Off duty police dog attacks Grand Rapids, Michigan women

A 60 year old registered nurse was attacked by a German Shepherd on arrival at a party held by an off duty police officer. The attack took place in Claire County, Michigan. The dog was allowed to freely roam a party of strangers at the officers home. In an unprovoked attack the dog lunged at her and took a large 4 x 8cm chuck of her skin with the bite. The victim was required to under go skin grafting at the burn clinic. Certainly these injuries will be permanent. Western Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer   

In Michigan, if a dog bites a person without provocation while the person is on public property, or lawfully on public property, including the property of the owner of the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten. This is regardless of the former viciousness of the animal.  Recovery for Dog Bites in Michigan.                                                                                                                        

It has not been explained what the policy of the police department is with respect to an officer bringing  these attack dogs home. Nor has there been an explanation of why the dog would be allowed to roam free at a party full of strangers. It is obvious that under Michigan Law the keeper of an animal is responsible for injuries caused by negligently handling a dog. Grand Rapids Dog Bite Lawyer.

Every driver should have uninsured/underinsured auto Insurance with high policy and the limits?

The fact is, that now more than ever, it is important for driver's to have good policy limits. That is, policy limits for bodily injury in case you cause an accident and injure someone. But what happens when you suffer devastating and life changing injuries in a car accident that is not your fault? Grand Rapids Auto Accident Lawyer Most people think, don't worry, I'll sue. Not so fast. What happens if the person who hit you only has $20,000.00 of insurance and no assets. Some people will get insurance off the internet and get the cheapest policy just so they can driver the off the lot. The only way you can protect yourself is with uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage.Uninsured and Under Insured Motorists in Michigan For instance, if you have uninsured motorist coverage of $250,000.00 and you are injured by someone with $20,000.00 policy limits, you can recover up to $230,000.00 from your policy. I see plenty of people who make the mistake of having low policy limits and later regret that decision.

Grand Rapids man on motorcycle involved in road rage causes serious injuries to innocent motorcylist

On June 19, 2013 in late afternoon traffic a 54 year old Rockford Michigan man got involved in road rage and reckless driving while traveling south on Northland Drive in Kent County. The 54 year old man lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center line medium directly into the path of a North bound oncoming motorcycle. The 40 year old women operating the Northbound motorcycle sustained numerous serious injuries and fractures including her pelvis, right femur, right arm, right hand and teeth. West Michigan Injury Lawyer She also sustained several contusions, lacerations and deep cuts. Grand Rapids Personal Injury Lawyer The case points out the great risk of injury that can occur to innocent driver's caught in or near a road rage incident.

Aaron Hernandez Investigation Will Take Time

After multiple botched investigations in high profile cases, such as, OJ Simpson and Jon Benet Ramsey, investigators will likely take their time investigating, Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez is certainly a person of interest in the death of semipro football player Odin Lloyd on June 18, 2013. Apparently, the two men were friends and Hernandez was one of the last people to see him alive. Odin was found shot to death approximately 1/2 mile from the Hernandez home. The police obtained a search warrant and have sent teams of investigators to the Hernandez. Search Warrant Requirements and Michigan Criminal Defense. 

The police have also sent Divers to a pond behind the Hernandez home, undoubtedly looking for a murder weapon. Although Hernandez has been rumored to have a hot temper, that certainly cannot be the basis for an arrest. The investigator's will be trying to piece together a circumstantial case using text messages, emails, and phone records. This process requires a lot of manpower and time. In the mean time, Hernandez is not saying much to the public. In my experience, more often than not a suspect will publicly deny their involvement. Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Lawyer

May I drive to and from day care under my Michigan Restricted Driver's License after a conviction for Drunk Driving or DUI?

In Michigan, after a Drunk Driving,  DUI, or OWI conviction a client will be faced with a restricted driver's license. The restricted license will permit the the person to whom it is issued to drive for several well defined purposes. See Restricted License conditions of driving.

One of the reasons a person can drive is for employment. That includes to and from a persons residence to their work location. And, it includes in the course of that persons employment or occupation. So, for instance a sales person can drive across the state, whatever hours necessary to call on a customer. This will include driving varied and late hours.

Recently a defendant argued that driving your children to and from day care or school is necessary to maintain your employment. That issue was addressed in the case of People v. Seeburger, 225 Mich. App 385, 1997. In that case, the defendant argued that the statute was intended to be permissive, and not restricted. Furthermore, as a single parent driving her children to and from day care is necessary to maintain  her employment.                                                                                                                                 

The Seeburger Court found that the Michigan Restricted License specifically delineates the those circumstances upon which an individual can operate their motor vehicle. Furthermore, that the Legislature intended to deter Drunk Driver's with specific circumstances upon which they can drive. Therefore, the court concluded it is not proper purpose to drive to and from day care or school. It would be up to the Legislature to change the Law.                                                                                                                                  

I believe this is a wrong interpretation of law with very negative consequences. I hope the Legislature changes this Law.

Gerald R. Stahl is an experienced Grand Rapids based criminal defense attorney. He has been representing people charged with Drunk Driving and DUI for over 31 years in all Western Michigan Courts. Gerald R. Stahl is conveniently located in Grand Rapids on East Beltline near Knapp's Corner and the 63rd District Court. See Michigan Drunk Driving Laws and Consequences.