Blog Post - KBW Criminal Law, PLLC

Is Felony Murder Fair?

Posted on June 25, 2025

In Michigan, the charge of felony murder sits at the intersection of criminal law and moral philosophy. It raises pressing questions about the way we assign blame and punishment, especially in situations where the outcome—rather than the intent—drives the severity of the sentence. What Is Felony Murder? Under...

Is it Legal to Carry a Rifle on a Bus?

Posted on May 2, 2025

Question presented: How can individuals legally carry a rifle while riding a public bus in Michigan? Answer: Individuals carrying a rifle on a public bus must ensure the barrel and magazine of rifle are unloaded. They must also either disassemble the rifle or enclose the rifle in a case.

Probation, Explained

Posted on January 22, 2025

If you have pled or been found guilty at trial, you may be facing a punishment known as probation. Probation is an out-of-custody punishment that begins the moment your sentencing hearing ends. Once you leave the courtroom after sentencing, here is what you can expect: Your first responsibility after...

“Can I Help?” What Role Do Accused Persons Play In Their Defense?

Posted on January 15, 2025

Fighting criminal allegations is much like fighting an illness. When you are sick, your doctor cannot effectively treat you if you do not tell your doctor the truth about what is wrong with you and take the medication the doctor prescribes. You have to help your doctor treat you. Similarly, you have...

Why Did I Get Kicked Off Jury Duty?

Posted on January 3, 2025

Assuming a criminal defendant’s case is not dismissed or deferred, that person has two choices: accept a plea or go to trial. If the defendant chooses to go to trial, the trial will need a finder of fact. Finders of fact listen to the evidence presented in a trial, make a decision...

How Do Judges Determine Punishment?

Posted on January 3, 2025

When someone enters a guilty plea, a no contest plea, or is found guilty at trial, they have been convicted of a crime. After a conviction, that person appears at a sentencing hearing during which a judge explains what the punishment will be. Normally, sentencing results in a judge placing the convicted...

How Can Karen Friedman Angifilo Defend Luigi Mangione?

Posted on December 27, 2024

You can’t open a newspaper or go to a social media homepage right now without reading about Luigi Mangione, the young man accused of shooting former United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson. The Manhattan district attorney’s office charged Luigi Mangione with eleven charges, including first degree murder in furtherance of terrorism. Karen...