Press and Media Center
News/Media Appearances
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Calling For Rudi Gammo’s Freedom: Serving Sentence for Marijuana Conviction (VIDEO) – September 2nd, 2021 | Channel 7 WXYZ
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Rick Wershe Jr. and others protest prison sentence of Metro Detroit dispensary owner – September 1st, 2021 |ClickOn Detroit (Channel 4)
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Judge lets Ypsilanti Twp. woman, 79, keep pot plants in home, for now – July 15th, 2021 | The Detroit News
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Memorial Day, Cannabis and Roadside Stops by Police May Be Synonymous This Holiday Weekend (AUDIO) – May 24th, 2021 | WWJ Newsradio 950
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Network works to help Michiganders get expungements – May 24th, 2021 | Lansing State Journal
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Why Michigan’s cannabis ‘clean slate’ law doesn’t go far enough – April 18th, 2021 | Detroit Metro Times
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Attorney praises new expungement laws, expects onslaught of applicants – April 20th, 2021 | The Oakland Press
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Michigan’s New “Clean Slate” Expungement Laws (VIDEO) – April 10th, 2021 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Michigan’s new expungement laws are now in effect, significantly expanding the number of people that can expunge criminal convictions in Michigan. Principal Attorney Barton Morris discusses the changes and benefits of expungement with Channel 7’s Jenn Schanz.
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New Expungement Law in Michigan Effective April 11th, 2021 (AUDIO) – March 17th, 2021 | WWJ Newsradio 950
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Gov. Whitmer Commutes Sentence of Michael Thompson, 3 Others – December 22nd, 2020 | Fox 2 News
More than two decades after being sentenced to 40-60 years, Michael Thompson, Michigan’s longest serving cannabis prisoner, is finally a free man thanks to Gretchen Whitmer’s commutation and the Last Prisoner Project.
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Gov. Whitmer Commutes 4 Prison Sentences – December 22nd, 2020 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Governor Gretchen Whitmer granted requests for clemency for four people who were put behind bars due to the War on Drugs, including Michael Thompson, who was sentenced in 1996 to up to 60 years in prison after selling marijuana to an undercover cop.
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Family Hoping for Pardon After Prisoner Tests Positive for COVID as Son Battles Leukemia – November 24th, 2020 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Social justice advocates are asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to pardon a metro Detroit man who is serving time for marijuana offenses. Rudi Gammo, a pioneer in the medical marijuana industry, was sentenced to five years in prison for conducting a criminal enterprise; a non-violent marijuana offense that is now legal.
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COVID-19 Crisis for Michigan Inmates – March 31st, 2020 | WWJ Newsradio 950
“I believe Michigan really has to step up, because as soon as it becomes a significant death toll in our prisons, I fear it’s going to be too late.” (Audio 1)
“There’s a lot of people in jails or prisons in Michigan that are at risk, and that need to be released.” (Audio 2)
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Defense Strategies to Know in a DUI Case – March 2nd, 2020 | ALU.edu
There are more than 1 million arrests in the United States for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol annually, according to the FBI. Just because someone was arrested does not mean they are guilty. Every person arrested for DUI should be investigating the potential defense strategies that exist in each case.
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Detroiters sue Wayne County over seized vehicles and fees – February 20th, 2020 | WXYZ Channel 7
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Guns or marijuana? Even in pot-friendly states like Michigan, residents can only choose one – February 19th, 2020 | Detroit Metro Times
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Opinion: Police take Detroiter’s car, roll over his rights – February 20th, 2020 | The Detroit News
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Innocent Owners Sue Detroit For Seizing Cars, Holding Them Ransom – February 12th, 2020 | Forbes
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Lawsuit: Wayne County’s Vehicle Seizure Program is Illegal – February 6th, 2020 | Legal Reader
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Lawsuit challenges Wayne County’s seizure practices – February 5th, 2020 | The Center Square
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Lawsuit accuses Wayne County of unconstitutional vehicle seizures, holding them for “ransom” – February 5th, 2020 | Michigan Radio
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Lawsuit challenges Wayne County’s controversial vehicle forfeiture law – February 5th, 2020 | Fox 2 News
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Wayne County hit with lawsuit over vehicle forfeiture program – February 5th, 2020 | ClickOn Detroit (Channel 4)
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Authorities accused of wrongly seizing thousands of cars in Wayne County – February 5th, 2020 | Detroit Free Press
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Barton Morris and the Institute for Justice File a Federal Class-Action Lawsuit Against Wayne County – February 5th, 2020 | WWJ Newsradio 950 (audio)
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Michigan Cops Seized This Woman’s Car After Her Then-Boyfriend Allegedly Picked Up a Prostitute– February 5th, 2020 | VICE
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Barton Morris Law Firm, The Institute for Justice File Suit in Federal Court to Stop ‘Unreasonable’ Vehicle Seizures by Wayne County Sheriffs Dept. – February 5th, 2020 | DBusiness Magazine
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Lawsuit Takes Aim At Civil Asset Forfeiture In Wayne County – February 5th, 2020 | Deadline Detroit
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Wayne County vehicle seizure, forfeiture policies spark class-action lawsuit – February 5th, 2020 | The Detroit News
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Every Michigan DUI Case Could Be Impacted by Breathalyzer Controversy – January 15th, 2020 | Fox 2 News
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Michigan State Police Issues Stop Orders on Flawed Breathalyzer Tests – January 14th, 2020 | WWJ Newsradio 950 (audio)
Michigan State Police are halting a contract with the company who processes results from breathalyzers in DUI cases. What does this mean if you’ve recently been charged with a DUI?
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Michigan Police: Breathalyzer Tests Flawed, Stop Order Issued – January 13th, 2020 | WWJ Newsradio 950 (audio)
Royal Oak defense attorney Barton Morris says anyone recently convicted of a DUI may want to place a call to the prosecutor’s office.
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MSP investigating concerns with breath alcohol testing devices – January 12th, 2020 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Concern over a widely-used breath alcohol testing device is sparking action from Michigan State Police. “I think it’s really an eye-opener because breath alcohol testing is the most often used chemical analysis for somebody’s blood alcohol level in almost every DUI case,” said criminal defense attorney Barton Morris.
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Celebrating New Year’s Eve responsibly – December 28th, 2019 | Channel 7 WXYZ
New Year’s Eve is Tuesday, which means plenty of parties will be taking place to celebrate. If you plan on partying, make sure you do it responsibly. Attorney Barton Morris stopped by Broadcast House to discuss some of the liabilities New Year’s Eve can bring.
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Royal oak mom group raising money for new classroom for infants and toddlers – November 30th, 2019 | Channel 7 WXYZ
A mom group based out of Royal Oak are working raise money to help infants and toddlers in need of a new classroom. Bridjet Morris, is a woman on a mission to secure $20,000 for the classroom. She joined 7 Action News’ Syma Chowdhry to discuss her initiative with the group, Moms4Starfish
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Cannabis Legal Group, Industry Association, Stock Predictions, Jungle Control – November 17th, 2019 | M2 Techcast (audio)
ROYAL OAK – Barton Morris, founder of the Cannabis Legal Group and the Law Offices of Barton Morris, will discuss the roadside oral fluid testing pilot program that the Michigan State Police is using to detect high drivers. Listen above.
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State Searches Detroit’s IT Office, Barton Morris as WXYZ’s Legal Analyst – November 8th, 2019 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Office executed a search warrant Friday related to its Make Your Date investigation, seeking information from the city’s information technology department. Barton Morris serves as WXYZ-Channel 7’s legal analyst for this breaking story.
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Expunging marijuana convictions would be easy under new Michigan bill – October 17th, 2019 | Detroit Metro Times
One of the leading advocates for expunging pot-related offenses, Barton Morris, says he’s happy the bill includes expungement for some felonies. “There are people who were operating dispensaries and ended up getting convicted,” Morris, an attorney for Cannabis Legal Group, tells Metro Times. “There are people currently serving probation, jail, and prison sentences for nonviolent marijuana-related convictions.”
A law firm is offering to help people expunge their records of marijuana crimes at three clinics in Detroit, Lansing and Pontiac. “Criminal convictions can prevent people from being employed, denial of fundamental rights and live their best life. It has been proven that even those who are eligible, do not take advantage of getting their convictions removed due to fear of denial, not understanding the process or believing it will cost too much money. These statements are not true,” said Cannabis Legal Group principal attorney Barton Morris.
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Michigan closer to expunging low-level marijuana crimes, but it won’t be automatic – September 10th, 2019 | Detroit Metro Times
“It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction,” Barton Morris, an attorney and leading advocate for expunging pot-related offenses, tells Metro Times. Morris also has called on lawmakers to pardon people who are in jail for offenses that are now civil infractions and to offer expungement for people with felony marijuana convictions.
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Sterling Heights Police “Improperly” Impound Detroit Woman’s Car – August 13th, 2019 | Fox 2 News
A Detroit woman was pulled over last week by Sterling Heights police for running a red light. Then, her car was impounded for the possession of her own prescription medication. Now Sterling Heights police are demanding $1,000 in exchange for her car after the Sterling Heights have basically “been trying to find a way to extort money from her,” according to attorney Barton Morris.
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Barton Morris Fights for Client’s Return of Impounded Car by Sterling Heights Police – August 13th, 2019 | WWJ Newsradio 950 (audio)
A Detroit woman was pulled over by Sterling Heights police for running a red light. Next thing she knew, her car was impounded for the possession of her own prescription medication. Attorney Barton Morris is preparing to fight for the return of her car.
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Barton Morris “Surprises” Attorney General with Acquittal for Medical Professional – June 19th, 2019 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Principal attorney Barton Morris “surprises” the attorney general after winning an acquittal for nurse Liza Barnett. Barnett was a nurse at MediLodge in Farmington Hills when she was fired for “intentionally falsifying medical records.”
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Fired nurse claims she was a scapegoat at Farmington care facility – June 6th, 2019 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Her attorney, Barton Morris of Barton Morris Law Firm, said Barnett was attempting to correct an error when the state claimed she intentionally falsified a record. The patient in question was under the care of several nurses, according to Morris.
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Gov. Whitmer promised to expunge marijuana-related criminal records in Michigan. Those convicted are still waiting – June 3rd, 2019 | Detroit Metro Times
“Something needs to be done immediately,” says Barton Morris, an attorney and leading advocate for expunging pot-related offenses and pardoning people who are in jail for offenses that are now civil infractions. “There are people currently serving probation, jail, and prison sentences for nonviolent marijuana-related convictions. Every day that goes by is another strike of injustice to them, especially ones serving sentences for offenses for marijuana-related conduct that is permitted today.”
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Police Raid Michigan Cultivation Facility; Business Owners, Investors React – July 19th, 2019 | Cannabis Business Times
“Because of these new laws and emergency regulations, companies from all over the country—legitimate companies—are coming here and investing in the city of Detroit,” attorney Barton Morris said at the press conference. “They’re investing in the state of Michigan. They’re investing in our economy in order to bring regulated commercial cannabis cultivation here in the city.”
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Busted for weed? Don’t worry. Michigan could have your back – May 2nd, 2019 | City Pulse
“This was a grey market. Nothing compares to this. Right now, every day that goes by is basically a kick in the face for these folks,” said Barton Morris. “It’s not just people in jail. It’s people on probation and who are being drug tested every week for a simple possession charge. If they screw up? They could go back to jail for something this is now legal.”
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Commission recommends against setting a blood level limit for pot – March 27th, 2019 | Michigan Radio (NPR)
Barton Morris, Jr., principal attorney of the Law Offices of Barton Morris and contributor to the report, said the commision’s recommendations “were very well supported and thought out.”
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Michigan shouldn’t set legal limit for driving while high, commission says – March 26th, 2019 | MLive
A special commission is advising Michigan lawmakers not to set limits on how much THC a person can have in their system before they’re deemed too impaired to drive. “The commission was very accurate,” Morris said. “There cannot be a THC concentration in blood that reasonably equates to impaired driving.”
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Barton Morris Clears Marijuana Charges and Prevents Deportation for Detroit Man – January 19th, 2019 | Channel 7 WXYZ
A Detroit restaurant owner originally from Jamaica was accused of selling marijuana out of his restaurant when Detroit Police raided it and found 9 ounces of marijuana. But the defense in court “changed everything.”
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Suit: Cops illegally seized car after $10 marijuana buy – Dec. 6th, 2018 | The Detroit News
The attorney for a Detroit woman has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging Wayne County sheriff’s deputies illegally impounded her car after she was cited for buying $10 of marijuana — costing her $1,200 in fees and fines. Barton Morris says his client was ticketed after buying a small amount of marijuana from an unlicensed dispensary in July.
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Woman’s car impounded, fined $1200 for $10 of medical pot – October 24th, 2018 | FOX 10
The law is called civil forfeiture- meaning if cops find illegal pot in your car or home or on your boat or whatever, they can seize those items and make you pay to get it back. This is true even if you are not convicted of the initial crime. For Crystal, it cost her $1,200 for $10 in pot. “It’s policing for profit,” Barton said.
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Michigan Judge Dismisses Criminal Cases of Viola Extracts Employees Arrested in Detroit Raid – August 3rd, 2018 | Cannabis Business Times
The company’s legal attorney, Barton Morris, argued that Detroit police did not do the legwork to confirm the business’s permits and records prior to conducting the May 29 raid. “[The employees] were charged with having an unlawful cultivation operation—basically, having too many plants. These guys have done everything that they could possibly have been expected to do in order to be able to operate in the manner in which did. [That] basically means: Get all the required permits and licensing from the city of Detroit and then also apply for the state license.”
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Medical marijuana dispensary owner’s prison sentence raises questions over prosecution – March 28th, 2018 | Channel 7 WXYZ
“Rudi is one of the first people to be provided a medical marijuana dispensary in the city of Detroit, that was permitted by the city,” Morris says. “It’s my goal to see to it that he is released from prison, and his justice has been restored.”
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Attorney Barton Morris Featured In SADO Criminal Defense Newsletter – September 2017 | SADO Newsletter
Spotlight On: Barton W. Morris, Jr.
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Royal Oak backs off strict noise limits after legal challenge to Dream Cruise tickets – August 24th, 2017 | Detroit Free Press
Morris wrote that state law specifically says it is the last word on motor vehicle noise in Michigan, “and no local ordinance can pre-exempt it.” He went on to state: “The city’s ordinance is blatantly in violation of state law. … Many people who are simply enjoying the summer with their cars on Woodward feel harassed.”
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Royal Oak Agrees To Throw Out More Than 100 Noise Violation Tickets – August 23rd, 2017 | CBS Detroit
Barton Morris, who protested the tickets, says he was informed that not all of these tickets would be tossed. “Only to the extent that they were written for a driver that was actually traveling on the highway, because it was Dave Gillaim’s…in his response he stated that he still has the ability to enforce it to those who were parked,” said Morris.
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Dream Cruise cars steer into strict noise rule — and Royal Oak’s tickets – August 17th, 2017 | Detroit Free Press
State law specifically says it is the last word on motor vehicle noise in Michigan, “and no local ordinance can pre-exempt it,” attorney Barton Morris said. In his letter to Royal Oak City Hall, Morris minced no words: “The City’s ordinance is blatantly in violation of state law and its concerning because it is our understanding that these tickets have been issued hundreds of times. Many people who are simply enjoying the summer with their cars on Woodward feel harassed.”
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VOTE NOW: Should Royal Oak crack down on loud cars by issuing tickets? – August 4th, 2017 | Channel 7 WXYZ
The city of Royal Oak is cracking down on loud drivers by issuing tickets to drivers, and cruisers are working to fight the tickets. Attorney Barton Morris says that is unlawful and he plans to put the brakes on it, once and for all.
Press Releases
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The National Trial Lawyers Announces Michael Norman as One of Its Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in Michigan – December 14th, 2020
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Wayne County Vehicle Forfeiture Program Under Fire by Attorney Barton W. Morris Jr. and the Institute for Justice – February 4th, 2020
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Tens of Thousands to Be Raised by Barton W. Morris Law Firm and “Mom’s 4 Starfish” to Build Much Needed Classroom – October 31st, 2019
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Michigan Drivers’ Rights are Often Violated When Stopped When Driving Under the Influence – August 19th, 2019
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Attorney Barton W. Morris Jr. Carries Unique Title as Michigan’s Only ACS Certified Forensic Lawyer-Scientist – August 12th, 2019
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The Law Offices of Barton Morris Supports Starfish Family Services in Ongoing Diaper Drive – July 17th, 2019
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Attorney Barton Morris is Voted by DBusiness Magazine as a Premier Metro Detroit Attorney – February 14th, 2013 | Newswire
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Stop your Google search, pick up the phone and retain the services of the best criminal defense team in the state of Michigan. When you hire Barton Morris to represent you, you should be confident in knowing that the lawyers on his team will fight for your legal rights in every way possible. Mr. Morris and his associates legal knowledge is unsurpassed bar none. Although my case was unique, having been on the lam for sixteen years, Mr. Morris was able to prove that the lack of evidence was detrimental to the prosecution and all charges were dismissed. Mr. Morris happened to be the second lawyer that I contacted. The first lawyer said he would take my case for a $10K retainer fee and that I had a long road ahead of me. The next day, I contacted Mr. Morris and knew from our first conversation that I was in good hands with his representation. Stop shopping around and hire Barton Morris today!