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Michigan Constitutional Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Libel & Slander and Probate for Michigan on
Q: How is it known to the public if court records are or files are sealed?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 28, 2023

There is typically no way for the general public to know if court records or files have been sealed unless this is specifically disclosed by the court. Sealed records are, by definition, restricted from public access and inspection.

Instead, here is what generally happens when records are...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: Is it legal/ethical for guardianship to be granted to someone who have violent felons living and visiting the house?

Prior to becoming a legally incapacitated adult/ward of the Court, I'll call this person Matthew. Matthew and family was granted a protective order against the petitioners progeny, her house has a history of violence.

The state sought charges on the behalf Matthew's mother against... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 28, 2023

No, it would generally not be legal or ethical for guardianship to be granted to someone who has violent felons living in or frequently visiting the home where an incapacitated adult or ward of court resides. There are several issues here:

• The court has a responsibility to thoroughly...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Do inmates have rights as far as HIPPA or privacy rights that guards are not allowed to share with people?

My brother is dating a girl that works in the jail my boyfriend is currently an inmate at. When my brother told her who my boyfriend was she shared a lot of information with my brother that was in my boyfriend's file, I feel this is at best unprofessional, but is there anything legally that... View More

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

Without knowing what information specifically, it's hard to say. Some information on your boyfriend's file may also be public information, such as charges.

Might be unprofessional, at worse, but could be more. Larger issue is that unless the disclosure is something pretty major,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: My boyfriend is in need of a wrongful improvement lawyer asap as he is almost outta time and was railroaded

So my boyfriend was arrested for homicide /manslaughter 2020 and he was truthfull with the police and freely told the truth on what his part in sed mans death could have been but he was forced to take a plea deal and in prison for six months before the investigation was even over with the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 7, 2023

If your boyfriend believes he was wrongfully convicted, it would be prudent for him to consult with an attorney experienced in criminal defense and appellate work. Since this is a matter of Michigan law, he should seek out a Michigan-licensed attorney promptly, as there are strict time limits for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: I'm in a pickle with this court case that I'm in right now and really need some help they are violating my civil rights

I have been charged with my 4 hibutial offence for drugs that I don't know how they can do so since I have asked them to DNA test the seringes in the case that were found in my vehicle in a bag of someone else property but they refuse to it would show that I had nothing to do with them and no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 7, 2023

It's critical to secure legal representation if you believe your rights are being infringed upon during a criminal proceeding. In cases where evidence may exonerate a defendant, such as the DNA testing you mentioned, a lawyer can file the necessary motions to compel the court to consider this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Michigan on
Q: I'm in a pickle with this court case that I'm in right now and really need some help they are violating my civil rights

I have been charged with my 4 hibutial offence for drugs that I don't know how they can do so since I have asked them to DNA test the seringes in the case that were found in my vehicle in a bag of someone else property but the refuse to it would show that I had nothing to do with them and no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 7, 2023

If you're facing charges and believe your civil rights have been violated due to the refusal of a DNA test on evidence, you should promptly discuss this issue with a criminal defense attorney. In Michigan, as in all states, defendants have the right to challenge the admissibility of evidence... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Native American Law, Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Can a tribal k9 unit do a sniff search on a vehicle on state land, resulting in a search in Michigan?

My vehicle was searched due to a tribal police officer driving from an hour away to do an outside sniff of the car. I am not tribal and it was not on the reservation. They also broke open a lockbox. I am on parole but my wife is not and was in the car.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2023

Tribal law enforcement's jurisdiction outside of reservation land is limited. In general, tribal police do not have inherent authority to enforce state laws on state lands unless there's a specific agreement or deputization in place. Michigan, like other states, may have agreements that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law, Civil Litigation and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: What can I do if I was denied the right to file a motion to dismiss a default judgment, which resulted in me now…

Losing my home? I had a default judgment rolled against me on July 7 and attempted to file a motion to dismiss on July 13. The court clerk refused to accept my dismissal, claiming that I did not have the 21 days I was told I only had seven. This directly led to me now losing my home. What can I do... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Sep 12, 2023

You need a lawyer; and you likely needed a lawyer months ago.

As happens when people try to represent themselves, you are unaware of the proper procedures and court rules. Filing whatever you think is proper whenever you think it should be filed is not how this works.

You have a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Constitutional Law and Intellectual Property for Michigan on
Q: What can I do if someone steals my home blueprint design and builds it?

I am a builder/designer

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 11, 2023

First, you might consider reaching out to the party involved to seek a resolution outside of court. If that doesn't work, you can take legal action for copyright infringement, as blueprints can be considered intellectual property. To establish a strong case, it will be beneficial to have proof... 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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I say, "I amend the 5th" when I get questioned by the police in school?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 19, 2023

I'll assume you mean "plead the fifth". That right is so gravely misunderstood by the general public as to almost be comical.

If you are questioned by police about something they believe you did, then yes, you have an absolute right not to incriminate yourself....
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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
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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 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
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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 Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: I did not accept my plea and requested a jury trial for CSC charges. The judge refused a jury trial and charged me.

The judge charged me with what the plea was, then told me in open court that I was very naive. Is it legal for him to refuse a jury trial?

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

You should have a lawyer. From how you phrase the question, there has to be a misunderstanding of what's going on somewhere and you would benefit greatly from a lawyer's explanation.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Do they need to present search warrant before entering home

They raided a resident due to vehicle being insured with house but the person of interest lived elsewhere. From the warrant as they insisted, a control buy was conducted at a resident that’s in person of interest name but never searched and they went somewhere else. Never presented warrant prior... View More

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

No, they do not need to present search warrant prior to entry; especially in a raid situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Who is responsible for providing an appeal attorney if one cannot be provided to you. Who or what entity is responsible

I had one provided then they left then another was provided and they told the judge there was a break down in communication and left. I then wrote the judge and he said I would be provided one and then I had no response from anyone. I the. Tried to see who my lawyer was when I left prison and they... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jan 16, 2023

With a guilty plea, you don't have a true right to appeal. There are certain issues you can ask for what's called "leave" to appeal. The Attorney Grievance Commission does not determine malpractice; they determine attorney ethical issues.

At this juncture, after...
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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: When asked to see a search warrant and the police do not provide one and continue to search is that legal?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Nov 29, 2022

Depends. There are several exceptions to the warrant requirement, depending on circumstances.

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Native American Law for Michigan on
Q: I am a descendant of a native American tribe.. non-tribal member. Can I consider myself to be an independent sovereign?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Sep 25, 2022

You are free to consider yourself whatever you want. However, you will remain subject to all rules, laws, and expectations that apply to everyone else....including tribal members.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: What law or title in the civil rights act protects me against discrimination from the friend of the court office?

I was looking at title vi information but as far as I know that framework is mainly for programs that accept federal assistance not so much referring to the employees of government offices. I do believe my investigator discriminates on gender and race. I know most times people are just being bitter... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 15, 2022

You can file a grievance with that FOC office.

Remember, the evaluation is more or less an opinion, and you have the opportunity to object to that opinion and have a judge hear your case. You have the opportunity then to show the judge the FOC person got it wrong. Judge may or may not...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Elder Law and Health Care Law for Michigan on
Q: Why would ascension Borgess Kalamazoo put a sign outside my mom's room 357 saying DO NOT INCLUDE ME IN REPORT???

After taking a snapshot of this sign six plainclothes security one uniformed approached ordered me into the hall asked why I'm taking, I replied because this is my Mom and I love her. They took my id and would not return it until I agreed to leave, I had done nothing but take this picture. If... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 1, 2022

A number of reasons, all of which depend on facts you are not disclosing in your question. Could be as simple as they are acting on instructions from the proper patient advocate - perhaps your mom's spouse or one of your siblings. Maybe there is an adult protective services investigation or... View More

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