSD Water Master Plan to Reduce Costs<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At a special joint meeting
Wednesday, July 8, officials with the Great Lakes Water Authority – the new
regional water authority – and the <a href="http://www.dwsd.org/">Detroit Water
and Sewerage Department</a> received an update on the Detroit water
department’s master plan. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The five-year master plan is
projected to save the city about $40 million annually in operating costs. These
savings would come from closing operations at one of five water treatment
plants, and scaling back energy costs and implementing similar changes designed
to accommodate declining water sales. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Jim Fausone, Fausone Bohn partner
and chairman of the DWSD Board of Water Commissioners, says a primary benefit
of the plan is helping leaders in Detroit and the suburbs avoid future water
rate hikes. Jim was quoted in the <i>Detroit
Free Press</i> Wednesday saying, “The best we can do is drive out of the cost
structure any excessive costs. That’s part of what the water master plan does.”
Jim says it is reasonable to expect the DWSD board to take up the master plan
in September. <o:p></o:p></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-34160578933624067712015-07-10T14:00:00.000-04:002015-07-10T14:00:04.655-04:00Bikes for Vets Program: Cruising on the Path of Success<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Unemployment
continues to be one of the biggest struggles veterans face after exiting the
military. Whether it’s due to emotional distress, physical injury, or financial
hardship, many veterans are unable to land a job. Making matters worse, there
are far too few programs that veterans can look to for help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Fortunately,
one Metro Detroiter’s has a simple, yet genius, answer to this problem: “Give
them a bike”. It may not sound like much, but Bikes for Vets is the real-deal.
It eliminates the one of the largest barriers to employment, transportation.
The cost of maintaining and insuring a car is very high in Michigan. If a person
cannot afford a car, they have no way of getting to work unless he/she relies
on someone else for a ride. When you are dependent on someone else to get you
to work, there are always scheduling conflicts that will force you to be late
or miss work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Bikes
for Vets aims to solve this money and dependency issue. By providing a vet
virtually free transportation, they can arrive to work on a consistent basis.
Add this to the large public bus systems of Metro Detroit, and you can provide
people with a fast, reliable, rock-bottom priced method of transportation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Bill
Mowder, the creator of the Bikes for Vets program, said the idea suddenly hit
him one day as he was watching a person load his bike on to the front of a
public bus. As an Americorps Navigator, he is assisting veterans every single
day. Yet, he thought there was more to be done, particularly with finding them
transportation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Traditional
transportation assistance involves helping veterans with car expenses, but as
we know, this can be expensive. For example, for a veteran to get assistance on
a car repair he must get two certified estimates and verification of car
insurance. Most veterans cannot even afford the mechanic inspections, let alone
car insurance payments. On average, the cost of inspection, parts, and service
totals to about $900.00.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
Bikes for Vets solution, on the other hand, is cost-effective and easy. Bill
found that most people in the Metro Detroit area live within 10 miles of where
they work. In addition to this, public busing systems are available in most
areas and all Metro Detroit buses are fitted with a bike rack. These
circumstances allow for biking to be a realistic option of transportation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">With
the help of the local store D&D Bicycles and Hockey, he was able to
purchase a reliable bike at an affordable price. At $437.00, a veteran receives
a bike, helmet, kickstand, rack, and bike lock so they are ready to hit the
road the next day. D&D Bicycles and Hockey has several locations around the
Metro Detroit area including Northville and Westland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
program’s first four participants gave rave reviews of the concept, namely the
health and work benefits. One man was able to arrive to work on-time
consistently and finally get 40 hours a week. A woman reported her 22
mile-a-day ride allowed her to lose 7 pounds in just a week of work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Besides
the obvious physical health benefits, veterans also reported better mental
health from participating in Bikes for Vets. By avoiding car payments and
maintenance, their stress levels are significantly reduced. This saved money
allows them to pay their bills, building their self-esteem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Since
the first test of concept, he has given bikes to 15 veterans thus far. Private
donations have allowed this program to flourish. Bill expects that as awareness
increases, the program will quickly spread statewide, and hopefully throughout
the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If
you would like to contribute to this worthy cause, please contact Bill at </span><a href="mailto:bill.mowder@yahoo.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">bill.mowder@yahoo.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-35755209047046109722015-07-08T14:44:00.000-04:002015-07-08T14:48:51.643-04:00Dementia, Alzheimer's Puts Seniors in Financial Danger<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Daniel Williams, Esq.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As people age, they are increasingly at
risk to develop cognitive impairments or suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Recent
studies have estimated around 11% of Americans aged 65 or older have
Alzheimer’s. As those diseases progress, the person suffering from them loses
the ability to do daily tasks and to care for their financial needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When those persons begin to exhibit problematic
financial behavior, it may be a sign that they are in need of either someone to
take power of attorney or to have a guardianship and conservatorship in place
to allow someone else to look after those everyday needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">While those processes are important and
necessary, there is also the possibility of exploitation as well. Since
Americans over the age of 50 control over 70% the nation’s wealth, they are a
highly-valued target for scammers. The common fear for persons suffering from dementia
and Alzheimer’s disease is that they are susceptible to phone scammers and home-visits
from strangers who use phony stories of tragedy and empty-promises to swindle
victims. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">While these predators will continue to be
a cause of concern as the technology boom creates new opportunities for
exploitation, they are not the only ones we should worry about. There is
another set of individuals whose familiar face and established relationship
allow them to operate undetected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This group, of course, is the family
members of the victims. In some instances, it is the person holding power of
attorney, or who has been appointed guardian and conservator who tries to take
advantage of their elderly, and disabled family member. According to the National Council on Aging, in
elder abuse cases with known perpetrators, 90% are family members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The amount of abuse and exploitation done
by family members to an elderly or disabled person is substantial and is
terribly underreported. A conservative estimate places the total financial loss
due to theft/deceit enabled by a trusting relationship at $6.6 Billion per
year. If all abuse was uncovered, this amount would be significantly higher.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Many times, even when the abuse is
discovered, there is a lack of desire to use the court process, in all of its
forms, criminal, civil and probate, to try and recover the lost assets and to
enforce criminal sanctions for the conduct. It is estimated that for every one
case of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, about 5 more go unreported. The
simple fact is, there is no reason that anyone, including a family member, can
simply be left to take care of another person without being watched. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There are pros and cons to both Powers of
Attorney and guardianships and conservatorships. However, it is important that more than one
person keep an eye on how the persons in those capacities are handling mom and
dad’s money, once they are unable to do it for themselves any longer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There are criminal and civil remedies that
can be implemented to try and recover and punish persons who exploit the
elderly. As a former Wayne County
Assistant Prosecutor, I was assigned to the Elder Abuse Unit and saw more than
my share of financial exploitation cases.
Most of the Defendants that I dealt with in that arena were family
members, or persons that the victim trusted.
While there are criminal charges that can be levied against the
offenders, there are also civil remedies as well, which provide an avenue by
which the aggrieved elder can be made whole and obtain a money judgment to
hopefully have their finances restored.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>If you suspect that a family member has
been the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation, the attorneys at
Fausone Bohn, LLP have the experience and knowledge to ensure that justice can
be obtained on your behalf.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">See more on this story here: </span><a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/personal-finance/2015/07/05/dementia-puts-seniors-risk-financial-abuse/29744885/">http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/personal-finance/2015/07/05/dementia-puts-seniors-risk-financial-abuse/29744885/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-10066065247284484752015-06-29T09:42:00.000-04:002015-07-08T15:08:11.139-04:00How Dark is "Dark Money"?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dark money, money used by lobbyists to skew elections
in their favor has begun to sweep the United States elections. <i>The New York Times</i> stated that this past
November the “Senate was elected on the greatest wave of secret, special
interest money ever raised in a congressional election”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, is a
long-time advocate of unlimited campaign spending. His own campaign received about
$23 million in unlimited spending from independent groups this past November.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It seems that Michigan is one of the biggest players
in the dark money saga, if not the biggest. Director of the <i>Michigan Campaign Finance Network </i>Rich
Robinson called Michigan the “dark money capital of the world”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the 2014 election cycle, Michigan’s top 150 PACs
raised $68 million. $3 million of this record amount was used in independent
expenditures to influence the November 2014 election.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These instances are not outliers, but a trend. State
lobbyists’ spending was over $37 million in 2014, a 4.1% rise from 2013.
Politicians are calling what we saw in 2014 a “dress rehearsal” for what is to
come in 2016. The matter-of-fact is dark money is more relevant than ever in the
United States.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Michigan has passed the Michigan Campaign Finance Act.
Through this act, corporations both for-profit and non-profit alike, can
establish a Separate Segregated Fund (SSF). A SSF allows a business or
nonprofit to survey which candidates will advocate for their policy stances,
and also give them a chance to educate candidates on their issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A SSF allows
you to avoid having to spend money on lobbyists and thus losing control of the
candidates in which your money goes to. For anyone looking for a way to assist
a political candidate, while avoiding the phenomenon of dark money, an SSF is
the way to go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul Bohn of Fausone Bohn, LLP specializes in the
areas of environmental, real estate & land use, and municipal law. He also
advises clients, including those running for elected office, on the
establishment of SSFs and their compliance requirements. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798063063712379719.post-3394781635083218322015-06-25T12:30:00.000-04:002015-07-08T15:09:40.794-04:00Medicare Fraud Sweep leads to Sixteen Arrests in the Metro Detroit Area<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">In the event that anyone needed more evidence
that the Federal and State government is taking a serious look at persons who
are out to take advantage of the Medicare System by exploiting the elderly and
vulnerable, the recent arrests in the Metro Area are significant evidence of
that proposition. The wide-sweeping arrests that were reported here, also show
an increasing trend; namely, that there are those who are seeking to take
financial advantage of the elderly and those who are vulnerable and sick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span id="goog_503106191"></span><span id="goog_503106192"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>Unfortunately, the news in this case is only a
symptom of a greater problem. There are a lot of individuals who are looking to
take advantage of the elderly and vulnerable, and who will try and exploit them
financially, either by improperly subjecting them to medical treatment they do
not need to try and obtain money from the government illegally, or by simply
going into the eider's pocket book and getting ahold of their funds. Many
times, it is the persons that the vulnerable trust most that take advantage of
their situation; their children, their families, their doctors and their
friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Sadly, the reports of arrest are not novel, and
these are not likely to be the last. Hopefully, with arrests in cases like
this, particularly where the thefts are connected with the financial
exploitation of those who are most vulnerable, families and law enforcement will
become more alert and sensitive to this type of activity, and become more
likely to prosecute it, either criminally, or through civil actions.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/06/18/metro-detroiters-linked-huge-medicare-fraud-sweep/28929043/">Click here for the full story</a></span></div>
Fausone Bohn, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247496710064968895noreply@blogger.com0