The tragic deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and many others saw a reinvigorated and intense debate over policing, especially in relation to Black people. Shortly after Taylor’s killing, Greg Fischer, mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, announced that the city would pay her family $12 million and began a city-wide police reform that highlighted the financial impact police misconduct has on cities and taxpayers.
Being the victim of police brutality can be a traumatizing experience, but you must remember you still have legal rights. If you believe that law enforcement violated those rights, contact a Michigan personal injury attorney immediately.
Excessive force refers to situations where a police officer uses more power than needed to diffuse an incident or protect themself or others from harm. Excessive force can come up in different contexts, but one of the most common is during an arrest. The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unnecessary force during a reasonable search and seizure.
Cities and states face hundreds of lawsuits each year regarding police officers using excessive force, and many times the details of the cases are hidden behind confidentiality. Many people may not realize that the money used to settle claims is part of state and local tax.
Sometimes jurisdictions have to borrow more money and issue bonds to spread out settlements. Add in extremely high bank fees and the interest paid to investors; the costs quickly add up with taxpayers forced to cover the expenses.
Many activists argue that police brutality incidents would decrease by tying misconduct funds into law enforcement’s overall budget. Their thinking is that the more settlements they have to pay out of their own pocket, the less likely these instances will occur.
Activists also want to see police officers who use excessive force, especially repeat offenders, held financially accountable. Most states shield officers from those costs. Recently, Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod pushed legislation that would drop this protection and require officers found guilty in court to pay up to 5% of the settlement, capped at $25,000. Other states may soon follow this in a hybrid model where cities and police officers split the settlement cost.
As mentioned, police officers who use excessive force violate your Fourth Amendment rights. Someone who thinks their rights were violated may be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible officer and even the municipality.
Your constitutional rights are precious, and you should fight to protect them. It should be worth noting that filing an excessive force claim can quickly become physically and mentally exhausting, so it may benefit you to hire a police brutality lawyer. While it may be a lengthy trial, you deserve to receive financial compensation for the pain—both physical and mental—you endured.
If you or someone you love is the victim of excessive force by police officers, do not hesitate to reach out to the police brutality lawyers at the Michigan Legal Center. We have more than 20 years of experience handling these types of cases and will do everything possible to protect your legal rights.
Each attorney with Michigan Legal Center cares deeply about our clients and believes that no case is more important than the next. For that reason, we do whatever it takes to help them succeed. A free consultation may be what you need to win the justice you deserve. To schedule one, call 1 (800) 961-8447 or complete a contact form today.
According to The Washington Post, 990 people were shot and killed by police in 2020, with thousands more who were victims of excessive force. Obtaining a fair recovery in a case involving any type of law enforcement can be difficult, which is why some of the more minor police incidents involving excessive force sometimes go unreported. However, we believe there’s no such thing as minor police incidents involving excessive force.
All of these cases are severe, and it’s vital that victims understand their rights and take the necessary steps following an altercation. Perhaps the most important step after an incident is seeking out a Michigan police brutality lawyer. Proving your case alone will be challenging, so you’ll need the help of an expert in civil rights laws.
If you’re in a crowded area, it’s more than likely that someone recorded or took photos of the altercation. This is always the best evidence in excessive force cases. There may also be security cameras in the area you can use as evidence. If you have to rely on security cameras, make sure you request a copy early enough so no one has the opportunity to destroy the tape.
You should also take detailed pictures and videos of the scene, including any injuries you sustained. With the help of your attorney, you can determine which are the most valuable to your case.
Don’t let any witnesses leave the scene until you obtain their contact information. You’ll want their full legal name, home address, email address, and phone number. It may also be in your best interest to test the phone number just to ensure it works before they leave.
Finally, save every piece of clothing you were wearing at the time of the incident in an air-tight bag. Don’t wash anything, and keep the bag in a safe location. Your attorney may want to use your clothing as evidence.
Even if you weren’t injured or you think your injuries are minor, you should immediately schedule a doctor’s appointment. You’ll have to fully explain to the doctor what happened and where you think you might have injuries. They’ll be able to perform a full diagnostic on you to determine the severity of your injuries and diagnose any internal wounds. Doctors may also be able to testify about your injuries in court or to your insurance company.
After you seek medical attention, it’s important that you write down a timeline of events. Include as many facts as you can recall while the incident is still fresh in your memory. Put everything in a folder and label it “For My Attorney,” so your narrative will be protected under attorney–client privilege. Don’t show this file to anyone else.
Courts throw out many police brutality cases because the victim tells a different story on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. It may be tempting to post about the incident, but it may be in your best interest to keep it off of social platforms.
For victims of police brutality, your emotional and mental health may be at risk. There’s no shame in speaking to a therapist. Friends and family will surely be there for you during this difficult time, but therapists are trained professionals who know how to handle these types of cases. Just like a doctor is required to keep your records private, therapists must also maintain a level of confidentiality.
It’s relatively common for victims of police brutality to make the mistake of waiting before hiring an attorney. However, doing so only gives law enforcement or government agencies more time to build a case against you. Fortunately, the police brutality lawyers at the Michigan Legal Center have been practicing law for more than 20 years and care deeply about each client they represent. We’ll do everything possible to ensure that justice is served to the responsible party.
Call 1 (800) 961-8447 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Michigan is the motor capital of the world—Detroit is even known as “Motor City.” With thousands of cars traveling through state intersections, your daily commute can quickly turn into a tragedy. According to a 2019 report by the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts publication, there were 314,376 reported crashes, 31% of which occurred at intersections.
At the Michigan Legal Center, we never want to see tragedy strike, which is why you should know where the five most dangerous intersections in the state are. It’s just as important to understand why driving through intersections can be so hazardous and how to keep yourself and passengers safe.
Keep in mind that intersections are any roads with a traffic signal, four-way stop, or a roundabout.
This busy roundabout saw 229 crashes in 2019, injuring 14. Not only was this the most dangerous intersection, but there was a 62% increase in car crashes here. What’s surprising is that this roundabout has been in place for nearly a decade, so one would think local drivers would be used to it.
The area where Telegraph Road passes over I-96 also saw an increase in accidents from 2018. There were fewer accidents than at the Sterling Heights roundabout at 210 (a 68% increase from 2018) but there were more injuries at 41.
Another heavily trafficked roundabout in Michigan, this intersection saw 178 crashes with 22 injuries. The amount of crashes here is also significantly higher than other roundabouts in the state due to more vehicles using it as a detour or backroad.
The third roundabout to make the list of dangerous Michigan intersections is M-5, specifically the Martin Parkway and Pontiac Trail. There were 161 crashes and 12 injuries in 2019. It’s one of Oakland County’s largest intersections and sees millions of cars pass through every year.
The final entry is yet another Michigan roundabout. While it seems that crashes decreased over the years, there were still 154 collisions and eight injuries here in 2019.
Since intersections are vital for drivers to get to where they’re going, crashes are very common, and not only during rush hour or on weekdays. Specific intersections can become dangerous for several reasons, including:
Distracted driving is also a common factor with intersection collisions. Texting, eating, or chatting with passengers can all lead to deadly consequences.
There are more than 100 roundabouts in Michigan, with state and city officials planning more every year. Even so, many people are still unsure how to drive safely through one. Once you fully understand roundabouts and who has the right of way, they’re relatively easy to navigate. When traveling through a roundabout:
Remember that traffic will always move counterclockwise and that there are no stop signs, only yield signs. So, if you’re already in the roundabout, incoming traffic will yield to you and you do not need to slow to let another car in.
If you were involved in an accident at a Michigan intersection, reach out to the car accident attorneys at the Michigan Legal Center. Our skilled attorneys will fight for justice on your behalf and walk you through the steps of your claim.
With more than 60 years of experience, we specialize in representing clients in auto accidents. Our team is here to answer any legal questions you may have and offer advice on the next steps toward compensation. Call (248) 886-8650 or complete a contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Throughout 2020, dozens of cell phone videos surfaced online of police officers using excessive force against citizens and protesters. While we can establish that putting pressure on an individual’s neck with a knee is excessive force, many people wondered if an officer pointing a gun at them qualifies. As with most legal matters, it all depends on the situation and the circumstances leading up to the incident.
If you believe that you were the victim of excessive force from police officers, you must reach out to a police brutality lawyer. Remember, you still have legal rights, and if they were violated, you might be eligible to receive financial compensation. Working with an attorney is the best way to determine what your legal standing is throughout the case.
The Fourth Amendment prohibits the use of excessive force during an arrest, investigatory stop, or other seizure. Police officers are typically trained that unnecessary force also constitutes unreasonable force. The terms excessive, unnecessary, and unreasonable are largely interchangeable.
To prove an excessive force claim under this amendment, you must prove that a seizure occurred and was unreasonable. You have to show that the officer did not use an appropriate amount of force given the situation. Whether citizens or not, all people in the United States have the right to be free from excessive force by police and other law enforcement officers.
Excessive force refers to when a police officer uses more physical power than is reasonably necessary. Officers may be held liable for using excessive force in an arrest, investigatory stop, or other seizure. In addition, they may also be liable if they see another officer using excessive force and do nothing to stop it. Some examples of excessive force can include:
Whether the officer used a reasonable amount of force during the incident is a factual issue the jury determines after the prosecution and defense present their facts and arguments.
It is most likely a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights for an officer to aim their loaded gun at you if the alleged crime is minor and nonviolent. It may also be a violation if you do not pose an immediate threat to the officer and you’re not actively trying to resist arrest. Keep in mind that the facts determine whether it’s a constitutional violation, not opinion or personal distress, so it’s best to have an attorney review your case.
Pointing a firearm directly at a person entails the immediate threat of deadly force. This means that the act of pointing a gun should be perceived as the officer believing there is a risk of injury or death to themself, other officers, or other citizens.
In Holland ex. Rel. Overdorff v. Harrington, the circuit court stated that if a person followed all of the officer’s rules without resistance, the officer would have no reason to believe that the person posed a danger. In this instance, it may be excessive and unreasonable to aim a loaded gun at that person.
If you feel that your Fourth Amendment rights were violated by a police officer pointing a gun at you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Michigan Legal Center. Our police brutality lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of cases and will do whatever it takes to ensure justice is served. Our knowledgeable team of experts will work tirelessly to fight for you and your case.
Call (248) 886-8650 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation today.
In 2020, the nation saw waves of protests against the deaths of countless Black victims of police brutality. Throughout the summer, lawmakers and citizens alike have pushed for police reform nationwide. Fortunately, Michigan lawmakers have since banned chokeholds, limited the use of no-knock warrants, and required stricter “duty to intervene” policies.
These reforms have good intentions, but what’s shocking to learn is that not all states have public records of police misconduct. In 23 states, police misconduct records are confidential. There are only 12 states where these records are public, while documents have limited availability in 15 states.
Michigan is one of the 15 states where misconduct records have limited availability to citizens. Section 15.243.1(a) of Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) forbids any unwarranted invasion of privacy. Section 15.243.1(s) of the FOIA protects law enforcement records unless there is a demanding public interest in disclosure. This means that journalists, attorneys, and the general public have no way of knowing which officers are engaging in ongoing police misconduct or if any disciplinary action has taken place.
Police misconduct can lead to wrongful convictions, and secrecy laws like the FOIA keep the public in the dark about information that could prevent future injustices. Without access to information, prosecutors and defense attorneys miss the opportunity to scrutinize and challenge potentially unreliable evidence from officers who abused their authority in the past.
In September 2020, Rep. Tyrone Carter, D-Detroit, introduced legislation that would give the public access to police misconduct information. Rep. Carter, who represents the 6th District in the Michigan House of Representatives, argues that opening up these records would strengthen accountability amongst police officers and help weed out any “bad cops” in the hiring process. He also says this legislation would prevent bad cops from tarnishing the reputations of all law enforcement.
The legislation would allow access to all misconduct complaints, not just substantial ones. The Michigan FOIA statute allows records to be withheld from both defense attorneys and prosecutors who are litigating cases. Police credibility affects the entire case, including prosecutors’ ability to make charging decisions and plea deals.
It’s unclear where Rep. Carter’s legislation stands.
When police departments are unable to police their own officers, misconduct often leads to wrongful convictions, which cost taxpayers millions of dollars on top of putting innocent people in jail. In fact, 34 of the 117 state exonerations since 1989 were partly due to police misconduct. More so, a report from the National Registry of Exonerations reveals that misconduct contributed to the wrongful convictions of more than 50% of those who were later exonerated.
Despite efforts to reform law enforcement operations, misconduct complaints remain hidden from the public. The good news is that the majority of cops are faithful and protect citizens. However, without full public transparency, we will never fully weed out the bad cops from duty, continuing to employ cops who abuse their power.
If you or someone you loved has been a victim of police brutality, you need an experienced police brutality lawyer on your side. The attorneys at the Michigan Legal Center have more than 20 years of experience in police misconduct cases and will work tirelessly to defend your rights.
Call (248) 886-8650 or complete an online contact form to learn how our attorneys can help you.
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) is a government-appointed agency that “investigates and resolves discrimination complaints and works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws.” Their mission is to support the United States Civil Rights division and uphold various civil rights laws and constitutional amendments—protecting Michigan residents from discrimination against race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, marital status, etc.
The MDCR handles discrimination complaints in employment, housing, public accommodations, public service, law enforcement, and education. If you’re a victim of discrimination or have a civil rights–related issue, you can contact the MDCR by filing a complaint through their online portal or by calling 800-482-3604. It may be in your best interest to hire an employment law attorney, as the complaints process can be difficult. The trusted attorneys at Michigan Legal Center will do everything necessary to protect your interests and rights.
In order to have a viable complaint, you must notify the MDCR of a violation within 180 days. The MDCR complaints process is rigorous and thorough, involving several steps to ensure a reasonable decision is made. The following information outlines each step of the complaint process per the State of Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
The first step in the complaints process is for an individual to contact the MDCR with any questions or civil rights–related issues they may be experiencing. The department can be reached via email, phone, mail, TTY, or in person. This is only an initial contact designed to help the department address or resolve any allegations before filing an official complaint.
If the MDCR considers the complaint to be time-sensitive and within their jurisdiction, the department will properly exercise its power through proceeding with a formal complaint. The individual pursuing the complaint is known as a claimant. The claimant will be asked to sign an official document in presence of a notary public. The notarized document will then be filed in the department’s docket system and the claimant will be sent a docket number assigned to their case. The respondent (the opposing party) will be presented with a copy of the document, detailing the claimant’s allegations.
The documents served to the respondent indicate the amount of time that the respondent has to answer the complaint. Typically, they will have a minimum of 14 days in which they either must agree to mediate or establish a mutually acceptable resolution.
If the parties agree to mediation, the mediation process will begin immediately with the assistance of a licensed and trained mediator. The mediator will act as a facilitator to help the parties through negotiations, as well as making the discussion as effective as possible by identifying issues, avoiding communication obstacles, and exploring alternatives. They may also assist in constructing a contract between the parties.
Both parties may be invited to attend a fact-finding conference administered by an MDCR investigator. The face-to-face meeting is designed to further explore the possibility of a voluntary settlement agreed to by both parties or through an investigation. In the meeting, each party can present their case and evidence in support of their position. If no resolution is made, the MDCR will continue to process the complaint by conducting an investigation.
During the investigation, both parties will be given the chance to provide evidence to support or refute that the allegations be investigated based on the complaint. The MDCR may undergo several different investigative procedures such as a site visit, additional claimant interviews, and supplemental witness interviews.
After the investigation, the civil rights investigator on the case provides a report that contains a finding formed upon a comprehensive analysis of the facts and evidence. If there is insufficient evidence to back the claimant’s complaint, the investigator will direct an exit interview with the claimant and the case will be dismissed. If the claimant is not satisfied with the investigator’s decision, a petition for reconsideration may be filed.
If there is enough evidence to support the claimant’s accusations, the respondent will be summoned to participate in a conciliation conference. The conference is a private meeting between the respondent, their representatives, and the department, where there will be an open discussion about the complaint. The conciliator will offer a proposed solution and if the respondent accepts, then the complaint can be closed. This is the final attempt to resolve the complaint before moving forward with a legal hearing.
When conciliation is ineffective, the MDCR may issue a formal charge, requiring the parties to attend a public hearing. One or more civil rights commissioners or a hearing referee will oversee the hearing. Witnesses are required to declare a sworn testimony and the Federal rules of evidence apply. The claimant and the department bear the burden of proof.
After the hearing is held and there is a confirmation of the referee’s report, the Civil Rights Commission will form an appropriate order—either through the dismissal of the complaint or imposing that remedial actions be taken on behalf of the respondent. Before the commission makes a final order, they may request that the circuit court establish an appropriate order.
If either party disagrees with the final decision made by the Civil Rights Commission, they may request the circuit court to review the case.
At Michigan Legal Center, Attorney Christopher Trainor and his associates are well versed in employment law focused on employees’ rights. If you believe your job has adversely, unlawfully, or unrightfully discriminated against you, our team can help investigate whether your employer has engaged in any illegal conduct. Our Michigan employment attorneys are readily available to answer any questions or concerns you may have on employment law issues.
Let Michigan Legal Center be your go-to firm for legal guidance. Contact us for a free evaluation or discover how our employment attorneys can assist you in recovering your losses by calling 248-886-8650 or completing a contact form today. We’re here for you.
Back in early June, lawmakers proposed a bill to ban police use of facial recognition software. Prohibiting the use of facial recognition would make it unlawful for authorities to obtain or utilize surveillance data from biometric systems. This bill was introduced after several cases of false arrests were reported across the United States, including a Detroit man by the name of Robert Julian-Borchak Williams, who was wrongfully arrested after facial recognition software mistakenly flagged his photo with closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of a shoplifter.
In addition, large technology companies like Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft, who provide software to law enforcement agencies, have repositioned their stance on facial recognition in support of the dangers it presents. So, should the use of facial recognition technology be banned from police use? The stance you choose to take on this is entirely up to you. Let’s take a deeper look at facial recognition and its uses, costs, and benefits.
Facial recognition is a type of computer software engineered to map and analyze facial features It’s capable of identifying people in photographs, videos, or security footage. Based on a set of algorithms, the software picks up on specific facial characteristics, patterns, and measurements to verify a person’s identity. As of now, there are no laws against facial recognition, meaning it’s nearly impossible to protect your data from being stored.
Likely, the concept of facial recognition isn’t new to you. Many mobile phones and apps use facial recognition for access authorization. Airports and businesses have high-tech software to identify potential threats. The data collected has specific uses depending on who’s obtaining it, so how is it being used when it’s in police hands?
Police use facial-recognition software to locate suspicious persons and criminals in order to make the public safer. Collections of mugshots, jail booking records, driver’s license pictures, or passport photos are stored in a national database that can be accessed per request by law enforcement. If there’s a surveillance video or photo of you and police want to verify your identity, they can cross-examine your face with information in the national database.
Facial recognition is a preferred method of identification because it’s instant, whereas DNA tracing can take days to assemble. However, concerns about privacy and its efficiency are being raised as more and more innocent people are being falsely identified.
Technology has inevitably made life easier. However, there’s no doubt that it’s imperfect. Facial recognition carries certain benefits and costs, with most of the positives pertaining to police. For instance, some of the major advantages of facial recognition include:
On the other hand, the disadvantages of facial recognition ignite fear in the public. Some of the biggest drawbacks of facial recognition include:
False arrests can be embarrassing and bring unreasonable hardship to you and your family. If you were wrongfully arrested, don’t take it lightly with the hope that the matter will be easily resolved. Consult an experienced Michigan false arrest lawyer who knows the best way to approach your case. You deserve the competency of a legal firm like Michigan Legal Center to ensure your rights are protected.
Here at Michigan Legal Center, our legal team represents clients in Michigan who are subject to false arrests. When your civil rights are violated, turn to us to demand the monetary compensation you’re rightfully owed. We’ll investigate your case and determine your best course of action moving forward. Request a free case evaluation by calling 248-886-8650 or completing a contact form.
Over the past few months—amid rising racial tensions and police brutality—protesters have flooded the streets of Michigan and across the United States. While most of these massive demonstrations have been peaceful, others have taken a turn for the worse. Violent riots, civil unrest, and looting have brought chaos to communities and put innocent lives at risk.
When violent protests get uncontrollable, it happens quickly and suddenly. Damage can be severe, people can get injured, and property can be destroyed. If your car is unexpectedly caught in a dangerous riot, there’s not much you can do to prevent it from being damaged. The most important thing to do is to get to a secure place to ensure your safety. Here’s some information about insurance coverage and car damage that can help you deal with the aftermath.
Technically, if your car was damaged in a riot and you can locate the rioter or rioters that damaged your vehicle and have proof of their wrongdoing, then you may be able to hold them liable. Unfortunately, that rarely happens. You’re probably wondering if insurance coverage protects you, and typically the answer is yes—most car insurance policies cover damage caused by riots. However, insurance companies are not always required to cover your losses.
If you don’t have protection against theft or vandalism, typically in the form of comprehensive insurance coverage, then you may not be able to file a car insurance claim. Depending on your insurance policy, there may be specific exclusions and conditions for damages caused by civil disorder. In several states, property damage has exceeded $25 million, reaching what’s known as a “catastrophic level.” An insurance-related catastrophe refers to disasters, whether natural or human-made, such as a hurricane, terrorist attack, or riot. Yet, not many standard auto insurance policies include catastrophe coverage since they are not as common.
Comprehensive insurance coverage protects your car from physical damage losses unrelated to a collision. Liability is typically not an influencing factor, as you would purchase this coverage in addition to your liability, property, and other insurance protection. Some events that your comprehensive coverage may include are:
Again, as with any insurance-related claim, your individual circumstances and policy contract will determine if these situations are covered. You’ll want to look over your insurance policy and contact your insurer to identify what you’re protected against. Generally, broken windows, body damage, or fire damage are covered.
If you have comprehensive insurance coverage and want to file a claim for damages, you’ll first want to verify your policy, as you may have to pay a deductible. If you’re deductible is high and your damage is not extensive, then it may not be wise to go through your insurance. If you’re going to file an insurance claim, here are some tips to help ease the process:
Civil disorder can be a disturbing experience, leaving a lasting impact on your life. This is especially true if your property is damaged or if you suffer injuries through the actions of dangerous civilians. What’s more, if you’re not fully covered for damages caused by riots—and even if you are—insurance claims take time, and full reimbursement is often not awarded. Dealing with insurance companies or identifying other potential options for monetary recovery doesn’t have to be done alone. Reach out to a personal injury and accident attorney at Michigan Legal Center.
At Michigan Legal Center, we’re committed to helping you restore your life after an unexpected accident. With over 60 years of experience and millions of dollars recovered, our Michigan personal injury and accident attorneys are prepared to aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today by calling (248) 886-8650 or completing a contact form.
Whether you’re attending a protest, organizing a rally, or just want to publicly document a demonstration, it’s important to know your rights. The First Amendment to the Constitution protects many forms of expression, including the right to peacefully participate in protests and marches. However, there are a few restrictions that the police and other government officials are sanctioned to enforce. Before you hit the streets, know your rights.
You may have many questions when you decide to organize and speak out. Learn about your constitutional rights when protesting, the limits on those rights, and when your actions could be illegal. Here are a few things you can’t do at a protest:
Be wary of protesting on private property. Owners can set rules for speech on their property, and they can restrict your ability to take photographs and shoot video.
While government officials are allowed to place narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights, it’s important to know what you’re allowed to do at a peaceful protest. Knowing your rights can get you out of a sticky situation.
A police officer is not permitted to ask you to “disperse,” unless the protest has become destructive or otherwise illegal. In this case, if you fail to obey the order, officers have the right to arrest you, even if you’re not committing an act of violence.
It’s also important to know that the police are legally allowed to protest undercover. Additionally, they may attend meetings to learn about plans for illegal activity.
Law enforcement officials have the right to search demonstrators if there’s a reasonable suspicion that they’re about to perform an illegal act. Likewise, they can check bags and containers at the entrance to a marked or secure area. Otherwise, officers can’t search through your belongings, nor can they confiscate or demand to see your photographs without a warrant.
Everyone in this country has the right to protest. If you’re facing charges for protesting peacefully and you believe your rights have been infringed, you need a knowledgeable civil rights attorney on your side. The expert lawyers at the Michigan Legal Center have more than 20 years of experience helping clients and have won more than $200 million worth of legal cases. Our professional team specializes in creating strong cases for our clients and we strive to defend the residents of Michigan. Give us a call at 1-800-961-8477 or contact us online for your free consultation.
Coronavirus has changed the way of life of Americans across the United States in more ways than one. In late March, businesses, schools, churches, and community organizations all closed their doors to slow the spread of COVID-19. The shutdown of the economy forced many people out of their jobs and into a state of life they weren’t prepared for. One hardship that isn’t publicized as often as others is the rise of discrimination related to the the virus.
Here, we’re going to take a look at how the spread of COVID-19 has impacted hate crimes in Michigan, specifically in the Asian American community.
Coronaviruses are not uncommon among the human population. In fact, there are numerous coronaviruses that present themselves as common upper respiratory colds and infections among the general population. According to the CDC, on February 11, 2019, the first case of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China. The current coronavirus is different from the others, however, because it originated in bats. The virus was first transferred from bats to humans via an open-air wet market.
As news of the new virus spread across the world, many people (including President Trump) referred to it on national media channels as “the Chinese Virus.” Other nicknames for it include “the Kung Flu” and “the Wuhan Flu”. Even if it was not the intent of those using the nicknames, such language caused fear and a negative perception of Asian Americans.
In the state of Michigan, there have been multiple incidents of hate crimes and discrimination against Asian Americans since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. According to the Department of Justice, hate crimes include crimes committed on the basis of a victim’s perceived color, race, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, or disability.
Some examples of hate crimes committed against Asian Americans in Michigan include a grocery worker being spat at and a worker at a butcher being verbally assaulted by a customer because of his race.
What is lost on the people committing such hate crimes is that the Asian American population is also highly involved in finding a cure for the illness and treating patients.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer wants the state to know that hate crimes against Asian Americans (or any hate crimes) will not be tolerated. Recently, the state of Michigan developed a hate crime unit to combat these types of crimes and develop measures to prevent them from happening in the future. Although these are great first steps towards justice, it does not mean hate crimes will not happen in Michigan.
Any person who is a victim of a hate crime should make the actions against them known as soon as possible. A hate crime is a violation of your civil rights. The sooner you obtain legal counsel, the sooner they will be able to win justice for your case.
All Michigan residents should have full protection of their civil rights under the law. If you or someone you know is the victim of a hate crime, we will fight for you and your civil rights. You have rights according to the law, and if your life is put at risk as a violation of those rights, you have a strong case against the other party.
If you’ve been the victim of any kind of violence related to your race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, consult the attorneys at the Michigan Legal Center. We specialize in creating strong cases in our clients’ favor. With more than 20 years of experience and more than $200 million worth of legal case victories, we’re here to defend the residents of Michigan. Call 1-800-961-8447 for your free consultation.
If you’ve watched the news at all over the last six months, you have probably heard the term “hate crime.” A hate crime, as defined by the FBI, is a crime where the perpetrator acted based on bias against the victim’s race, color, religion, or national origin. Most hate crimes are violent in nature.
Whether a hate crime is committed against someone because of the color of their skin or their religious practices, it is against the law. In Michigan, anyone who commits a hate crime can be charged with a felony.
The rate of hate crimes has increased steadily in the recent past. For two years in a row, the state of Michigan ranked fourth in the number of hate crimes in the United States. Specifically, in the year 2017, Michigan recorded 456 hate crimes, which was an increase from the 399 recorded in 2016. This data is gathered from law enforcement agencies that choose to report on hate crimes, so most civil rights activists believe that the actual number is significantly higher. Another alarming statistic regarding hate crimes in Michigan is the number of hate groups that call the state home. In 2018, the official count was 31.
Although hate crimes are nothing new in the United States, the dramatic increase over the past few years has caused many states, including Michigan, to take a look at the current methods they have in place to eradicate such heinous behavior.
There are numerous conflicting theories on what has caused the increase of hate crimes in Michigan over recent years. A popular opinion regarding the source of hate is that Donald Trump’s presidency has made it possible for hate groups to come out into the light. Individuals who believe Trump is the root of these hateful acts feel as though he empowers those who engage in hate crimes because they see him as a “symbol of white identity.”
Since President Trump took office in 2016, crimes against LGBTQ+ communities, racial minorities, and religious minorities have increased. All too often, these crimes are violent and some have even resulted in death. Such criminal activity and loss of life is unacceptable anywhere, and certainly in the United States.
In response to the increase of hate crimes in the state, Michigan took action. The District Attorney’s Office implemented a Hate Crimes Unit and the Department of Civil Rights created plans to begin documenting hate incidents that don’t become a crime or civil infraction. These two initiatives showcase Michigan’s stance of intolerance against acts of hate. The lawmakers in the state want it to be known that they will not accept this type of criminal behavior or injustice. They hope they can reduce the cloud of hate hanging over the country through the work of the Hate Crimes Unit and the Department of Civil Rights.
Any person who has experienced a hate crime should know that they are entitled to justice because they have civil rights. Just because hate crimes are increasing across the United States does not mean they should be accepted. If you or someone you know is a victim of violent or hateful criminal activity, you should contact a trusted attorney as soon as possible to fight for you.
In Michigan, the attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates have been practicing law for more than twenty years. All of the legal professionals at our office care deeply about each client and believe that no one person is more important than the next. For that reason, we do whatever it takes to help them succeed.
If you have been the victim of a hate crime and your civil rights have been violated, you need experienced legal counsel on your side. Our knowledgeable legal team will work tirelessly to fight for you and your case.
A free consultation might be just what you need to win the justice you deserve and take control of your future. Call 1-800-961-8477 or contact us online today.
If you’ve watched the news or opened a social media feed over the past few months, you are aware of the fact that the country is in a state of unrest. Individuals of all races have taken to the streets to protest for civil rights. The reasons for the protests across communities, however, could not be more different. In some areas, primarily white individuals are protesting for their rights to open their businesses and go without masks in public in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In other areas, primarily Black individuals are protesting against police brutality and the senseless murders of innocents.
Although most protests across the United States have been peaceful, some have turned violent. As a result, the question has been raised: Are armed protests by Black people treated differently?
Every citizen of the United States holds the right to protest. In some cities, you must obtain a permit to hold a protest. If you do not, you can face criminal charges. Furthermore, every American has the right to bear arms. Meaning, they have the right to possess a weapon for their personal defense. In states with open carry, including Michigan, it is perfectly legal for an individual to carry a weapon in a protest.
The issue that many protesters run into is that the word “peaceful” is open for interpretation by law enforcement. At any time a law enforcement official feels that the protest is turning violent, they can press charges or take action. Many individuals who participate in protests face charges such as:
In recent months, it has been observed that significantly more Black Americans face charges for protesting than white Americans.
After the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others, protests demanding police reform and the end of police brutality broke out across the United States. The majority of these protests took place in large cities and populous metropolitan areas during the daytime. Looking at the events documented by major media outlets, very few non-violent protests made the news.
Unfortunately, some people took advantage of peaceful daytime protests and used them as a springboard for looting, rioting, and violent behavior as soon as the sun went down. It was these acts of violence that made the daily news.
Protests by Black Americans are often viewed in a negative light by the general public and law enforcement. Even peaceful protests taking place during the day with no signs of violence are met with an outpouring of negative reactions. One notable aspect of protests by Black Americans is that they are almost always accompanied by a police presence. At many protests led by Black Americans, the police presence often becomes defensive with the use of tear gas, shields, and force.
When law enforcement takes forceful action against protesters without just cause, it is a violation of their civil rights. If you’ve been involved in a protest where law enforcement violated your rights, it is essential to consult with trusted legal representation as soon as possible.
Being able to express your concerns and fight for your civil rights is the epitome of what it is to be an American. Any time those rights are violated, you have a viable case on your hands. If you are facing charges for protesting peacefully or legally protesting with a firearm, you need a knowledgeable civil rights attorney on your side.
In Michigan, the attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates have been practicing law for more than twenty years. All of the legal professionals at our office care deeply about each client and believe that no one person is more important than the next. For that reason, we do whatever it takes to help them succeed.
Call 1-800-961-8477 or contact us online today. A free consultation might be just what you need to win the justice you deserve and take control of your future.
