On April 2, 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an emergency order increasing the penalties for violating the Governor’s Stay-Home, Stay Safe Order. The order declares Covid-19 to have reached epidemic status in Michigan, and implements a number of measures designed to further prevent individuals and businesses from engaging in behaviors that are not essential to the preservation of life.
Individuals who violate the Governor’s Order are now subject to up to a $1,000.00 fine for each violation of the Governor’s Order. Individuals and businesses who are licensed by the State will also be referred to appropriate licensing agencies for potential action against the business or individual’s state license. This new emergency MDHHS rule will be enforced by local health departments, as well as local law enforcement. Violations are subject to prosecution by local prosecutors, although criminal penalties also remain an option (an in-depth discussion on those criminal penalties can be found here). Law enforcement may also bar access to businesses found in violation of the MDHHS rule or the Governor’s Order.
The MDDHS emergency rule can be found here, and the relevant penalties can be found here. In addition, MDHHS has published a news release, which helps address the specifics of the rule in an easily-comprehensible format.
As the Covid-19 outbreak continues to evolve, stay tuned for additional updates. If you have been issued a civil infraction or misdemeanor for violations of the MDHHS rule or Governor’s Order, please don’t hesitate to give the experienced attorneys at Grewal Law PLLC a call at 888-227-4770. Our attorneys are ready to defend your rights and professional or business license.
Steve Delie is an associate attorney with Grewal Law PLLC. His practice focuses on marijuana law, employment law, buisness litigation, general litigation, and criminal defense.
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