Posted on 07/11/2012 11:52:26 AM PDT by marktwain
The trial for Sean Combs, the 18-year-old from Troy found carrying a rifle through downtown Birmingham, begins today.
Combs' trial begins at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in front of Judge Marc Barron at 48th District Court.
Combs is charged with brandishing a firearm, disturbing the peace and obstructing an officer after an April 13 incident at the corner of Merrill and South Old Woodward.
Combs was arrested around 10 p.m. after refusing to show police officers identification after they asked about the WWII-era M1 Garand .30-caliber rifle strapped to his back, police reports state.
Under Michigan law, as an adult, Combs was legally allowed to carry the weapon and not required to show identification. However, police stated they requested an identification because Combs looked "very young."
At the June 20 evidentiary hearing, Barron denied a motion to dismiss the three charges facing Combs, filed by his attorney James Makowski. According to Barron, Birmingham's ordinances are clear.
"City ordinances must follow constitutional law," Barron said. "(However), Home Rule cities have specific authority to enact ordinances in the interest of the city."
Birmingham will be represented Wednesday by Mary Kucharek of Beier Howlett, P.C. Leading up to Combs' evidentiary hearing, Kucharek and Makowski debated the definition of "brandishing a weapon," the key charge facing Combs Wednesday. Related Topics: Birmingham Police, Open Carry, Open Carry Michigan, and sean combs How do you think Combs' trial will go? Tell us in the comments.
Because he looked so young...and then they saw that his name is “Sean Combs”.
Good news. not guilty on all counts.
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