McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLCMcDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC2026-08-28T17:22:34Zhttps://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1203344/2022/11/cropped-site-icon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC<![CDATA[Charged with assault in Michigan? It’s time to learn more]]>https://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/?p=494662026-08-25T17:23:25Z2026-08-28T17:22:34ZAssault cases in Michigan involve serious allegations that can lead to significant penalties if the defendant is convicted. Those facing such charges need clear information about how cases are evaluated and what factors may influence the outcome.
Courts review each situation carefully, and the details of the incident play an important role in how the case moves forward. Here are some considerations.
How Michigan defines assault
Michigan prosecutes several forms of assault, with each one carrying different potential consequences.
Simple assault involves an attempt to cause physical harm or an act that creates a reasonable fear of harm.
Aggravated assault involves more serious injuries but does not include the use of a weapon.
Felonious assault includes the use of a dangerous weapon and is treated as a more severe offense.
These distinctions matter because they guide how charges are filed and how cases are handled in court.
Factors that influence assault cases
Courts look at a range of details when evaluating assault allegations, including:
Nature of the contact: The level of physical harm or attempted harm.
Presence of a weapon: Using or displaying a weapon increases the seriousness of the charge.
Statements from witnesses: Independent witness accounts help establish what occurred.
Location of the incident: Assaults in public places or homes may involve different considerations.
No single detail controls the outcome of an assault case. Instead, courts rely on a full review of all available evidence.You need clear information to make informed decisions when facing assault charges in Michigan. A careful approach to your defense strategy can help you navigate the challenges that often accompany these charges.]]>On Behalf of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC<![CDATA[Can SSA cut off your SSDI benefits without notice? ]]>https://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/?p=494642026-08-10T09:36:49Z2026-08-13T09:36:24ZWhat should happen before payments end?
The Social Security Administration generally must send you written notice before it ends, suspends or reduces your Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The letter should explain the action and your right to appeal. If a payment fails to arrive without warning, delayed mail may have kept the notice from reaching you. A banking problem or an SSA error may also have disrupted delivery.
Contact SSA if you did not receive a letter. You generally have 60 days to appeal after receiving a decision notice. For a medical cessation, request reconsideration and elect continued benefits in writing within 10 days after receiving the letter. You may have to repay those benefits if the appeal fails, although SSA may waive recovery in some cases.
Why might your SSDI payments stop?
The notice should state why SSA changed the payment. Common reasons include:
Medical improvement: A continuing disability review finds that your health has improved enough for substantial work.
Work earnings: SSA finds that your work exceeds its substantial gainful activity rules after applying any trial work period or other available incentive.
Offsets or recovery: SSA reduces your payment because of workers’ compensation benefits or withholds part of it to recover an overpayment.
Delivery problems: A closed bank account or incorrect deposit details prevent the payment from reaching you.
Benefits planning may be especially useful when work activity caused or could cause the change. In Michigan, eligible individuals can receive this service through Michigan Rehabilitation Services. A qualified counselor may explain how returning to work and reporting wages can change SSDI payments.
How can prompt guidance protect your appeal?
Keep the letter, envelope, bank records and other SSA correspondence. Confirm the stated reason and calculate each deadline based on the notice date and SSA’s receipt rules. These details may reveal an agency error and show what evidence could support your challenge.
An attorney can review those records, identify the correct appeal procedure and organize relevant medical or wage evidence. Acting promptly may also preserve continued benefits while SSA reviews a medical cessation.]]>On Behalf of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC<![CDATA[Misdemeanor vs. felony in Michigan: What’s the difference?]]>https://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/?p=494572026-07-29T09:23:47Z2026-08-04T04:13:02ZHow do misdemeanors and felonies differ?
In general, misdemeanors are less serious criminal offenses than felonies. While both can result in criminal convictions, they carry different penalties and consequences.
A misdemeanor typically involves less severe conduct and may result in:
Up to one year in a local jail, depending on the offense.
Fines, probation, community service, or other court-ordered penalties.
A criminal record that may affect employment, housing, or professional licensing.
A felony involves more serious offenses and can lead to:
More than one year of incarceration, often in state prison.
Higher fines and longer probationary periods.
Lasting consequences that may affect employment opportunities, voting rights in certain circumstances, firearm ownership, and professional licenses.
The specific penalties depend on the charge, your criminal history, and the facts of the case.
Why does the classification matter?
Whether prosecutors charge you with a misdemeanor or a felony influences nearly every stage of your case. Felony cases often involve more complex court procedures, greater potential penalties, and higher stakes. The classification may also affect:
Plea negotiations.
Eligibility for diversion or alternative sentencing programs.
Future background checks.
Immigration or professional licensing issues, when applicable.
Even a misdemeanor conviction can create long-term challenges, making it important to take every criminal charge seriously.
What should you do if you face criminal charges?
If law enforcement arrests you or prosecutors file criminal charges, avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney. Statements you make to police, investigators, or others could affect your defense. Instead, consider taking these steps:
Learn the charges filed against you.
Attend every required court appearance.
Preserve any evidence that may support your defense.
Contact an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Early legal guidance can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes that could weaken your case.
Protect your future
Whether you face a misdemeanor or felony charge, a criminal conviction can have consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. An experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney can explain the charges, evaluate the evidence, protect your constitutional rights, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
If you have been charged with a crime in Michigan, speaking with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help you understand your legal options and work toward the best possible outcome.]]>On Behalf of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC<![CDATA[3 ways police can enter your home in Michigan]]>https://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/?p=494592026-07-27T08:56:19Z2026-07-30T08:55:27ZIn Michigan, you have an expectation of privacy in your own home. Even the police cannot just enter whenever they wish. They must do so legally, and there are certain circumstances when it is allowed.
To ensure that homeowners understand how the law works, it can be helpful to consider three ways that the police may be allowed to enter your home if they would like to search a criminal investigation.
1. It is an emergency
First and foremost, in an emergency, police may be able to enter whenever they see fit. If they believe there is a danger to the public, for example, they can enter the home to protect someone. If they are in pursuit of a suspect and they just watched them enter the house, they can follow the suspect into the home.
2. With your consent
If it is not an emergency and the police just want to conduct a home search, they will often start by asking for your consent. As a homeowner, you can then decide if you want to give the police permission to come into your home or not.
3. With a search warrant
If you do not give the police consent, then their next option is to secure a search warrant. This will tell them what property they can search, when they can execute the warrant and things of this nature. But if an officer shows you a valid warrant, even if you do not want them to come into your home, they may still be legally permitted to do so. The warrant overrides your lack of consent.If you are facing criminal charges, considering home search tactics may be very important, especially when looking at what evidence can be included in your case. Be sure you understand all of your legal defense options.]]>On Behalf of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC<![CDATA[2 defense avenues if charged with an OWI]]>https://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/?p=494542026-07-21T19:04:36Z2026-07-21T10:13:06ZOperating while intoxicated (OWI) is one of the more common criminal charges people in Michigan face. That does not mean it’s not serious -- a conviction can do you a lot of harm. Aside from the financial consequences, you'll have a criminal record that will follow you around for life.
It’s important to remember that a charge does not automatically end in a conviction. Here are three ways you might challenge a charge.
1. Challenge the stop
You need to think about why the police pulled you over. They can only legally do so if they have ‘reasonable suspicion’ that you are breaking the law.Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that requires officers to have something factual to pull you over, rather than just going on a hunch. Things that might qualify include seeing you driving erratically or noticing something illegal with your vehicle, such as a broken taillight.
2. Challenge the tests
Officers typically use tests to give them grounds to arrest someone for an OWI. This is because to make an arrest, they must show they had ‘probable cause.’ This means they have sufficient factual evidence that a reasonable person would believe a crime was, is being or is about to be committed. Test results can give them that.Tests are not always accurate, though. Field sobriety tests, where they ask you to walk a line, etc, are particularly prone to subjective interpretation by officers. Chemical tests don’t suffer from this, but can turn out wrong due to poor implementation, poorly maintained equipment or the mixing up of samples afterward. If you do find yourself facing an OWI charge, remember that experienced legal guidance can help you understand how best to respond.]]>On Behalf of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC<![CDATA[What is an SSDI reconsideration?]]>https://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/?p=494512026-07-02T13:04:08Z2026-07-07T13:03:20ZWhat happens during an SSDI reconsideration?
A reconsideration is an internal process conducted by the SSA when applicants appeal a denied claim. Applicants can correct any errors or omissions in their initial paperwork. They may submit additional medical documentation that validates the extent of their medical challenges.
An SSA employee who did not participate in the assessment of the original application reviews the application, any corrections and any supplemental materials provided during this early appeals process. Reconsideration can be a quick process, resulting in a changed decision in a matter of days or weeks.
If another professional working for the SSA determines that the initial denial of benefits was an error that technically violated SSA standards, the applicant receives an approval notice. If the reconsideration process is not successful, the applicant can proceed to the next stage of appeal, which involves a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.
Having guidance when applying for SSDI benefits or appealing a denied application can make the process easier to manage. Professionals who can no longer work may require support as they apply for SSDI benefits.]]>On Behalf of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC<![CDATA[Is it legal to drive in Michigan when taking prescription drugs?]]>https://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/?p=494492026-06-18T11:39:45Z2026-06-23T11:39:13ZMany medications affect driving capability
There are dozens of different drugs that can affect a motorist’s ability to drive safely. Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti-seizure medication, psychiatric drugs and even sleep aids are all medications that can impact the ability to drive safely.
In Michigan, prosecutors can bring operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges due to alcohol impairment or impaired abilities related to drugs. Those accused of driving while under the influence of a Schedule I prohibited substance are likely to face prosecution.
Many lower-schedule substances that doctors prescribe also affect driving capabilities and could justify OWI charges. People who admit to taking medications that have an association with diminished driving capability and those who test positive for certain medications are potentially at risk of OWI charges.
Unlike with alcohol, there is no per se chemical limit for prescription medications. Any detectable amount, especially when accompanied by poor driving, could trigger OWI charges.
Drivers accused of a drugged driving offense involving a legal prescription may need assistance responding to their pending charges. Reviewing medical records and other key documentation with a criminal defense attorney can help those accused of drugged driving understand and make use of their legal rights.]]>On Behalf of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC<![CDATA[What is the cornerstone of an SSDI determination?]]>https://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/?p=494472026-06-05T12:51:08Z2026-06-10T12:50:09ZMedical evidence is one of the most important parts of any Social Security disability application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) itself calls this the cornerstone of the disability determination.Certainly, much other information also has to be provided identifying the individual and demonstrating their qualifications as they seek benefits. But when the SSA is trying to determine if a person is actually disabled and qualifies for those critical benefits, medical evidence carries the most weight.
What type of evidence can be used?
Every case is unique. Written statements from a primary care provider can be a form of medical evidence. Other examples include:
Medical health records
Statements from specialists and medical professionals
Statements from expert medical witnesses
Lab results
Results from tests or scans, such as CAT scans or MRIs
Documentation from a pharmacy showing what medication a person receives
In some cases, when people are denied after submitting a disability application, they take it as the SSA claiming that they are not disabled. This can be very disheartening for them because they know that they are living with a disability every day. How could the SSA get it so wrong?The key is to remember that the SSA is not saying you are not disabled. They are just saying they do not have enough evidence to make that determination at this time. You can sometimes appeal a denial, provide additional evidence and get the approval you are seeking.Navigating this process can be complex and it has a major impact on your future, so it can be helpful to work with an experienced SSDI attorney.
]]>On Behalf of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC<![CDATA[Can driving while suspended affect your license reinstatement?]]>https://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/?p=494422026-05-28T13:23:49Z2026-06-02T13:23:07ZAdditional violations often create longer delays
Driving while suspended can hurt your license reinstatement. Another violation may create more delays. In Michigan, drivers generally cannot operate a vehicle after a suspension or revocation. After two OWI convictions, officials often focus on safe choices and long-term sobriety during the restoration review.
A driving-while-suspended conviction can raise new concerns about both. Common consequences include:
Mandatory extension of your license loss: Driving while suspended can add more time to your revocation period.
Higher financial costs: You may face court fines, reinstatement charges, towing bills and storage fees.
Greater risk of revocation: Some drivers face a complete loss of driving privileges. That can replace a suspension with a clear end date.
New criminal charges: Driving while suspended can lead to a misdemeanor. It can also become a felony if the violation causes serious injury or death.
These penalties often reach beyond money or added waiting periods. Officials may view the new offense as a sign that you ignored license restrictions. A revocation creates a more demanding path. You usually need a formal hearing before your driving privileges return. During that hearing, officials may review your recent conduct and recovery efforts.
People charged with substance-use-related traffic offenses in Michigan may need alcohol screening or awareness classes. These records can help show what steps you have taken since the offense.
Looking ahead after a suspended driving charge
Transportation problems can create serious strain after a license revocation. Work schedules and family obligations do not stop simply because you cannot drive.
If you plan to pursue a driver’s license appeal, early preparation can make the next steps easier. You may need recovery records, proof of compliance and a clear account of your recent conduct. Legal guidance may help you organize those documents and reduce the risk of added setbacks.]]>On Behalf of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC<![CDATA[Michigan roadside drug recognition evaluations]]>https://www.mpmtrialattorneys.com/?p=494442026-05-26T14:45:17Z2026-05-27T12:05:54ZHow drug recognition evaluations work
Police officers use a structured evaluation process to assess suspected drug impairment. Evaluations include several steps that focus on physical signs, behavioral observations and divided attention tasks. Each stage of the process helps the officer determine whether impairment may be present.
Observation of driving behavior: Officers look for signs that suggest impaired operation of a vehicle.
Physical assessment: This includes eye examinations, pulse checks and muscle tone evaluations.
Field sobriety tasks: Officers may ask drivers to complete tasks that measure attention, balance and coordination.
The officer follows a standardized step-by-step formula that helps them document their observations consistently.
Common issues that arise in drugged driving cases
Drugged driving often involves complex evidence. Individuals may face questions about prescription use, medical conditions or the timing of substance exposure. These issues can influence how the case proceeds and what defense options are available moving forward.
Having a legal representative review your drugged driving case can lead to defense strategies you may not have considered.]]>