Lateral Attorney, Judicial Clerk, and Summer Associates, Paralegal, Legal Administrative Assistants, and Support Staff. Finally, diversity training should be mandatory. Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Private Client - Estate Planning, Probate, Wills & Trusts, Bankruptcy - Creditors' / Debtors' Rights, Affirmative Action and Government Contractors, Health Care Professional Licensing, Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation, Insurance Policyholder Counseling and Recovery, Adoption, Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy, Child and Spousal Support, Custody, and Parenting Time, Family Owned Business and Closely Held Companies, Listed in Best Lawyers in America for Appellate Practice, Insurance Law, Commercial Litigation, Litigation ERISA and Litigation Insurance, Named as a Michigan Super Lawyer in Business Litigation, Selected for inclusion in Super LawyersRising Stars in 2008. MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. Prop 30 is supported by a coalition including CalFire Firefighters, the American Lung Association, environmental organizations, electrical workers and businesses that want to improve Californias air quality by fighting and preventing wildfires and reducing air pollution from vehicles. All rights reserved (About Us). Golf Discount - Online since 1995. Grand Rapids, MI 49534. I said last week I thought the law was on our side," the prosecutor said. OConnell also was charged with kidnapping, but he was found not guilty of that charge. The underbanked represented 14% of U.S. households, or 18. James OConnell was convicted Thursday of assault with intent to commit second-degree criminal sexual conduct following a three-day jury trial in Ottawa County Circuit Court. It was the second time the men were tried, after their first trial ended with a hung jury. Ayoub announced the opinion inside the Grand Rapids courtroom and issued a written ruling, stressing that the courts authority in determining whether a case will go to trial is limited to determining whether there is a lack of evidence that the crime was committed or that the defendant committed it. Five men were charged in Antrim County in an alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Adopt an overdue automated system for filing court documents. My experience spans all courts: Family, Probate, Circuit and District Court. Records of the Southern Division (Grand Rapids), including case files, 1864- 1911; and records concerning civil, chancery, equity, and law cases, 1863-1911. In the spirit of the First Amendment, Steve has represented clients from across the political and ideological spectrum, including human trafficking survivors, undocumented immigrants, incarcerated prisoners, a domestic-violence shelter, an open-air preacher, a national non-profit, members of the clergy, and various individuals seeking to expunge criminal convictions or reinstate social privileges. A pretrial conference for all five men is now set for 8 a.m. Dec. 19 in Antrim County Circuit Court. The only real dispute, the judge explained, was whether the officer's actions were justified under the law, but in that case the prosecution had provided enough for that as well and that the remaining questions were best left to a jury. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Specifically: I offered direct legal services to the poor and neglected in Kalamazoo and created systemic legal support to the same populations as the founder of Kalamazoos holistic public defender office. What have been the most effective methods for improving court procedures? Garry Artman, accused of killing Sharon Kay Hammack, 30, near Grand Rapids in 1996, is in court Friday, Oct. 7. Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Mr. Portinga earned his law degree from the University of Michigan. In August, a U.S. District Court jury found Adam Fox, 38, of Wyoming, Barry Croft Jr., 46, of Bear, Delaware, guilty of conspiring to kidnap Gov. "This is one thing we had to get over. (Photos provided by campaigns). The motive for the kidnapping plot, prosecutors have alleged, was anger over her COVID-19 lockdown orders. By working and living in Kalamazoo for the last 16 years, I believe the long term key to reducing recidivism rates within Kalamazoo is to facilitate expectations of excellence within the community by utilizing our local resources. Please do not give us any information you regard as confidential until a formal attorney-client relationship has been established. It has taught me how to be compassionate and understanding while being objective and impartial. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Schurr was fired by the Grand Rapids Police Department after the shooting and has been free on a $100,000 bond. Barnard: It is the duty of every judge to promote racial justice. Do you wish to proceed? Washington, DC, metro transit police are looking for a man who allegedly threw urine on a bus driver on Dec. 2 and is wanted for second-degree assault. Please do not give us any information you regard as confidential until a formal attorney-client relationship has been established. Becker said he is expecting the defense to appeal the ruling. 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. Borula argued last Friday that the prosecution had not met the burden of showing probable cause for letting the case go to trial. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues listed below. I think that the undisputed evidence that the court has heard is that the officer acted reasonably under the totality of the circumstances, Borgula said. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). "Hopefully that you find peace in the coming days regardless of what those coming days may bring.". (MLive file photo)MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Implementation of court satisfaction surveys are an excellent tool for gathering feedback from the courts users and engaging them in the process. What all of these individuals were doing, including the five defendants, were wilfully and deliberately engaging and planning a violent felony, which is the kidnapping of the governor at her home in Antrim County, Stepka said. Mr. Portinga has also handled multi-million dollar cases for Stryker Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Alticor, Inc., Ally Bank, Boy Scouts of America, Unum Group, and many other clients. Steve earned his law degree from William and Mary Law School, where the faculty selected him on the basis of his professional promise as a recipient of the Lawrence W. IAnson Awardthe highest honor conferred on a graduating student. Any information you give to us before establishing an attorney-client relationship will not be regarded as privileged or confidential. All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except if a reply exceeded character limitations. Do you wish to proceed? He also serves as co-chair of the firm's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Instead of pursing private interests, as most lawyers and candidates do, I have chosen to serve the public exclusively. That commitment is why I held a forum on bail reform in 2019. All rights reserved (About Us). 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. Supreme Court of the United States Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 831-1700 [emailprotected] millerjohnson.com Third, the Sixth Circuits ruling imperils an an-cient form of discourse. How have your education, professional experience and interests prepared you to serve on this court? Whitmer. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Courts must embrace diversity and inclusion training as well as implicit bias training and seek to increase diversity on the bench and bar. William and Mary Law School: Lawrence W. IAnson Award; U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Central to a nonthreatening system are: voice, respect, neutrality, understanding, and helpfulness. equity, and law cases. Your Destination For Black Celebrity Gossip And Entertainment News Schurr shot and killed Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese refugee, during a traffic stop on Grand Rapids Southeast Side in April. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. They each face one felony charge of providing material support for an act of terrorism. He also served as a judicial law clerk to the Hon. Support MLive.com. The status conference hearing, scheduled for Nov. 30, will be a time where parties see what is going to happen in terms of the appeal, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Police said he grabbed the girls arm about 2:40 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021 at the store, 14700 U.S. 31 in Grand Haven Township. The courts decision suggests that parodists are in the clear only if they pop the bal- Your voice will be heard and your case will be efficiently resolved. All rights reserved (About Us). Richard Allen Griffin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. All rights reserved. There was discussion of overtaking a pizza boy and putting on his shirt and acting as a pizza boy and shooting her. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). Matthew Borgula and Mark Dodge, Schurrs legal team, previously said they planned to appeal the bind over decision. Neither do we. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. While he was not sure when the trial might be held, he said it would most likely not take place until next year. I believe that everyone deserves the utmost respect, professionalism, clear communication, and ethics. $50,000 - $60,000 a year. The four emerged as the top vote-getters among six candidates in the Aug. 2 non-partisan primary race. Browse our listings to find jobs in Germany for expats, including jobs for English speakers or those in your native language. ; 1907 During the Brown Dog affair, protesters marched through London and clashed with police officers in Trafalgar The fatal encounter, which has caught national media attention, began when Schurr made a traffic stop of the vehicle Lyoya was driving the morning of April 4 because the plate didnt match the vehicle. Employee Recognition. Grand Rapids Former Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr will stand trial for second degree murder for the fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya in April, a shooting that sparked a national controversy. The lists do not show all contributions to every state ballot measure, or each independent expenditure committee formed to support or v. Kuhlmeier et al., 484 U.S. 260 (1988), was a landmark decision by the Supreme Court of the United States that held that public school curricular student newspapers that have not been established as forums for student expression are subject to a lower level of First Amendment protection than independent student expression or newspapers He was named Best Lawyers Lawyer or the Year for ERISA litigation in 2014 and Lawyer of the Year for Appellate Practice in 2019. . Judge Christina Elmore is assigned to oversee the case against 31-year-old Christopher Schurr, beginning with a status conference hearing scheduled for the end of the month, Kent County Circuit Court records show. A 45-year-old man, James O'Connell, was convicted Thursday, Nov. 10 of assault with intent to commit second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Please be advised that contacting Miller Johnson or one of its attorneys by email does not constitute establishing an attorney-client relationship or otherwise confidential relationship between you and the Firm. 1) Technology: Missing wages and paying for gas/babysitting is a hardship many working people cannot afford. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm. Lyoya was killed by Schurr in April during an early morning altercation after Schurr attempted to stop Lyoya over his license plate. "And for this I am feeling that my heart is receiving a little bit of relief because I'm seeing people around me who are helping to get justice.". Following the hearing, Lyoya's family said the decision was not a cause for celebration or joy, but the ruling left them with a sense that things were going in the right direction. Nominate a Kent County Employee for Quality Service! And even then, when a court must hold people accountable, it can do so in a manner that fosters learning and growth. (Photo provided by U.S. Attorney's Office). As a judge, I will ensure that bail does not disproportionately affect people of color. My public service experience has taught me to be even-tempered, but firm, open-minded, but decisive. The order was issued Wednesday, Dec. 7, by 86th District Court Judge Michael S. Stepka. In his appellate practice, Steve has successfully represented clients in numerous state and federal courts of appeal, including in the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Portinga handles high-stakes, high-profile cases. As judge, I will balance the dignity of individuals before the court with the laws and legal precedents that often fail to take into account the lived human experiences of those individuals. He and his wife hold the fastest known time (FKT) for running the 18-mile Jordan River loop in northern Michigan. Technology's news site of record. About Our Coalition. Stay informed Subscribe to our email newsletter. Gretchen Whitmer and conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction. I currently serve as a Public Defender for Ottawa County, Mi. Monday to Friday. My 30 years of practice since then, litigating in courtrooms all over the state, has taught me court procedure, how to manage large volumes of cases efficiently, how to treat others with civility and respect, how to interpret and apply legal principles to evidence, how to reach a conclusion promptly and how to communicate it concisely and clearly, both in written and oral speech. 3) Expand Specialty Courts: Drug Court allows participants to receive treatment and overcome addictions. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. This file photo is an exhibit released by the U.S. Attorney's office in the federal case for the alleged plot. Ruling on whether the prosecution had met the probable cause standard, Ayoub said all elements of a second degree murder charge had been met, saying there was no dispute that Schurr had killed the defendant and had acted with malice. 3) identify and implement alternative means of holding parties accountable to produce better outcomes than traditional approaches like incarceration. In August, a U.S. District Court jury found Adam Fox, 38, of Wyoming, Barry Croft Jr., 46, of Bear, Delaware, guilty of conspiring to kidnap Gov. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. Outside the courtroom on Monday, Kent County Commissioner Robert S. Womack, who represents the City of Grand Rapids and sat with the Lyoya family throughout the preliminary exam, said the killing of Lyoya was "bigger than just one police officer," highlighting continued concerns about the police department. I have won jury guilty verdicts for some of the worst crimes we face, with particular focus on criminals who target our children. Have electrical service experience (Residential and/or Commercial). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Fox and Croft also await sentencing. Michigan Minimum Wage Increases to $10.10 January 1; Possible Increase to $13.03 in February, Todd Holleman Joins Miller Johnson in Detroit, Employment Lawyers Talk Off The Clock - Episode 32: HR Lessons From Elon Musks Chaotic Takeover At Twitter, What Schools Need To Know About Allowing Service Animals. The five men are all accused of helping assist one of two surveillance sessions focused on Whitmers vacation home in Elk Rapids. Courts; 17th Circuit Court. She also worked as a staff attorney for Judge John A. Murphy in the 3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County and as a court-appointed criminal defense attorney for the 46th District Court of Southfield. A message left with Schurrs defense team seeking comment was not immediately returned on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Please be advised that contacting Miller Johnson or one of its attorneys by email does not constitute establishing an attorney-client relationship or otherwise confidential relationship between you and the Firm. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. For example, one judge instead of two should set bond for persons with cases before District and Circuit Courts. At that first trial in April, a jury found two other defendants, Daniel Joseph Harris and Brandon Michael-Ray Caserta, not guilty of the charges. Mr. Portinga was also named as a Michigan Super Lawyer from 2011-2019 and in 2022. Two attorneys vying for Kalamazoo County District Court seat, Two face off for county board seat representing parts of Kalamazoo and Portage, Musician, librarian competing for Kalamazoo County board seat, 2 candidates face off for Kalamazoo County board seat representing part of Portage. Our entire business is molded to meet your needs starting with Customer Service as we have a veteran staff of golfers awaiting your calls, chats & emails.. Shop with confidence as we offer a price match guarantee that applies after your purchase. "I do want to wish everybody here, everyone who's been touched by the facts and circumstances that were presented over the past couple of days," said Ayoub. Super Lawyers lists him as the top-rated insurance coverage attorney in Grand Rapids. Find all the latest real-time sports coverage, live reports, analysis and comment on Telegraph Sport. This is about a trend. The four candidates running for the nonpartisan seats in the Nov. 8 general election are: The two winning candidates will each serve six-year terms, replacing judges Alexander Lipsey and Stephen Gorsalitz, who are retiring after reaching the state-mandated age limit of 70. The two later fought over control of Schurrs Taser before the officer shot Lyoya in the the back of the head while on top of him. We will update you on new newsroom updates. Neither do we. Barnard: I have unmatched experience handling major cases in court and will be prepared to run a courtroom on the first day of my term. Mr. Portinga is an avid runner and has completedten marathons. Not for dummies. For over two decades it has been an honor to open each and every one of my cases by introducing myself: Ken Barnard, for the People.. Courts; 17th Circuit Court. Other areas abound: denial to generational wealth due to federal housing policy, denial to fathers due to mass incarceration, denial to education due to local funding practices. Any information you give to us before establishing an attorney-client relationship will not be regarded as privileged or confidential. Also, young children must not be dragged to court for discipline that should occur in the home or schools. While the court operates as the prosecutors check on power to bring charges, it is a very limited check, Ayoub said, noting that if the charges are legally sound the court cannot stand in the way of the prosecutor, regardless of what the court may think.". Hilgart: My formal education focused on philosophy, social science and the lawthe human experience. To receive firm communications, please select from the list of topics, complete your contact information, and Sign Upbelow. Courts; 17th Circuit Court. Patrick Lyoya killed, police officer charged with murder: A timeline of key events in the case. The essential tech news of the moment. To receive firm communications, please select from the list of topics, complete your contact information, and Sign Upbelow. Hazelwood School District et al. Some of Steves representative matters include: As chair of Miller Johnsons pro bono committee, Steve also maintains an active pro bono practice. Prior to that, Elmore was a judge for Kent Countys 61st District Court for almost three years. The probable cause threshold is a lower standard than the guilty beyond a reasonable doubt standard required for conviction at trial, Ayoub said. Some of the appellate matters that Steve has taken on pro bono include a Fourth Circuit appeal on behalf of a juvenile offender who pleaded guilty after being threatened with the death penalty and was sentenced to life in prison, a Ninth Circuit appeal asserting a first-impression challenge to aspects of the statute-of-limitations regime applying to prisoner civil-rights lawsuits, and a state-court appeal seeking access under the Freedom of Information Act to a local law enforcement agencys use-of-force policy. The court needs to listen and put into place a plan to address this need. Lyoya familys lawsuit claims Grand Rapids police have custom of racial discrimination, Ryan Kelleys trial on Capitol insurrection charges delayed again, Catholic church sues Michigan over sex and gender civil rights protections. He enjoys hiking and has climbed to the highest point in twelve states. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. GRAND HAVEN, MI -- A 45-year-old man who police said grabbed an 8-year-old girls arm in a Grand Haven Walmart store has been convicted of a sex-related charge. (See Kalamazoos groundbreaking specialty courts, upon which we can expand.). Cellphone video from the incident shows Schurr, 31, shooting Lyoya, 26, in the back of the head. I am a Candidate for 20th Circuit Court, family law division. The two then wrestled in a nearby lawn with Schurr struggling to bring the man under control. After the ruling, Becker said he was pleased with the decision. "I didn't know I would be able to meet people like this, and Ayoub showed me he has the heart of a parent," he said. However, it may be an uneventful hearing. " Full-time. Jensen: Studying similar courts with efficient procedures and implementing those best practices has been effective at improving court procedures. What other methods would you suggest to improve efficiency or make the courts less intimidating to the public? Super Lawyers lists him as the top-rated insurance coverage attorney in Grand Rapids. Neither do we. "The court concludes that, as a matter of law, probable cause has been presented to support the charge in the criminal complaint," Ayoub said. Gretchen Whitmer to stand trial on charges of providing material support for an act of terrorism. We are the tax payers in this community, and we want better policing and community relations.". 1) Make Court processes transparent to the public; 2) respect litigants with clear guidelines, thoughtful scheduling, and courtroom procedures that reduce friction or confusion; and. 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. However, focusing on ones own failures is also a critical step toward improvement. 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My professional career continued that education as I fought to reduce barriers for those who need it most. barista - Store# 09357, GRAND HAVEN. Candidates for the nonincumbent position on the 14th Circuit Court in Muskegon are, from left, Jenny L. McNeill, Brandon Davis, Jason Kolkema and Kendrah Robinson. I often hear frustration with repeat offenders and rehabilitation. Schurr, who has since been fired from the Grand Rapids Police Department, was bound over for trial on a second-degree murder charge last month after Grand Rapids District Judge Nicholas Ayoub said jurors should be the ones to decide if Schurr was justified in Lyoyas fatal shooting. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 M-F: 8:00am-5:00pm, (616) 632-6100 Courts. 17th Circuit Court, 61st District Court, Probate Court 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 63rd District Court. Defense attorneys for the men all entered not guilty pleas for their clients Wednesday upon their bind over to Circuit Court. I am committed to providing knowledgeable, impartial rulings, and building lasting relationships of trust with every resident of Kalamazoo. On the bench, I will facilitate a monthly round table inviting 3 community resources to come and present their program. 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. At Golf Discount we've grown to learn what's important to you, our customer. A courtroom should be a safe environment that does not impose trauma or fear until legally necessary. Their voice needs to be heard. Judge Christina Elmore, shown in this 2017 file photo, is set to preside over the murder trial against former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr. 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