Michigan Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Michigan Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

Michigan has three classes of misdemeanors: misdemeanors punishable by up to 93 days in jail, misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail, and high court misdemeanors which are punishable by up to two years in prison.

Michigan Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

In Michigan, felonies are serious crimes that are punishable by more than one year in prison. Michigan law categorizes felonies into eight classes

Michigan's Preliminary Exam

A preliminary exam is like a mini version of a trial, absent the jury. The judge assigned to the case will alone decide whether the prosecution has met their burden of proof.

Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for the government to bring criminal charges in a case. In Michigan, the prosecution has 6 years to file charges in most crimes.

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Michigan

Like all states, Michigan may suspend or revoke your driving privileges for many reasons. If you drive with a suspended or revoked license, you may be charged with a crime. In some cases, you may even be charged with a felony.

Michigan Minor in Possession of Alcohol Charges and Penalties

A minor in Michigan may not purchase, consume, or possess alcoholic liquor—or attempt to do so—with few exceptions. Learn how Michigan law penalizes minor in possession crimes.

Michigan Public Intoxication Laws

This article discusses Michigan’s public intoxication law and other alcohol-related issues may also apply to your case. For example, someone at a bar who has too much to drink, leaves the bar and tries to drive but backs into a store front, will face charges for drunk driving and property damage in addition to public intoxication.

Possession and Sale of a Controlled Substance in Michigan

Convictions for controlled substance crimes incur heavy fines and long periods of incarceration. Learn about the penalties in Michigan for drug possession and sale crimes.

Stun Gun Laws in Michigan

Stun guns are illegal in Michigan, but civilians may possess and use Tasers if they have a concealed carry permit.

Michigan Misdemeanor and Felony Larceny and Retail Fraud Laws

Michigan law punishes theft of personal property under its laws prohibiting larceny, embezzlement, and fraudulent conversion of property. A larceny offense quickly adds up to a felony. Learn how fast.

Michigan Embezzlement Laws

Embezzlement can occur in a variety of circumstances. For example, a bank teller has legal access to client money, and is trusted to handle but not take that money.

Forgery Laws in Michigan

Forgery is illegal in Michigan, and occurs when a defendant creates, uses, or possesses a false document with the intent to use it to defraud someone. This crime and its penalties are discussed below.

Disorderly Conduct in Michigan

Under Michigan's laws, it is a crime to be a "disorderly person." Being a disorderly person, sometimes called disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace, can mean a lot of different things, from picketing funerals to fighting in bars. What all kinds of disorderly conduct have in common is that they are behaviors that are likely to upset, anger, or annoy others.

Simple Assault and Battery in Michigan

Assault in Michigan is an attempt to cause physical injury to another person – for instance, attempting to strike someone with a hand or object.

Felony Assault and Battery in Michigan

Assault is a felony crime when committed with the intent to murder or cause great bodily harm or when committed with the intent to commit another felony, such as kidnapping or robbery. Assault or battery, when committed against certain victims such as a human services agency employee, police officer, or a pregnant woman, also is a felony.

Michigan Assault With A Dangerous Weapon

Assault with a deadly weapon – or felonious assault – is an assault committed with: 1) an object that can inflict serious injury; and 2) the intent to injure the victim or cause the victim to fear an immediate attack or injury.

Michigan Domestic Violence Laws

Michigan’s domestic assault law applies to assaults committed against persons who are or were in certain relationships with the defendant. Michigan law also provides a system where domestic violence victims can obtain personal protection orders from a court.

Michigan Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors

Since Michigan does not have specific legislation dealing with sexting, sexting between teenagers can be prosecuted under child pornography laws, which are intended to severely punish adults who exploit children. Teens that engage in sexting can also suffer other consequences.

Michigan Statutory Rape Laws

The age of consent in Michigan is 16. Learn how Michigan defines and penalizes statutory rape crimes.

Prostitution, Pimping, and Pandering Laws in Michigan

Engaging in prostitution is a misdemeanor crime under Michigan law. However, Michigan, like many other states, punishes the related offenses of solicitation, pimping, and pandering with greater penalties than for prostitution itself. The crimes of pimping and pandering carry still greater penalties where

Transmitting an STD in Michigan

Under Michigan law, it is a crime for a person who knows he or she has AIDS or HIV to have sex with another person without disclosing the infection.