PEOPLE v. McKERCHIE

In this dispute over the proper interpretation of the prison escape statute, MCL 750.193, the Attorney General, acting on behalf of the people of the state of Michigan, appeals by right, see MCL 770.12(1), the trial court’s order dismissing the charge of prison escape against defendant, Michael David McKerchie, III. We conclude that the trial court erred when it interpreted the statute to provide immunity to parolees who violate parole by escaping from prison. For that reason, we reverse and remand.

I. BACKGROUND AND BASIC FACTS

The Department of Corrections (the Department) operates a…