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Michigan Gov & Administrative Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: Is it possible for a public body to investigate and there's no official records/documentation?

Prior to the withdrawal of a court complaint two public bodies sent invoices for requested FOIA records. One invoice was nearly $2,000 and the second public body nearly $300. After the withdrawal of the court complaint several months earlier, now both public bodies affirm and certify that those... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Who has the duty of remedying mold in public housing?

How should the tenant proceed due to being exposed to mold and does any failure to properly remediate the mold and it's root causes, violate the Fair Housing Act?

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answered on Oct 28, 2024

In public housing, the responsibility to remedy mold typically falls on the housing authority or landlord. They are obligated to maintain a safe and healthy living environment, which includes addressing mold issues promptly. It's important to notify your landlord or property manager in writing... View More

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

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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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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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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

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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

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: I was held at jail 6 days past my court date. The Clerk forgot to send over paperwork. Can I seek remedy?

I was lodged at a correctional facility for 6 days past my court date. They didnt even know I was locked up. They put a bench warrant out while I was incarcerated sitting at their jail waiting to be called up to court. It wasnt until I sent multiple letters to the Sargent when they realized their... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 30, 2024

Unless you are in federal custody facing a federal charge, that statute you cite is of no use to you. What sort of court date did you miss? Unless it was a trial date or a preliminary examination date, there's probably not much in way of remedy for this.

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: May a public body and it's employees be sued in their individual capacity; for Tort of Outrage/ Tort of Interference?

Under 42 USC § 1983 for mishandling deceased remains/ bodies and manipulating records.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 24, 2024

Unlikely. A successful 1983 claim would need to establish that a government agency or its actors deprived YOU of a Constitutionally protected right; that's not the same thing as their actions simply violating a law as might be the case with simple negligence.

Not saying it's...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate, Gov & Administrative Law and Military Law for Michigan on
Q: I have a probate problem and more than 1 question, is there someone I can speak to?

My dad died before I was 1, he wasn't married to my mom, he was a military vet (Master Sergeant) who served from 1941-1967 and died in 1977, I wasn't mentioned in his probate papers,bi was taken from my mom rt after and raised in foster care, I'm his only living relative and I want... View More

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answered on May 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Navigating probate, estate matters, and military records can be complex, especially given the circumstances you described. Here are a few steps you can take to gather more information and seek assistance:

1. Military records: To obtain your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Health Care Law for Michigan on
Q: Gift of Life MI is a federally-designated organ and tissue recovery program are they subject to FOIA?

Are they subject to FOIA under 5 U.S. Code § 552 and or MCL 15.231?

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answered on Apr 15, 2024

Based on the information provided, it is unlikely that Gift of Life Michigan (GOLM) would be subject to the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under 5 U.S.C. § 552 or the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under MCL 15.231. Here's the reasoning:

1. Federal FOIA (5...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, Gov & Administrative Law and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Can I own a firearm legally if I live with a felon if its for work?

I just moved to Michigan and currently live with a felon, I am trying to go to college for Criminal Justice and get my Guard Card to become an armed security guard. Is there a way for me to legally own a firearm for work if I live with a felon or do I need to move for that to happen?

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answered on Mar 25, 2024

In Michigan, living with a felon does not automatically prohibit you from owning a firearm, especially if it is for work-related purposes such as becoming an armed security guard. However, strict precautions must be taken to ensure that the felon does not have access to the firearm, as this could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law, Family Law and Child Custody 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

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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...
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Q: Is this eligibility requirement compliant with the legislation in question?

MCL 400.106a authorizes a medicaid program for working disabled. To be eligible applicants must have been “found to be disabled under the federal supplemental security income program or the social security disability income program; or would be found to be disabled except for earnings in excess... View More

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answered on Mar 4, 2024

The eligibility requirement set forth by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) appears to align with the legislation outlined in MCL 400.106a. This law permits a Medicaid program specifically designed for the working disabled, indicating that applicants must meet certain... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: Do I file an injunction or writ of mandamus to compel the funeral director to correct a death certificate?

The parents and decedent's names aren't valid neither is the address of the decedent. It's been 5 years and they will not provide me with a valid death certificate. I contacted The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in Michigan thus far the investigator isn't being transparent.

Thanks.

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answered on Feb 26, 2024

In addressing the issue of incorrect information on a death certificate, determining whether to file an injunction or a writ of mandamus depends on the specific actions you wish to compel from the funeral director. A writ of mandamus is typically used to order a government official or entity to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Michigan on
Q: Do public schools in Michigan have a right to prohibit dogs on school property if they are on a leash?
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

In Michigan, public schools typically have the authority to establish rules and regulations regarding the presence of animals on school property, including dogs. While some schools may allow dogs on a leash under certain circumstances, such as for therapy or service dogs, others may choose to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Can public courts disallow citizens to access information and take payments inside the building?

I want to pay in person I have had issues mailing payments.

"The First Amendment prevents the government from blocking access to certain information. This prohibition takes two forms: (1) the government cannot censor information or otherwise prevent people from accessing information,... View More

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answered on Feb 2, 2024

Public courts generally cannot disallow citizens from accessing information or making payments inside the building if it involves matters related to public records or essential government services. The First Amendment does protect the public's right to access information, and courts are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: I want to get a Michigan driver's license. My license was suspended in FL due to no insurance for my car.

I no longer own the car, as I have paid it off. My license is still suspended in Florida, but now that I live in Michigan, how can I go about getting a Michigan driver's license?

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answered on Jan 28, 2024

To obtain a Michigan driver's license while your license is suspended in Florida, you'll first need to resolve the suspension issue in Florida. Michigan, like most states, is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement that shares driving record information among states. This means... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Michigan on
Q: Does an heir fit the legal definition as successor in the FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (EXCERPT) Act 442 of 1976?

(b) A nonprofit organization formally designated by the state to carry out activities under subtitle C of the developmental disabilities assistance and bill of rights act of 2000, Public Law 106-402, and the protection and advocacy for individuals with mental illness act, Public Law 99-319, or... View More

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answered on Jan 27, 2024

In the context of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the specific excerpt you're referring to, the term "successor" generally relates to an entity or organization that takes over the roles or functions of another, rather than an individual heir in the traditional sense of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: How may I determine that the records I seek fall under FOIA?

The vital records department has rejected every FOIA request I submitted. I'm perturbed about what records I may FOIA.

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answered on Jan 26, 2024

Here are some tips for determining if records fall under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and can be requested:

- Review which public records are subject to disclosure under FOIA. This includes records prepared, owned, used, possessed, or retained by a public body in the...
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