When you initially receive an outcome to your case, the result may not always be in your favor. While the legal system is generally designed to try and obtain a fair and unbiased outcome to each issue, the truth is that it’s still run by humans and that means there’s always the possibility for mistakes, errors, unjustified biases, or lapses in judgement. Fortunately, you do have options for ...
In today’s society, your cell phone can help you out with essentially anything—from communicating with loved ones and staying updated with current events to editing work documents and playing games. It can also help you save money. If you find budgeting and saving money to be arduous tasks, there are several apps available to track your finances and find ways to cut spending. With little effort ...
If you’re struggling under the weight of crippling debt, you may be looking at bankruptcy as though you have nowhere else to turn. It’s easy to see why bankruptcy is so frightening to so many people—the impact it can have on your credit for many years to come can be significant and for that reason many people don’t even want to consider it as a viable option. However, there’s some good news: if ...
Having a liquor license can significantly increase revenue to your business. However, Michigan’s liquor license laws are quite complex and obtaining one can be an arduous process. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has many rules, regulations, and standard practices. Simple mistakes can prolong approval for an applicant from six months to as long as 12 to 18 months. The following ...
Whether you’re an employed individual or someone who employs others at their business, you’re probably more than familiar with the fact that business disputes happen. No matter how large or small your business, conflicts could come up and that means a tedious dispute resolution that can be a huge hassle for everyone involved. Both sides have a vested interest in finding a solution quickly and ...
Having a liquor license can significantly increase revenue to your business. However, Michigan’s liquor license laws are quite complex and obtaining one can be an arduous process. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has many rules, regulations, and standard practices. Simple mistakes can prolong approval for an applicant from six months to as long as 12 to 18 months. The following ...
If you are thinking about starting a new business, whether as a full-time job or to make some money on the side, you should consider forming a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). The LCC is a similar to a corporation but is much simpler than a corporation (think less paperwork). An LCC is easy to create and can be used for many types of businesses, such as a group of people joining together to ...
If you have been arrested for an OWI in Michigan, a conviction can result in serious penalties. Not only does it result in serving time in jail, paying expensive fines and losing the ability to drive for an extended period of time, but also having a criminal record can have a negative impact on your life and reputation. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce the charges with the help of an ...
Your Fourth Amendment right – the right to free from unlawful searches and seizures – is one of the most important rights you have, especially in terms of criminal law . Under the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement officers must have a valid justification for stopping you, searching you, and arresting you or confiscating your property. Although the Fourth Amendment is what protects you from law ...
Michigan law makes it a crime to drive with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and enforces what can be severe penalties upon conviction. However, the circumstances surrounding an arrest and allegation for a DWLS / DWLR (driving while license suspended or revoked) can play a significant role in determining the charges and penalties you face, and whether you have options for protecting your ...
If you have been arrested for an OWI in Michigan, a conviction can result in serious penalties. Not only does it result in serving time in jail, paying expensive fines and losing the ability to drive for an extended period of time, but also having a criminal record can have a negative impact on your life and reputation. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce the charges with the help of an ...
Your Fourth Amendment right – the right to free from unlawful searches and seizures – is one of the most important rights you have, especially in terms of criminal law . Under the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement officers must have a valid justification for stopping you, searching you, and arresting you or confiscating your property. Although the Fourth Amendment is what protects you from law ...
In order to avoid an OWI charge, there are several alternatives as opposed to drunk driving. For instance, requesting a ride from an Uber driver or calling a sober friend to be your designated driver. However, there are many people who do not realize how intoxicated they are until they get behind the wheel and attempt to drive. So what can you do when you recognize you are too intoxicated to ...
Interviewing for a new job can be somewhat intimidating. While most potential employers will ask some pretty standard questions about your work history, your skills, and what you’re looking for in an employment position, they may also ask some questions that cross the line into illegal territory. The thing is, many of these questions are so common that most people don’t actually recognize that the ...
A “whistleblower” is an employee who reports illegal or unethical activity of their employer to the proper authorities. However, since employers may face monetary penalties, sanctions, and costly remediation costs associated with correcting the violation, reporting employees may be victims of employer retaliation. The purpose of retaliation is to either punish the employee, deter future reports, ...
Whether you’re an employed individual or someone who employs others at their business, you’re probably more than familiar with the fact that business disputes happen. No matter how large or small your business, conflicts could come up and that means a tedious dispute resolution that can be a huge hassle for everyone involved. Both sides have a vested interest in finding a solution quickly and ...
After the United States Supreme Court’s 2015 decision to legalize marriage equality, the LGBTQ community received a wealth of rights it was previously denied. However, questions still remain about the parental rights of unmarried same sex couples who raise children together. Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision, in Michigan, same-sex partners could not jointly adopt children, and for couples who ...
With the start of hunting season, Michigan has certain laws that all hunters should be aware of. Here are 5 things you should know before you grab your hunter’s orange and head out into the woods. [1] GET A LICENSE . This may seem self-explanatory, but hunting without a license has serious consequences. Michigan law prohibits people from taking or possessing a wild animal without possessing a ...
After the United States Supreme Court’s 2015 decision to legalize marriage equality, the LGBTQ community received a wealth of rights it was previously denied. However, questions still remain about the parental rights of unmarried same sex couples who raise children together. Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision, in Michigan, same-sex partners could not jointly adopt children, and for couples who ...
If you are thinking about starting a new business, whether as a full-time job or to make some money on the side, you should consider forming a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). The LCC is a similar to a corporation but is much simpler than a corporation (think less paperwork). An LCC is easy to create and can be used for many types of businesses, such as a group of people joining together to ...
Like many states, Michigan allows the legal use of medicinal marijuana. According to Michigan Initiated Law 1 of 2008, also known as the Michigan Marihuana Act, any patient having a debilitating condition and his/her primary caregiver is permitted to use, possess, cultivate, manufacture, deliver, or transfer marijuana to treat or improve the qualifying patient’s health condition. Qualifying ...
On April 18, 2017, the Michigan Court of Appeals unanimously issued a published opinion in People v. Manuel that has brought some much-needed clarity to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (“MMMA”). White Law PLLC Attorney John Fraser represented Mr. Manuel at both the trial court level and in the Court of Appeals. Mr. Fraser successfully argued and achieved immunity from prosecution under Section ...
On September 21, 2016, the Legislature and Governor gave some much needed guidance to medical marijuana caregivers and patients in Michigan. Governor Rick Snyder signed the “Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act” into law. The Act will become effective December 20, 2016. The Licensing Act does exactly what its name suggests: establish a statewide licensing procedure for medical marijuana ...
The Ingham County 30 th Circuit Court offers Mental Health Court as an alternative to the typical criminal justice system. The goal of Mental Health Court, like other specialty court programs, is to try and address the root cause of a particular defendant’s behavior, as opposed to simply punishing them to a term of incarceration. Instead of just being sentenced to a jail or prison term, defendants ...
If you have gone through the rigorous Secretary of State driver’s license restoration process, you are likely familiar with the interlock ignition device that can be placed in drivers’ vehicles to monitor sobriety. If you are familiar with these pesky devices, then you probably know that they can be a major hassle to drivers hoping to get their license fully restored. Michigan drivers dealing with ...
Before attending your driver’s license appeal hearing, preparation is absolutely crucial. Not being able to commute to work, drive to class, or conduct day-to-day activities can make your life more difficult. While the stress of trying to regain your driving privileges back can be daunting, proper preparation can help you get back on the road as quickly as possible. The following are several tips ...
Getting your driving privileges back after a DUI or OWI arrest can be a long and arduous process. It is critical to have a good understanding of the proceedings necessary to get you back on the road. Additionally, you need to be aware of the common missteps people often take to avoid prolonging driver’s license restoration. The following are the four most common mistakes when getting your license ...
In Michigan, legislation reducing penalties for minors caught with alcohol is one of the bills signed by Gov. Rick Snyder and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley in December. Senate Bills 332 and 333 – sponsored by state Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) – decreases first-time violations of the minor in possession (MIP) law from a misdemeanor to a state civil infraction that is similar to a traffic ticket. ...
Being convicted of multiple moving violations or for driving under the influence ( DUI ) in Michigan will likely result in the temporary loss of your driver’s license. As important as it may be to do all you can to prevent this suspension or revocation in the first place, it may be just as crucial to know what you need to do – or not do – to get it back. The Michigan driver’s license restoration ...
The U.S. may soon offer reciprocity among states for concealed carry permits. Find out about the requirements for a Concealed Pistol License in Michigan. Over the course of the presidential election season there were a number of well-spirited debates about citizens and their gun rights. Now that president-elect Trump, a gun rights proponent, will take the Oval Office in January, new restrictions ...
We are appreciative of the service of our veterans. Unfortunately, after returning home from service, many veterans face social and legal challenges, which could lead to criminal charges. Ingham County has created a specialized court that addresses legal issues facing veterans. The Ingham County Veterans’ Treatment Court is a problem-solving court for veterans that was established in 2010. As a ...
On April 18, 2017, the Michigan Court of Appeals unanimously issued a published opinion in People v. Manuel that has brought some much-needed clarity to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (“MMMA”). White Law PLLC Attorney John Fraser represented Mr. Manuel at both the trial court level and in the Court of Appeals. Mr. Fraser successfully argued and achieved immunity from prosecution under Section ...
The ongoing Larry Nassar sexual abuse case has been rife with controversy since its first day. In just a short amount of time, dozens of women have come forth to submit their own complaints, some of them dating back to 1999. As the case develops, more eyes are turning to Michigan State University (MSU), where Nassar was employed for close to 20 years as a team physician. Can MSU be held ...
After the United States Supreme Court’s 2015 decision to legalize marriage equality, the LGBTQ community received a wealth of rights it was previously denied. However, questions still remain about the parental rights of unmarried same sex couples who raise children together. Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision, in Michigan, same-sex partners could not jointly adopt children, and for couples who ...
With summer in full swing, Americans are taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to go on vacations, enjoy recreational activities, and have fun in general. Although the ideal weather conditions would make it seem like summer is the best time to be on the road, in reality, this season is considered the deadliest time of year to drive. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway ...
When it comes to dog bites, the state of Michigan is a “strict-liability” state, meaning the animal does not need to have a history of aggressive behavior in order to file a claim. According to Michigan statute 287.351, dog owners are liable for bite injuries their pets cause. However, in order to have a valid dog bite injury claim, your case answer yes to a number of questions. Was the Attack ...
Although dogs are considered to be man’s best friend, these canine companions are still prone to attack or bite a friend or foe. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States annually, and 900,000 of those bites become infected. This means that a dog bites one out of every 72 people, which is a frightening ...
Approximately 1.8 million adolescents have been victimized by sexual assault in the United States. Research has determined that before reaching the age of 18, approximately 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually assaulted by a stranger, relative, teacher, clergy member, etc. Sexual offenders often use specific and planned strategies when choosing their victims. In order to prevent ...
“Personal space” is considered an imaginary boundary which each person should respect and helps us avoid things that make us feel uncomfortable. When it comes to child sexual abuse , personal space is of utmost importance. Behaviors by adults that continuously disrespect or ignore boundaries make children susceptible to abuse and misconduct. The following are certain behaviors to keep an eye out ...
Young adults, especially women ages 18-24, are at a high risk for sexual assault and sexual violence on college campuses . In fact, sex crimes are more pervasive on university grounds compared to other offenses. Although many colleges have policies in place to guard against—and punish the perpetrators of—sexual assault, these unfortunate incidents still occur. Sexual assault doesn’t just mean ...
A false allegation of sexual abuse can be absolutely devastating. A person accused could have their personal life tarnished, career ruined and family destroyed. Worse yet, if the person is convicted, they can face extreme repercussions such as prison time, sex offender registration and hefty fines. Fortunately, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person committed sexual abuse, ...
