Family Law
Divorce
1992-present Criminal Defense Attorney, Divorce and Family Law, Expungements, Marihuana, Liquor Licenses, Appeals, and General Practice. Numerous cases taken to trial. Represented clients in state and federal courts throughout the state. Knowledgeable in matters relating to Ecclesiastical Corporations (churches); helped numerous churches with amending their bylaws and other legal issues.
Child Support
A divorce without children in Michigan has a minimum waiting period of 2 months. If you and your spouse can agree on a division of marital property you could be divorced as early as 60 days after filing the divorce complaint. When there are children under age 18, the minimum waiting period is 6 months. If you and your spouse cannot agree on child custody, child support, and parenting time, the case could take much longer to finalize. A divorce judgment cannot be entered until all issues of marital property and child custody, support, and parenting time have been resolved.
Child Custody and Visitation
All the divorce judges prefer that you and your spouse discuss marital property and child custody issues and try to resolve them between yourselves. Oftentimes this can be accomplished without the need for a formal trial. However, if you and your spouse cannot reach agreement, then your case would likely be referred to a skilled, trained divorce mediator who will help guide the parties to settlement. If not, then the case would go to trial where a family court judge would hear the evidence and testimony and render a decision.
Child Abuse
2018 Obtained a nolle prosequi of serious criminal charges involving an alleged assault by strangulation (a 10-year felony) and child abuse 3rd degree (2-year felony), following an 8-month aggressive representation.
Criminal Law
Criminal Defense
When you're accused of a crime, your reputation, career and freedom are on the line. And the consequences don't stop there- your family will feel the repercussions of the accusation, too. Make sure you take criminal charges seriously; hire a criminal defense attorney. Bruce Alan Block, P.L.C. will fight for your rights in the courtroom.
DUI/DWI
See AlsoAmerican Laser Skin Care in Grand Rapids , MIAHC Hospitality hiring Massage Therapist Seraphina Spa - Part Time in Grand Rapids, MI | LinkedInHealth eCareers hiring Orthopedic Surgery - Sports Medicine Opportunity in Grand Rapids, MI | LinkedInCase Insurance Agency, Inc. in Grand Rapids , MIOverall, the number of alcohol-related drunk driving cases are down and the police and prosecutors have now turned their attention to busting drivers operating a motor vehicle under the influence of illegal and legal drugs - including marijuana. The penalties for drugged driving or driving under the influence of drugs such as marijuana carry the exact same penalties as alcohol drunk driving cases.
Traffic Violations
Traffic tickets are a nuisance. Maybe you were not watching your speed or perhaps you changed lanes too quickly and suddenly you see those dreaded flashing lights in your rearview mirror and hear the unpleasant police siren. After checking your license, insurance and registration, the cop gives you a ticket. Now what? We are glad you asked. You have essentially two options...
Sex Crimes
A government financed movie named 'Reefer Madness' was released in 1936. Among other things, it showed 'evidence' of how the lives of four high school students, lured to try marijuana by a drug pusher, spiraled out of control. The movie included a hit and run accident, suicide, homicide, rape, and the rapid descent of marihuana users into madness. The so called 'evidence' in Reefer Madness was later proven to be utterly false. This interesting propaganda movie was thought to have disappeared, but was discovered in the Congressional Archives in the 1980's by NORML. It is available to rent or view through Netflix or a similar company.
Robbery
Felony Crimes, including weapons, arson, fleeing and eluding, armed robbery, white collar, felon in possession, and home invasion. A felony poses the greatest risk to your freedom.
White Collar Crimes
Just because you're respected in the fields of business and government doesn't mean you can't be charged with a crime. Many successful professionals are convicted for white-collar crimes. An attorney can help you fight back against these charges.
Misdemeanors
Welcome. You have come to the right page. Being charged with a crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony, is a serious matter and can have long lasting consequences. Your reputation, freedom, and employment are on the line. Being arrested or accused of a crime affects the whole family. You need help - now. We will do our best to give honest and blunt answers to your pressing questions.
Embezzlement
Drug Crimes
If you are accused of a drug crime, the prosecution will likely treat you as just another face in the criminal system. Our Kent County drug attorney provides clients with creative advocacy. Our attorney cares about you and your family and explores all aspects related to the drug charges. At Bruce Alan Block, P.L.C., we recognize the complexities of drug-related crimes. The amount you allegedly possessed and the geography of the possession are just some of the small differences that can have a large impact on the outcome of your case.
Assault
Murder
Just as the federal government had used fear, prejudice, racism, and false stories of violence to 'tax' cocaine and opium products like heroin and morphine, in 1914, the newly formed Bureau of Narcotics used similar themes of uncontrollable violence and falsities to demonize marijuana. Movies and advertisem*nts ran in theaters and newspapers around the country warning of the evils and dangers of its use: "Beware! Young and Old - People in All Walks of Life! It contains the Killer Drug "Marihuana" - a powerful narcotic in which lurks Murder! Insanity! Death!" Stories were told of people who became insane and uncontrollable criminals as a result of smoking marijuana. Marihuana was repeatedly referred to as "The Devil's Harvest" or "Devil's Weed."
Probation Violation
So absent permission, smoking pot while on probation or parole will automatically lead to a probation violation for 'using illegal drugs or substances." Inotherwords, you must first ask and receive permission from the judge in your case so that you can continue to use marijuana during probation. Be prepared to bring in your medical documents and proof of your condition. Judges will likely begin allowing more patients to use while on probation in the future.
Homicide
High Court Misdemeanors, including Maintaining a Drug House, attempt to commit a 4-year felony, such as Welfare Fraud, or Negligent Homicide: a death resulting from an automobile accident.
Arson
Manslaughter
1995 Co-Counsel on Involuntary Manslaughter Case involving infant son who accidentally crawled into cedar chest when mother dozed asleep. Not Guilty Jury Verdict rendered after lengthy trial.
Hit and Run
Business and Corporate Law
Business Disputes
Employment Law
Severance Agreement
Property Law
Land Use and Zoning
Immigration Law
Green Cards
Health Law
Personal Injury
Finance Law
Tax Law
