Michigan Case Results
Selected outcomes from criminal trials, appeals, and post-conviction proceedings.
These matters illustrate the work of Czarnecki & Taylor PLLC in the courtroom and on appeal: investigating facts, challenging evidence, developing the record, and pursuing a resolution suited to the case.
Every case turns on its own facts and law. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.
Discuss your case ↗ or call (586) 718-2345.
Browse the Results
Appeals & Post-Conviction
People v. Gonzalez-Raymundo: published new-trial ruling
New trial granted and affirmed on appeal
Michigan Court of Appeals · People v. Gonzalez-Raymundo
James Czarnecki obtained a remand, conducted the evidentiary hearing, and secured a new-trial order after four third-degree criminal sexual conduct convictions. He then defended that order on appeal. The published decision addressed the right to simultaneous interpretation and meaningful participation in a criminal trial.
6.500 motion: three felony convictions vacated
Convictions vacated; no renewed prosecution
Macomb County Circuit Court
James Czarnecki reviewed the plea and sentencing transcripts and identified a material error concerning eligibility under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. He pursued MCR 6.500 relief and obtained an order setting aside the convictions. He then negotiated an agreement under which the prosecution would not pursue those charges again.
People v. Mario Smith: preserving the Miller issue
Life-without-parole sentence vacated; resentencing ordered
Michigan Supreme Court · Post-conviction proceedings
James Czarnecki raised and preserved Miller retroactivity during Smith's MCR 6.500 litigation and Michigan Supreme Court proceedings. After Montgomery changed the governing law, the Michigan Supreme Court vacated the murder sentence and remanded for resentencing. The murder conviction remained in place.
Czarnecki also developed a separate forensic-pathology challenge with an independent expert. The courts denied the request for a new trial on that ground.
Read the sentencing case study ↗
Read the forensic-investigation case study ↗ACLU litigation: protecting the right to appellate counsel
Right to appointed appellate counsel enforced in People v. James
Brown v. Kolenda / People v. James · Michigan Court of Appeals
James Czarnecki served as a cooperating attorney on the ACLU team challenging the denial of appointed appellate counsel following Halbert. The initial superintending-control action was declined. In the later People v. James decision, the Court of Appeals rejected the waiver reasoning used to deny counsel.
People v. McClure: three convictions reversed
Convictions vacated; case remanded for resentencing
Michigan Court of Appeals
James Czarnecki identified a failure of proof on the dangerous-weapon element of three felonious-assault convictions. The Court of Appeals reversed those convictions and returned the case for resentencing. The relief concerned those three convictions; other convictions in the case remained.
People v. Ricardo Pena: prosecutor confessed error
Confession of error; conviction vacated and new trial granted
Michigan Court of Appeals · Wayne County
Working as an associate in Gerald Lorence's appellate practice, James Czarnecki reviewed transcripts, identified issues, researched the law, and drafted appellate pleadings addressing perjury and proceedings outside the defense's presence. The prosecution confessed error. After relief was obtained, the client later accepted a plea resolution.
Sentencing error corrected on appeal
Remand for resentencing; sentence reduced
Michigan Court of Appeals
Following an armed-robbery plea, appellate review identified errors in the scoring of the sentencing guidelines. The Court of Appeals returned the case to the trial court for resentencing, and the client received a reduced sentence.
Murder case: relief after an evidentiary hearing
New-trial order obtained; later reversed on appeal
Wayne County Circuit Court
James Czarnecki conducted the court-ordered evidentiary hearing and questioned trial counsel about favorable evidence that had not been used at trial. The trial court granted a new trial. That ruling was later reversed in appellate proceedings handled by other counsel; the result described here is the trial-court hearing ruling.
Trial Acquittals
Self-defense in an attempted-murder trial
Not guilty of all assaultive charges
Wayne County Circuit Court · Frank Murphy Hall of Justice
The client faced attempted-murder and assault charges after a shooting during an attack at a car dealership. The defense presented evidence that the client fired to stop an assault that threatened his life. The jury acquitted him of all assaultive charges.
Five criminal sexual conduct counts
Not guilty on all five counts
Macomb County Circuit Court
The client maintained his innocence and chose trial despite plea offers. After a four-day jury trial on first-degree criminal sexual conduct allegations, the jury found him not guilty of every charge.
Domestic violence and stalking
Not guilty on both counts
41B District Court · Clinton Township
The client faced domestic-violence and stalking allegations arising from a former relationship. The case proceeded to a bench trial, and the court found the client not guilty of both offenses.
Domestic-violence allegation tried in court
Not guilty after trial
42-2 District Court · New Baltimore
The client denied the allegation and elected to proceed to trial. After hearing the evidence, the court found the client not guilty.
Sex-offender registration charge
Not guilty after a jury trial
Macomb County Circuit Court
Working with co-counsel, the defense presented evidence of the client's efforts to register after moving to a new city. The jury found the client not guilty of failing to register.
Dismissals & Suppression
Search-warrant challenges in two courts
Evidence suppressed; both cases dismissed
52-3 District Court · Rochester Hills / 42-1 District Court · Romeo
A search connected to a leaving-the-scene investigation led to marijuana charges in a second court. The defense challenged the warrant and the search through briefing and hearings. The Rochester-area court suppressed the evidence and dismissed the drug case; the Romeo court also dismissed the leaving-the-scene case.
Unlawful purse search during a traffic stop
Evidence suppressed; possession case dismissed
New Baltimore District Court
The client was stopped for a civil infraction, and police searched her purse. Following an evidentiary hearing and briefing on the Fourth Amendment issue, the court suppressed the evidence and dismissed the marijuana-possession case.
Juvenile criminal sexual conduct allegation
Charges dismissed
Macomb County Circuit Court · Juvenile Division
Defense investigation and witness interviews uncovered information undermining the allegation. The firm presented that information to the prosecution during pretrial discussions, and the charges were dismissed.
OWI arrest challenged at an evidentiary hearing
Case dismissed with prejudice
Southfield District Court
Police found the client asleep in a vehicle on a driveway. The defense challenged whether there was probable cause to establish operation while intoxicated. After reviewing the evidence and legal briefing, the court agreed and dismissed the case.
Identification challenged in a felony-assault case
Case dismissed after an evidentiary hearing
Macomb County Circuit Court
The client was charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm after a bar incident. The defense challenged the identification procedure as unduly suggestive. Litigation of that issue resulted in dismissal.
Vehicle impound and inventory search challenged
Evidence suppressed; heroin case dismissed
37th District Court · Warren
With co-counsel, the defense challenged the traffic stop, impoundment, and search that produced the drug evidence. The court agreed with the Fourth Amendment arguments and suppressed the evidence, resulting in dismissal.
Prescription-fraud charge
Dismissed at the preliminary examination
40th District Court · St. Clair Shores
The client denied presenting a fraudulent prescription. After investigating the allegation, the defense proceeded with the preliminary examination. The court stopped the hearing and dismissed the charge.
Medical evidence in an assault allegation
Dismissed after the preliminary examination
42-2 District Court · New Baltimore
The client was accused of assaulting a corrections officer during an epileptic seizure. The defense presented the client's documented medical history and challenged the required intent. The court dismissed the case.
First-degree home-invasion allegation
Charge dismissed
37th District Court · Center Line
The firm represented a young adult with significant developmental disabilities who was accused of home invasion. After reviewing the allegations and presenting the defense position to the prosecution, the charge was dismissed.
Search and seizure in a drug-possession case
Dismissed at the preliminary examination
37th District Court · Warren
Although the initial vehicle stop was justified, the defense challenged the subsequent search and seizure. The court accepted the Fourth Amendment argument at the preliminary examination and dismissed the felony-possession case.
Attempted-murder charge challenged after bindover
Case dismissed on motion in circuit court
Macomb County Circuit Court
The defense disputed the prosecution's account of an incident involving the client and his girlfriend. After the preliminary examination, counsel filed a motion challenging the bindover. The circuit court granted relief and dismissed the case.
Domestic violence and a related probation violation
Both proceedings dismissed
41B District Court · Clinton Township / Oakland County Circuit Court
The domestic-violence case was dismissed after discussions with the prosecutor on the scheduled trial date. The firm then contested the related probation-violation allegation in Oakland County, where the court also dismissed the proceeding.
Injury evidence in a domestic-violence case
Criminal charge dismissed; related civil claim settled
Ferndale District Court
The defense documented the client's injuries and presented photographs and supporting information to the prosecutor. The criminal charge was dismissed. The firm also pursued a related civil claim, which was resolved through settlement.
Negotiated Resolutions
Felony-assault case resolved as a misdemeanor
Felony charge dismissed; misdemeanor plea accepted
Macomb County Circuit Court
After months of investigation, witness interviews, and trial preparation, the defense negotiated a misdemeanor resolution of charges that included assault with intent to do great bodily harm and felonious assault.
Assault charges reduced shortly before trial
Misdemeanor assault-and-battery plea
Macomb County Circuit Court
Following extensive trial preparation, the prosecution offered a misdemeanor resolution shortly before the scheduled trial date. The client accepted the offer, resolving the felony-assault case.
Fatal-accident prosecution involving ten counts
Eight counts dismissed under a plea and sentence agreement
Macomb County Circuit Court
The defense worked with accident-reconstruction and blood-alcohol experts, litigated motions, and pursued appellate issues during the case. On the scheduled trial date, the client accepted an agreement dismissing eight of ten charges with an agreed sentencing resolution.
Youthful-trainee resolution in a serious felony case
Reduced offense; HYTA status preserved
Oakland County Circuit Court
In a case involving first-degree criminal sexual conduct allegations, the defense negotiated a reduced offense with treatment under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. The firm later preserved the client's HYTA status through probation-violation proceedings.
Embezzlement allegation exceeding $1 million
Felony dismissed; reduced charge ultimately dismissed
Macomb County Circuit Court
Over two years of litigation, the defense used forensic-accounting assistance, examinations, motions, and hearings to challenge the case. The prosecution agreed to a disorderly-conduct resolution under a delayed-sentencing arrangement, and the case was dismissed.
Methamphetamine charges and sentencing advocacy
Delivery charge dismissed; probation imposed
Sanilac County Circuit Court
The defense negotiated a possession plea after disputing the client's involvement in manufacturing. At sentencing, counsel opposed a prison recommendation. The court imposed probation, allowing the client to continue working and supporting his family.
Embezzlement allegation over $100,000
Agreement provided a path to a misdemeanor
Macomb County Circuit Court
The firm negotiated a reduction in the amount at issue and the original felony charge. The agreement provided for a further reduction to a misdemeanor upon payment of the agreed restitution. That additional reduction depended on satisfaction of the agreement's terms.
Knife found in airport luggage
Reduced charge dismissed after probation
34th District Court · Romulus
The defense negotiated a disorderly-conduct resolution after a knife was found in the client's luggage. Following a short period of non-reporting probation under a delayed-sentencing arrangement, the case was dismissed.
Domestic-violence deferral
Dismissed after successful probation
39th District Court · Roseville
The client accepted a negotiated resolution under MCL 769.4a. After completing the probationary terms, the case was dismissed.
Embezzlement sentencing and restitution
Probation; no jail or prison; restitution reduced
Oakland County Circuit Court
After negotiation over an embezzlement allegation exceeding $50,000, the client received probation under a sentencing agreement. Restitution was reduced to reflect the amount established in the case.
OWI reduced to careless driving
OWI dismissed; civil infraction resolution
41A District Court · Shelby Township
Following discussions with the prosecuting attorney, the operating-while-intoxicated charge was dismissed and the matter was resolved as a careless-driving civil infraction.
Concealed-weapon allegation involving an expired license
Reduced to a civil infraction
40th District Court · St. Clair Shores
The client was accused of carrying a firearm in a vehicle while his concealed-pistol license had expired and renewal was in progress. After discussions with police and the prosecutor, the case was resolved as a civil infraction.
Attempted-murder allegation involving self-defense
Reduced charge taken under advisement and dismissed
41A District Court · Sterling Heights
The defense presented the circumstances of an attack in which the client used a pocket knife. Negotiations resulted in dismissal of the attempted-murder charge and an assault-and-battery resolution that was taken under advisement and dismissed.
Juvenile drug-possession case
Consent-calendar resolution; dismissed after completion
St. Clair County Circuit Court · Juvenile Division
The firm negotiated placement on the juvenile consent calendar. The client completed the court's requirements, and the case was dismissed.
Federal Matters
Alleged assault on a Treasury agent
Diversion; case dismissed
U.S. District Court · Eastern District of Michigan
The client had no prior criminal record and was accused of assaulting an agent during execution of a search warrant. The defense negotiated diversion, and the case was dismissed.
Union-administration fraud allegation
Diversion; case dismissed
U.S. District Court · Eastern District of Michigan
The client was accused of fraudulent activity while serving as a union administrator. The firm negotiated a diversion resolution, and the case was dismissed.
Alleged involvement in a smuggling operation
Proceeding dismissed at the scheduled hearing
Federal proceedings · Eastern District of Michigan
Counsel sought evidence the government had not produced concerning an alleged cross-border smuggling operation. The proceeding was dismissed on the hearing date, and the client was not subsequently indicted, according to the case history.
Civil & Administrative Matters
Challenge to a child-protection registry listing
Client removed from the registry
Administrative proceedings and Oakland County Circuit Court
After an adverse administrative ruling, the firm pursued circuit-court review of a grandmother's registry listing. Review of the hearing record led to an agreement that she should be removed, allowing her to pursue custody of her grandchildren.
Judgment against a contractor
Judgment exceeding $25,000
41A District Court · Shelby Township
The firm represented a senior whose contractor accepted payment but left work unfinished and unsafe. The lawsuit resulted in a judgment exceeding $25,000 to compensate the client for his losses.
Estate dispute resolved through settlement
Settlement of $25,000
Macomb County Probate Court
The client faced allegations involving several hundred thousand dollars in estate funds. After litigation and hearings, the parties resolved the dispute through a $25,000 settlement.
Your Case Deserves Its Own Analysis
A past result is one part of understanding a firm's experience. The next step is a careful look at your circumstances, the court record, and the options available in your case.
Explore our approach to criminal defense, Michigan criminal appeals, and MCR 6.500 motions, or learn more about our attorneys.
Discuss your case ↗ or call (586) 718-2345.
These are selected historical matters, not a complete list of the firm's cases. A dismissal, acquittal, new-trial order, negotiated resolution, and resentencing are different outcomes; the procedural stage and any conditions stated in each summary matter. Results depend on the facts, applicable law, and other circumstances of the individual case.
Sending an inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship. The firm must agree to undertake representation.