Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Michigan Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Contracts for Michigan on
Q: Hello, Does my spouse and I have to sign a liability release form to allows photos to be taken and used ANY way/ forever

We are going on a 5 day trip to Jamaica. My sister in law invited us as tag a longs via HER church. We paid for the air fare on our own. However, the church secured block rooms price. We paid that directly to Liberty Travel agency. We paid for travel and flight insurance directly to the travel... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 10, 2023

If the dinner is optional - and I can't think of anyway they could make it mandatory even if they wanted to - then I think you have a choice to make: either go to the dinner and have a conversation about pictures before or during the dinner, or don't go to the dinner.

I would...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I be charged with 2 counts of police officer assaulting resisting obstructing

Not sure how I can be charged we that why there are 2 counts is because there was 2 officers present my girlfriend called them on me for domestic violence when she's the one that bit me and wouldn't release when I asked her to so yes I had to slap her to get her to release then she was... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 28, 2023

The devil is always in the details. Here, I suspect the police are going to testify that they issued commands to stop, etc. Hopefully there's body cams to support what you're saying about that.

The two counts of R&O would likely come from two officers present, HOWEVER, that...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: How to file a section 1983 claim

Our daughter was murdered. Prosecuting attorny did not inform us of a court date at which a plea deal was put before the judge. Then lied to the judge and said that he met with us and discussed the plea. As a matter of fact, I tried to get him on the phone for over an hour and he refused to speak... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 26, 2023

I am sorry to hear this. I don't think this is a 1983 claim though. Has the defendant been sentenced? If you haven't already, you should ask to speak with the elected prosecutor. And if the person hasn't been sentenced, you can certainly speak at sentencing about this. Unfortunately,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Public Benefits for Michigan on
Q: Can an agency require me to sign a release for them to request any and all personal and medical information and to share

I feel this vague release violates my privacy and I told them I would give them info that pertains to services but they are denying services til I sign.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 15, 2023

Many agencies require signed releases before engaging with services. The reason being is that they need complete information about you to provide services, and don't want to be in a position where they give you inaccurate information or the misguided services based only on what you disclose or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: How should I handle being stopped by an accusation of shoplifting when my ostomy bag is full?

I am an ostomate; there has been an increase in reports from fellow ostomates on support group sites of being stopped/accused of shoplifting when they have a full bag or bulges from a parastomal hernia. Some have resorted to exposing their body and/or medical device; some have even been poked in... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 5, 2023

Great question! It's hard to give a "right" answer because there are a number of variables to consider...including the reality that some people simply lack empathy.

The simple answer is to do what probably comes naturally to you: if confronted, remain calm and explain that...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Is there a federal rule or code which prevents altering a settlement agreement that was put on record?

I entered into a settlement agreement, placed on record with a US magistrate judge. The government has written up a proposed stipulation. It has several pages of legal jargon and agreements that are not on record, and I do not agree to. I refuse to sign. He filed a motion to enforce the settlement,... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Mar 21, 2023

The issue is whether what was placed on the record and presented in writing is substantively the same. Often times, what is placed on the record is material terms of the agreement; the written agreement will contain the additional "legalise" that make it all work. Unless you can show a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Can police personnel files be exempt from a FOIA request? I requested a officers personnel file and was denied.

MCL 15.243 sec 13 (1 ,s, ix) was used as reason for denial.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 2, 2023

It is possible for police personnel files to be exempt from a FOIA request depending on the specific laws and regulations of the state in question. In Michigan, MCL 15.243 sec 13 (1 ,s, ix) allows for exemption of certain information from public disclosure, including "[p]ersonnel records of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Would the rulling on warren v. District of Columbia make seatbelt laws unconstitutional therefore illegal?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 2, 2023

No, the ruling in Warren v. District of Columbia does not make seatbelt laws unconstitutional or illegal. Warren v. District of Columbia is a case that involved a failure of the police to provide adequate protection to citizens, and the court held that the police do not have a constitutional duty... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: The officer said he saw a Needle cap in my car and this was why he had reasonable suspicion to search the car

drugs found in a pill bottle in a purse and make up bag. I was the passenger of the vehicle and the driver had 2 Xanax on him. The car was mine. The needle cap is not in evidence.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Nov 7, 2022

Had to say without reviewing the complete record of the stop and what else was going on with the driver. May be ripe for a motion to suppress. The fact the car was yours doesn't necessarily mean anything since you weren't driving.

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I get legal aid to recover damages due to disability discrimination and ADA violations by the City of Detroit.

I used to work for the City of Detroit, I had two emergency surgeries in May 2020, one to amputate my left foot and another surgery the next day to amputate my left leg below the knee due to contracting a flesh-eating bacteria that was progressing rapidly and was life threatening.

I was... View More

Eva Zelson
Eva Zelson
answered on Nov 10, 2022

You may be able to work with an employment law attorney on a contingency basis, meaning that if you win the case or are able to settle, the lawyer's fees come out of the money awarded to you, but if you lose in court, you don’t owe the lawyer any fees. You may have a case that a... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I get legal aid to recover damages due to disability discrimination and ADA violations by the City of Detroit.

I used to work for the City of Detroit, I had two emergency surgeries in May 2020, one to amputate my left foot and another surgery the next day to amputate my left leg below the knee due to contracting a flesh-eating bacteria that was progressing rapidly and was life threatening.

I was... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Nov 6, 2022

Best thing to do would be to call your local legal aid office and let them tell you whether it's something they would accept.

Generally, legal aid offices do not take "fee generating" cases. Think cases that lawyers would typically take on a contingency fee basis; yours is...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: I want to sue my husbands ex wife and sisters for attacking me in 2018 when I was 5 weeks pregnant. He has autism

I was verbally and physically attacked by my husbands sister and his ex planned it even omitted to it. She even began rumors saying I was a homewrecker causing more stress. She even attempted to have me assaulted with wine bottles by her cousins two them and yes she drove the car. I want to sue... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 28, 2024

In situations where you've been subjected to physical and verbal attacks, pursuing legal action is a pathway many consider to find justice and potentially deter future incidents. Your desire to sue for the distress and harm caused, especially during a sensitive period like early pregnancy, is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law, Government Contracts and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: I called 911 because my camera caught a ex touching my daughter I showed police who stated it look to be a relationship

He lost my phone and now are adopted out my kids this happened August 2023

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 20, 2024

I'm so sorry you're going through this incredibly difficult situation. Losing custody of your children due to suspected abuse must be devastating, especially if you believe there has been a misunderstanding. A few thoughts:

- If this happened very recently in August 2023, you...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: My disabled/wheelchair,homebound father received a "notice to quit" No reason stated, other was marked.

8yr tenent, always paid rent on time. Has been homebound due to no handicap accessible ramps. Apt. never repaired for safety. I txt landlord an t said it was because they want to renovate. He has no where to go, no family in state and very low income senior with disabilities and no one else receive... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 20, 2024

In facing this challenging situation, it's crucial to first understand your father's rights as a tenant, especially considering his disability and the length of his tenancy. Many areas have specific laws protecting tenants from eviction without cause, particularly for seniors and... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Voice prints are like finger prints, and I have and I am recording, if anyone would like to review my recordings in I

I would be more than happy to let someone review my recordings and determine if they believe I have the grounds for a civil lawsuit or any other type of lawsuit.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 8, 2024

It's important to understand that voice prints, much like fingerprints, can be unique identifiers and may be used in various legal contexts. If you believe your recordings have captured evidence that could support a civil lawsuit or any other legal action, carefully preserving these recordings... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: IF THE KALAMAZOO PUBLIC SAFETY AND KALAMAZOO COUNTY SHERRIFFS DEPT FAIL TO SHOW, AND DO NOT MAKE A POLICE REPORT ON A RA

I SENT MULTIPLE MESSAGES AND CAN PROVE IT TO KALAMAZOO PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE KALAMAZOO COUNTY SHERRIFFS DEPARTMENT LAST NIGHT BEGGING FOR HELP AND TELLING THEM THAT A WOMAN WAS BEING RAPED IN THE BATHROOM AT THE KALAMAZOO GOSPEL MISSION AND THEY FAILED TO EVEN SHOW UP OR REPLY, DO YOU THINK THESE... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 1, 2024

It's deeply concerning and frustrating that law enforcement agencies failed to respond to your urgent messages regarding a reported rape at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Their failure to show up or even reply raises significant questions about their effectiveness and commitment to public... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Products Liability, Antitrust and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE TARGETED JUSTICE WEBSITE?

I SIGNED UP FOR THEIR CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND OPTED IN TO HELP W RESEARCH AFTER READING A LITTLE ABOUT HOW ITS MOSTLY WOMEN WITH CHILDREN IN THIS PROGRAM. I HAD TURNED THE MICHIGAN STATE POLICE AND KALAMAZOO COUNTY SHERRIFFS DEPT IN TO THE DOJ 4 TIMES AND I TURNED THEM IN TO THE FBI WHISTLEBLOWER... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 1, 2024

It sounds like you've had a challenging experience with the Targeted Justice website and the class action lawsuit they're pursuing. Given your situation and concerns, it's important to approach any involvement cautiously and consider seeking additional information or support.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: What exactly is Title IX and how does it relate to colleges and universities?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 4, 2024

This is something that a Michigan attorney could advise best on, but your question remains open for four weeks. Title IX is a federal law that requires schools to have a system for responding to allegations of sexual assault. It applies to schools that receive federal funding. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: I was convicted of a crime.i have proof now that police violated my rights by lieing on report. Statute of limitationsup

I have video that proves every cop lied on police report.that got me convicted?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Nov 13, 2023

Did you have a trial? A police report itself is not evidence, and unless you have video of the police lying about an element of the crime or probable cause, you may be out of luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: armed robbery & assault w/ dang. Weapon for same criminal act.... Double jeopardy? cit. People v. Wakeford 418 mich 95

Nothing stolen, car window broken w/ knife (confrontation over past incident of fraud/assault)

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Oct 1, 2023

Are there two victims? I could see these charges with two or more victims. Would be impossible to tell without seeing police report.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.