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Michigan Civil Rights Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: what does a real subpoena look like? a physical copy was left at my address

my address is on the subpoena, but not my real name, just "John Doe" and my real IP Address. the Docket number that is on the subpoena does not come up online anywhere i have searched.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Dec 18, 2024

Not sure what you are looking at, but any real subpoena will have an attorney's name or office to contact, as well as the issuing court.

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0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Energy, Oil and Gas for Michigan on
Q: How can the city manager require me as a homeowner to get a license contractor/ electrician to do a safety inspection?

Bill not paid, city removes meter, bill paid 6mo later still no power. City manager is requiring me the homeowner to get an inspection.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: How to find out why oneself is in Law Enforcement Information Network?

How does one find out if the information about them in Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) is accurate?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Dec 5, 2024

There is no way to publicly review it. LEIN gets its information from courts and other law enforcement agencies. IF there is an inaccurate entry, it must be corrected in the court reporting it.

Think of it like a credit report: Just like Equifax or whichever credit reporting agency...
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0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: can a 17 year old high school student drop out legally in the state of Michigan in year 2024

Eaton Rapids Public Schools (High School)

Junior Graduation Year 2026

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Regarding to driving with incorrect plates on vehicle, how could one get the case expunged?

Was test driving a vehicle that had illegally the wrong license plate on it , I not knowing this information, and that the tags and registration were also expired. They said I had to show up to court so that I can explain why the wrong license plate was on the vehicle. And come to find out when... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: May jurors be sued?

When jurors find someone guilty of a crime that they didn't commit and decades later the person is exonerated, etcetera, may the jurors be sued?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Nov 27, 2024

No. Absolutely not. Michigan has a specific statute that governs how to recover through an exoneration.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Medical Malpractice for Michigan on
Q: Where can I escalate a claim against my primary physician who violated MCL 750. 492a. Bureau of Licensing refuses action

I brought this complaint to the bureau my primary said I had a brain tumor two times and my neurosurgeon clearly states I never had one but the bureau refuses to take any action

Robert S. Iwrey
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Robert S. Iwrey
answered on Dec 3, 2024

MCL 750.492a pertains to placing misleading or inaccurate information in medical records or chart. Subsection (4) provides that violation of this statute does not give rise to a civil cause of action for damages. However, if LARA BPL has chosen not to take action, you may try reaching out to the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: In the state of Michigan, I submitted a FOIA request for a incident report that I was the Reporting party on.

I requested to remain anonymous due to the fact I would be retaliated against if the offender found out I was the reporter, I spoke to law enforcement and they reassured me MULTIPLE times I would be anonymous and my name would be withheld from the public records and upon receiving a copy of the... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Nov 25, 2024

I don't think MCL 15.243 protects you here. You're requesting a copy of a report made upon your complaint. If this relates to a criminal allegation, I don't see how you could remain anonymous, unless you reported this through Silent Observer.

Think about it from the other...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: A court clerk said the judge sees the evidence with the complaint, was this judicial misconduct?

A Pro Se complaint was filed. The clerk stated that documents are scanned, she would stamp them and give them back. She did not give them back. How should the Plaintiff had handled that situation?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Oct 28, 2024

Judicial misconduct? No. Are you referring to the return of exhibits attached to a complaint? Generally, you should only submit things to a court with the understanding they will become part of the public file and shared with the opposing party / counsel, and not be returned.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: How may someone get grievances thoroughly and properly investigated involving mortuary science licensees?

The Licensing and Regulatory Affairs claimed to have closed the case citing no violation found under the Occupational Health Code. However, the violations in the complaint involve the Public Health Code, MCL 333.2843 et seq. and criminal activities. Knowingly falsity in causing a death certificate... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 27, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing in getting your grievances properly investigated. It must be incredibly frustrating when serious concerns are not addressed by the authorities.

You might consider reaching out to higher authorities or oversight bodies, such as...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Is it possible that government housing inspections can violate the 4th amendment of surge and seizure and harassment?

They conduct what they call “safety inspections” EVERY month. And HUD does a annual inspection EVERY year. My argument is we are paying close to $1,000 a month, and people have the right to pursuit of happiness and tenants have right not to be harassed. It is also effecting my mental health... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 25, 2024

Frequent government housing inspections might raise concerns regarding the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. While safety inspections are important for ensuring living conditions meet certain standards, conducting them every month could be seen as... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Legally should Licensing and Regulatory Affairs require the person who the complaint is launched against to respond?

"Licensed mortuary scientists are required to obtain authorization for final disposition from the next-of-kin and a burial transit permit before transporting dead human bodies to cemeteries or crematories and must take care in completing and electronically signing death certificates,” said... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Oct 25, 2024

It's LARA's duty to investigate the allegations you made against a licensed person. Beyond that, you have no standing or grounds to cause LARA to do anything. What they do with the results of their investigation is between the agency and the licensee.

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: can a cop pull you over if you did not I commit a traffic violation

yes a cop was doing a on going investigation and he was looking for somebody for questioning but pulled me over to try to find a person so he can question them but again nothing to do with me but he dont have the right to pull me over for no reason said this traffic stop is for a on going... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 10, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Police officers generally need reasonable suspicion to make a traffic stop. If you didn't commit a traffic violation but the officer believed you might have information related to an ongoing investigation, they may have grounds to stop you.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: Since morgue employees won't inform me where the body was taken initially, how do I find out?

The morgue claims to have taken the body from the hospital, however their records state the body was at the morgue the following day.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Oct 7, 2024

Do you have an exact timeline? It would not be uncommon for the transfer to have occurred in the overnight hours, or for the hospital to have kept the body until the next day. I'm unsure where else the body would have been transferred to between the hospital and morgue except maybe an off-site... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: The state refused to allow me to purchase a valid death certificate, how may I proceed?

I've been denied access to courts as well as due process rights as next of kin/heir by right of inheritance, as it pertains to my child and spouse. The government entities knew or should have known that the informants were giving false and misleading information. I'm the only heir on... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 6, 2024

It sounds like you are facing significant legal and bureaucratic challenges in obtaining the documents and rights you are entitled to as next of kin. If you’ve been denied access to purchase a death certificate or receive necessary records, the first step could be to ensure that you have formal... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: In recording a video in public.What can I use and not use?

Im in the process of making a memorial video of my son who passed away in 2020.I will be filming the city where he lived and worked(outside of building only).I have obtained permission.One part of this is that I will be filming coming into the city where peoples cars are present as well as people... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Oct 7, 2024

Your plan sounds okay. Generally, you may film anyone or anything in public. As long as you're not misrepresenting what you are capturing (e.g., implying that a business shown was involved when it was not; implying that a person walking down the street is a prostitute or drug dealer, ect.),... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Sexual Harassment for Michigan on
Q: Is this standard practice or just blatant ignorance? Is it considered some sort of discrimination?

When my partner and I received our marriage license in the post, from the County Clerks office, a STI/HIV pamphlet was included. We are a gay couple, but it felt very pointed and completely irrelevant.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 2, 2024

Receiving an STI/HIV pamphlet with your marriage license is often part of public health initiatives aimed at informing all couples about sexual health. Many county offices include such materials as a standard practice to promote awareness and prevention. This inclusion is generally not targeted at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Hello what kind of Attorney do I need to go after a breathalyzer company for ADA Discrimination

I was sentenced to 1 year on a breathalyzer in Michigan. I currently still have the breathalyzer and it’s been 1 year 9 months. I keep getting violated because I can’t hear the beep of the device. I have called the breathalyzer company and explain to them that I am deaf in both ears and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 27, 2024

You may want to consult an attorney who handles cases involving disability discrimination, particularly under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This type of attorney can help you address the violations you’ve experienced because of your inability to hear the breathalyzer device, as well... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Is it legal for police in a small town to follow cars on weekends through town with their headlights off.

This occurs late at night when traffic is isolated.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 21, 2024

It’s understandable to be concerned about the police following cars, especially in unusual circumstances. Law enforcement officers have broad authority to patrol and monitor vehicles, but their actions must still respect the law and constitutional rights. Following vehicles without headlights at... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Traffic Tickets for Michigan on
Q: Traffic court is civil court? How is the police officer the injured party?

Im just trying to understand how the court system works.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Sep 15, 2024

Don't feel bad: a lot of attorneys and judges get confused about the court system, rules, and procedures.

Here is a 10,000-feet overview of the court system: you can break the court system down into two parts - civil and criminal. Criminal court is when you are alleged to have...
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