The animal law attorneys here would be able to advise you best on what to do, but your question remains open for two weeks. If you can't locate an attorney in your region knowledgeable in this area of law, you could consider reaching out to animal control, local shelters, or animal welfare... View More

One of the most commonly misunderstood components of the law is evidence. Certainly, direct evidence would be most persuasive (e.g., video of your dog). But circumstantial evidence - what you describe - can also lead to a conviction.

Hire an attorney in the location of the arraignment. They may be able to arrange for this to be done by zoom or resolve it by some other means.

If this incident happened in your location, I'm unsure how you would be arraigned in a court 3 hours away. You also need to look into that... View More

Not sure anything can be done. Presumptively, this was all done verbally; you have nothing in writing. Generally, when you give someone something, it becomes theirs once they accept the gift. There are no "give backs" under the law. Nothing would prevent them from giving the dog away now... View More

Domestic animals are considered property. You could file a claim and delivery action. However, you really need to assess whether it's worth your time and effort. Even if you prevail, it would change the verdict you now should have that this friend is no friend of yours.

Absolutely. Even though you apparently don’t have any compensatory damages, you may be entitled to recover nominal damages if you prevail.

I understand what you're saying but look at it this way: probation is in lieu of jail. You wouldn't be drinking alcohol in jail, would you?

And if you're in veterans treatment court, the counter argument would be made that drinking is contraindicative of the treatment and... View More

A Michigan attorney could answer best, but your question remains open for three weeks. There's no controlling whether someone will sue or not. But based on your post, you have a strong defense. Keep all records and reports that support that your dog was not an aggressor. They'll be useful... View More

In a court of law, you will have to prove each and every element of your case, which in this context means that any monies/reimbursement you are seeking needs to be proven to be related to the incident. If the attacker contends that what you have provided is insufficient (and a Court agrees) then... View More

I know being subject to a trial can be scary and intimidating, but I must say, you have a story, and the way you just told it suggests that you're probably more prepared for trial than you may think.

I'm unsure you have a right to go on that property. And depending on what's going on, it could be a secured scene for criminal or insurance purposes, so you definitely would not want to enter uninvited.

Certainly, a lawyer would need to review the actual written agreement, but if it says, as you're indicating here, "I agree to care for the animals for this period of time, and if you don't come get them before that time ends, they are mine", then I think you are on solid legal... View More

You could sue the owner of the dog who bit your dog, small claims might be an option. It might also depend on the rules or standards of practice at the dog park.

Sounds to me like you'll want to notify your homeowners insurance and hire an attorney ASAP. Your homeowner's policy and, generally, a lawsuit has very strict timing requirements of response following service of process (receiving notice of the lawsuit).

The problem with verbal agreements are that they are usually worth the paper they are printed on. You would need to prove there was an agreement and what the terms were. Tough task when the other person is probably going to deny it.

Yes.

Your employer might want to contact an attorney to consult with on this matter. In general, the Michigan Modified Food Code (MMFC) has a pretty broad prohibition of animals in food establishments, but there are exceptions for animals controlled by persons with a disability. The ADA offers some... View More

First, you should always read the statute to see what exactly needs to be proved. I'm unsure you'll prevail in court. Offering an explanation isn't really a reason to go to trial, but could have an affect of any fines or costs the judge might order.

You might be stuck. Right or wrong, animals are considered property. And in this case, the dog is property of the estate, to which your dad has no claim unless they were married at the time or if a will directs otherwise.