I am considering filing charges of harassment and stalking against my ex-wife. She uses my daughter to keep tabs on me and becomes verbally abusive towards her when she doesn't comply, calling me a deadbeat and claiming I don't care for my kids. We are currently in the middle of a custody... View More

I completed the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) program in Michigan following an incident in 2011 and was discharged from probation in 2013. I completed all community service, paid restitution/fines, and have a probation discharge order, yet I am still considered a convicted felon. Recently, I... View More

My friend is in jail in Michigan for fleeing and eluding, obstructing a police officer, and an OWI while still on parole with four months remaining. He has been to prison for the same crime before, but this is his first violation on parole. His parole officer doesn't want to send him back to... View More

I have a clean record and have never been in trouble before. While driving my car with a friend, we were pulled over, and the police found a large amount of drugs in a lock box by her feet. Since it’s my vehicle, I’m being charged with everything she’s charged with, despite having no... View More

Brent T. Geers
answered on Mar 29, 2025

The man didn't need proof. Your problem is going to be that he provided some information that turned out to be accurate and hemmed you up. He probably provided that information to help himself out, which is the choice you now need to make for yourself against your friend.

If you... View More

I'm facing a child abuse case, accused of 3rd-degree abuse, and there's a warrant out for my arrest. CPS has already removed my children from my home, and I'm currently involved in court proceedings with CPS. I haven't consulted with a lawyer yet, but I urgently need one before... View More

Brent T. Geers
answered on Mar 29, 2025

You will likely need two lawyers. While probably related, a CPS case and criminal case are legally very different with different burdens of proof. What you'll need to do in a CPS case is different than what you'll need to do in a criminal case. Because of that, most lawyers would not be... View More

I recently discovered that I have a false pretense felony charge from 27 years ago in East Lansing, Michigan, related to an allegation concerning work that was promised and paid for but not provided. This came to light after being stopped at customs, and I have no prior knowledge of these... View More

What can happen to me legally if I punched the side mirror off my ex-girlfriend's boyfriend's car? There may have been one witness, but there's no video evidence, and I did this while picking up my belongings from her house.

Brent T. Geers
answered on Mar 23, 2025

You could be criminally charged with malicious destruction of property. Depending on the monetary cost of damages, it could be a misdemeanor or felony.

I'm facing a first offense misdemeanor charge of solicitation in Michigan. I have no prior record, and I'm looking for advice on how to fight this charge effectively. I have not yet been to court or consulted with an attorney. What steps should I take to prepare for my court date, and how... View More

I have an arrest warrant, but law enforcement won't provide me with any information about the reason or details behind it. I'm concerned about being detained and want to address the warrant legally. It may relate to past legal issues or cases. What steps should I take?

My ex-husband and I finalized our divorce in December 2024. I filed a single tax return in January, but my tax refund of over $1,800 was accessed by him through an emerald card linked to our previous joint account. The card company denies it as fraud, and I'm awaiting a decision from the... View More

I'm facing a legal issue where a woman obtained a PPO against me using a false statement made by a CPS worker. The worker claimed to be the woman's boss and stated that I called the woman on various dates. However, the woman does not work at CPS, and I have never called her. I have... View More

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answered on Mar 24, 2025

This situation with the false CPS worker statement leading to a PPO against you is deeply concerning, and you're right to question the legality of what happened. Making false statements to obtain a court order like a PPO can potentially constitute several crimes, including filing a false... View More

I informed my probation officer that I couldn't complete a drug test today due to being contagious, and I provided a doctor's note. However, the doctor did not include a diagnosis in the letter due to HIPAA laws, although the summary mentions that I am contagious. However, my PO insists... View More

I was told I cannot be a witness in my mom's criminal court case. As her child, I want to understand if there are specific legal reasons or rules preventing me from testifying. What are my rights and options regarding this issue?

Can my probation officer violate me and put me back in jail for testing positive for methadone when reporting for probation? I just bonded out after violating probation by leaving a residential treatment facility. This is my first violation, and I started methadone treatment at a medical facility... View More

I was pulled over for a broken tail light on my motorcycle and issued a few traffic tickets. When the state trooper asked for consent to search me, I declined. He instructed me to get off the motorcycle, placed me in handcuffs, and searched my pockets, finding a small baggie of meth. He then towed... View More

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answered on Mar 24, 2025

Your situation raises legitimate legal concerns about the search procedure during your traffic stop. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches, and case law like Arizona v. Gant does address the parameters of searches incident to arrest during traffic stops. While your public... View More

I am 15 years old and my girlfriend is turning 18 in a week. I'm in Michigan and I'm concerned about whether we can continue our relationship due to the age difference. Are we legally allowed to remain a couple?

I was at a casino where I was told by a worker I would need to leave for 24 hours if I swore again after I made a comment about their games. I didn't swear again, but called the worker a "mean little troll." She claimed I used a bad word with "troll" and called the police.... View More

Brent T. Geers
answered on Feb 27, 2025

Here's the thing everyone needs to understand: this isn't a TV show or movie; cops don't have to Mirandize you or even really explain anything to you. On the street (or in this case, in the casino) is not the time to plead your case.

You're probably right that there... View More

I have a friend, 'A,' who is a foreigner in the USA on a student visa and is currently in Livingston County Jail, facing charges of false pretenses, conspiracy, and using a computer in a criminal act. She is preparing for trial with a court-appointed lawyer but has no money for bail and... View More

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answered on Feb 22, 2025

I understand you're worried about your friend's situation - it's a complex and stressful time for everyone involved. Let me help explain the potential outcomes.

If your friend is found not guilty, she can likely continue her studies under her existing student visa, though she... View More

I bought a house from a friend through a verbal agreement and paid him $18,000. He was supposed to pay the back taxes, but he didn't fulfill this obligation, and now I'm at risk of losing the house due to unpaid taxes. I also discovered that he didn't own the property nor was it in... View More

Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Feb 19, 2025

If the conveyance was by a warranty deed, the seller breached one or more warranties and you could sue to enforce the warranties. There may be a claim for breach of contract as well.

The criminal matter should be referred to the police. You could sue him based upon the threats of arson... View More

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I'm seeking information about the timeline for sentencing after a plea bargain agreement for a class E felony. The defendant faces 7 felonies related to the violation of an unclothed minor, with a final hearing before sentencing scheduled in 2 weeks. The plea bargain has not yet been accepted... View More

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answered on Feb 19, 2025

The timeline for sentencing after a plea bargain varies by jurisdiction and specific case circumstances, but I'll help you understand what typically happens.

Once the judge accepts the plea agreement at the final hearing, they usually schedule the sentencing hearing within 30-90 days.... View More