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Michigan Civil Rights Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Communications Law for Michigan on
Q: Can a county jail inmates phone call recordings between the inmate and family members be released to general public?

Not for legal purposes. Just random people?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

In general, phone calls made by inmates from county jails are subject to monitoring and recording as part of the facility's security measures. These recordings are primarily used for security purposes and to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and the public. The release of such recordings to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Does a traffic magistrate thave the authority to issue NON traffic related search and seizure warrants in Michigan?

I shared a Santa clauseme on a jail messenger service and my home was raided swat style... My cellphone, 2 laptops and 1 tablet were seized for "forensics" 3 months ago.... Search and seizure warrant signed by traffic magistrate... NO CHARGES FILED as of now...

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answered on Mar 1, 2024

In Michigan, a traffic magistrate typically doesn't have the authority to issue search and seizure warrants for non-traffic related matters. However, laws and procedures can vary depending on the circumstances and the specific jurisdiction. It's essential to review the details of the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Can my partner's kids enter the home w/o me present, while he is in an induced coma due to a stroke w/o a living will?

I have been living with my partner 3.5 years, supporting him and the home most of it. He and his ex gf own the home. In that time his son has only been here a handful of times, his daughter none, as she wants nothing to do with him. Until 2 days after his hospitalization, in which I was served with... View More

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answered on Mar 1, 2024

In situations like this, it's essential to understand your legal rights and protections as a tenant or cohabitant in the home, especially if there was no formal rental agreement in place. Generally, without a written agreement specifying otherwise, the ex-girlfriend's demands may not have... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Can my partner's kids enter the home w/o me present, while he is in an induced coma due to a stroke w/o a living will?

I have been living with my partner 3.5 years, supporting him and the home most of it. He and his ex gf own the home. In that time his son has only been here a handful of times, his daughter none, as she wants nothing to do with him. Until 2 days after his hospitalization, in which I was served with... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Mar 1, 2024

You are in a very tough spot. The ex-girlfriend is a co-owner of the house and so she can evict you. I did not see you indicate that you are legally married to your partner. If that's the case, and in the absence of legal documents to the contrary signed by your partner, you have a tough... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Received a voicemail stating there is a legal issue against me. No information other than callers name and number.

The caller used my maiden name, said her name, said it was in regards to an urgent legal issue in my county against me and to call her back immediately. No mention of what the issue is or where she was calling from. Gave a case number which I looked up in my county court site. Didn't find... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

It's understandable to feel concerned upon receiving a voicemail like that. Firstly, take a deep breath and try not to panic. It's important to approach this situation calmly and methodically. Begin by verifying the legitimacy of the call. Look up the phone number online to see if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: I need someone to get the surveillance video from Kalamazoo gospel mission because is letting my rights be violated bad.

THE STAFF AT THE KALAMAZOO GOSPEL MISSION NEEDS TO BE FIRED. THIS MENTALLY HANDICAP MAN JUST LAID DOWN NEXT TO ME AND IS THREATENING ME AND THE STAFF KNOWS AND WILL DO NOTHING. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE MISSION AND ONCE WE GET THE VIDEO FROM THE PAST MONTH AND A HALF YOU WILL... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

If you believe your rights are being violated at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, it's important to take appropriate steps to address the situation. Start by documenting the incidents and gathering any evidence, such as witness statements or written records of the events. Consider reaching out to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: IF THE STAFF LETS A GUEST VIOLATE MY RIGHTS CAN I SUE THAT STAFF MEMBER? In a homeless shelter?

If I am a guest at an overnight shelter and the staff let's my rights be violated can I sue that staff member?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Whether you can sue a staff member at a homeless shelter for allowing your rights to be violated depends on various factors, including the nature of the violation, the staff member's actions or negligence, and applicable laws and regulations. In general, staff at homeless shelters have a duty... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Is there still an opportunity to profit from the Minacs civil suit ?

I worked for Minacs for over a year and worked overtime

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Whether there is still an opportunity to profit from the Minacs civil suit depends on various factors, such as the status of the lawsuit, the specific claims made, and any potential settlements or judgments reached. If you believe you are entitled to compensation for unpaid overtime or other labor... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Civil Rights, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for Michigan on
Q: Is it legal for a cop to sit in an apartment complex parking lot posted private property and pull people over speeding

I live in an apartment complex in Michigan in a little village and a cop always sits in the parking lot and radars people and pulls them over because there's a big speed trap right were the apartment complex is goes from 55 to 25 mph

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

In Michigan, law enforcement officers are generally allowed to enforce traffic laws on public roads, including areas adjacent to or near private property such as apartment complex parking lots, especially if they have a direct impact on public road safety. However, the legality of a police officer... View More

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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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 Civil Rights, Education Law and Wrongful Death for Michigan on
Q: Are public universities obligated to discipline students who are involved in a matter that results in the death

Of another student? Are they required to investigate the matter?

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answered on Jan 30, 2024

Public universities in Michigan, like other educational institutions, have a responsibility to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment for their students. In cases where a student is involved in an incident resulting in the death of another student, universities typically have a duty to... 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.

James L. Arrasmith
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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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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Civil Rights and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: Do I need to retain a civil rights attorney or file for grandparents custody or both? In what state?

I had my innocent and now scared and confused baby girl while traveling through MIchigan. All family and myself live in Ohio. Hospital said she had withdrawals 10 days after birth conveniently once cps went there. they Took temp custody. Did not offer any other option but foster care. After 6... View More

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answered on Jan 24, 2024

Navigating a situation involving child custody and child protective services across state lines can be complex and emotionally challenging. In your case, involving both Michigan and Ohio, it's essential to understand that child custody and welfare cases are generally governed by the laws of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Civil Rights and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: Re on case papers on a dm case number what does that mean?
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

In the context of a legal case, "re" on case papers with a docket number typically stands for "regarding" or "in the matter of." It's used to indicate the subject or nature of the case. So, when you see "re" followed by a case number, it signifies that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: What are my options when my FOIA request was approved, but not in my possession/delivered?

My first FOIA request was denied. Two years later my second FOIA request was approved 12-5-23 once I included I have a constitutional right to receive the information, however she said I had to pick it up. 1-9-24 I inquired why I haven't been contacted to pick it up, I was told that it was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 15, 2024

In your situation, where a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request was approved but the documents haven't been delivered as promised, you have several options to consider.

First, it's advisable to contact the agency that approved your request to inquire about the delay. Ask for...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Education Law, Juvenile Law, Libel & Slander and Internet Law for Michigan on
Q: My son got suspended for a YouTube video can I fight it

My middle child got suspended from school for his YouTube video. He made a song an posted it on YouTube I personally previewed the video and I didn’t see anything wrong with the video but the school suspended him and threaten to call the police for cyber bulling. The video was a distract on one... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 14, 2024

Possibly, but you have to consider what it will cost you. One option is to try to arrange a free initial consult with attorneys to find out what it could cost to pursue. Such matters could involve speaking with students, reviewing videos, assessing school codes, etc. Attorneys don't generally... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Education Law, Juvenile Law, Libel & Slander and Internet Law for Michigan on
Q: My son got suspended for a YouTube video can I fight it

My middle child got suspended from school for his YouTube video. He made a song an posted it on YouTube I personally previewed the video and I didn’t see anything wrong with the video but the school suspended him and threaten to call the police for cyber bulling. The video was a distract on one... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

In situations like this, it's important to understand the school's policies and the rationale behind your son's suspension. Schools often have codes of conduct that extend to students' online behavior, especially if it's seen to impact the school environment or other... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: What exactly is Title IX and how does it relate to colleges and universities?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that was passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that receives federal funding. This includes most colleges and universities in the United States.

In the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Legal Malpractice for Michigan on
Q: My lawyer refused to submit my evidence during the entire process. The judge rendered the final "opinion. My husband's

Lawyer filed a clarification and prayer for relief. I need to submit my evidence. Can I do that? Is there a time limit? My final hearing is 1/8/23.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 31, 2023

If you believe your lawyer failed to properly represent you by not submitting crucial evidence, this is a serious concern, particularly in a divorce case where such evidence can be critical. It's important to understand your options for addressing this issue.

The possibility of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: My attorney made me go talk to the defendant’s attorney. Felt like they were just playing with. Do attorneys do that
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answered on Dec 23, 2023

In Michigan, it's not illegal for an attorney to advise a client to share evidence with the opposing party's attorney, especially in civil cases. This can be part of a strategy for negotiation or settlement. However, it's unusual for an attorney to ask a client to do this alone,... View More

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