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State briefing

Advice from lawyer at issue

DETROIT (AP) — A woman who’s been serving a no-parole sentence since 1990 could eventually be released from prison if she can convince a judge that her lawyer gave her bad advice.

The Michigan Supreme Court recently reopened LaTonya Hobson’s case. A Wayne County judge will hold a hearing to determine if her lawyer misunderstood the law and erroneously advised her to reject a plea deal.

Hobson didn’t have a gun, but she was convicted of first-degree murder under a theory of aiding and abetting others who stormed a house in Detroit. The Muskegon native says her lawyer, who’s now deceased, told her to go to trial.

After nearly 30 years in prison, the 50-year-old Hobson has already served more than the minimum sentence in the deal that was rejected.

Senate to vote on idling bill

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Legislation up for a vote in the Michigan Senate would let residents legally leave a vehicle running unattended on private property.

The bill, which won House approval last month, was proposed after a Detroit-area man was ticketed $128 for leaving a car running in his driveway as the vehicle warmed up.

A state rule requires people to stop the engine and remove the ignition key before letting a vehicle stand unattended. The legislation would keep the prohibition in place only for vehicles parked on public streets, but not if they are equipped with a remote-start feature.

The Senate plans to vote today, and the bill is expected to soon go to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature.


On the Net:

House Bill 4215


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