Gerald R Stahl Blog

What are the penalties under Michigan's new " Super Drunk" Driving Law?

2012-03-06T07:26:00.000-08:00

Michigan's new Super Drunk Driving Law is based upon the operator of a motor vehicle having a High Blood Alcohol content. ( BAC of .17 or higher). The teeth of this new law in Michigan is that the offender will be subject to harsher penalties than a regular charge of Operating While intoxicated. Specifically up to 180 days in Jail, up to $700.00 in fines and up to 360 hours of community service. Super drunk drivers in Michigan also face a drivers license suspension for one year. Michigan Super Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer. Additionally, you may request a restricted license after 45 days, but you must have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. As usual, the Michigan Secretary of State will assess you a $1,000.00 a year driver responsibility fee for 2 years. Many people in Michigan, including some Attorneys and Judges, feel that The Michigan Driver Responsibility law is wrong and subjects the defendant to double penalties. Grand Rapids Drunk Driving Lawyer, representing clients throughout all west Michigan counties.

Should police officers be allowed to use the "Nystagmus" eye test when when conducting drunk driving investigations in Michigan?

2012-03-03T09:51:00.002-08:00

In Michigan police officers commonly use the "Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus", HGN, eye test while conducting field sobriety tests during drunk driving investigations. The nystagmus test has been highly criticized as a valid indicator of intoxication because of claims it is unscientific and too subjective. This is despite the fact that the nystagmus test is a federally approved test. Although the federal guidelines call for officers to use objective scoring criteria, many officers do not understand the procedure for scoring. Basically, nystagmus refers to the involuntary jerking of the eyes. In conducting the nystagmus eye test the officer will use an object such as a pencil or finger and hold it approximately a foot away and move it left to right. Then, if the eyes jerk involuntarily, the officers claim that this motion is caused by excessive consumption of an amount of alcohol or narcotics. Doctors claim there are several other factors that can cause nystagtmus. A Michigan Bar journal article is highly critical of the the HGN test and other field sobriety tests. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test It is also pointed out in the article that with the nystagmus test the video cameras will not show the defendants eyes so a jury will not get the benefit of an independent evaluation. Gerald R Stahl has helped individuals charged with Drunk Driving in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan Counties for 30 years.Grand Rapids Drunk Driving Lawyer

Can I sue for injuries I received on the construction site?

2012-02-23T12:10:00.004-08:00

Construction site liability can be complicated due to the prime contractor hiring numerous subcontractors to perform intricate of the parts of the construction process. When an accident occurs it is important to obtain all the different documents between the parties. Construction accidents can be severe and often result in fatalities. Common ways injuries occur is falling from heights, getting struck by equipment or being electrocuted. The regulatory agency that oversees the safe performance at construction sites is the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Construction Safety in Grand Rapids Michigan.The prime contractor usually assumes the obligation for enforcing OSHA regulations. Under the Safety Standards Act the general contractors and construction managers have nondelegable duties for workers safety. Construction Standards in Michigan. The prime company will have a supervisory role and the capacity to protect its employees as well as those of other employers. If you are injured at a construction site or in a construction accident, contact attorney Gerald R. Stahl. Grand Rapids Construction Accident Lawyer. Gerald R.Stahl has been representing accident victims for 30 years in Michigan.

Do I have to take both a PBT test and another alcohol test in Michigan if I am suspected of drunk driving?

2012-02-22T06:52:00.011-08:00

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding your rights in Michigan when being investigated for drunk driving. If you are stopped by the police for operating while intoxicated in Michigan you may be asked to take a preliminary breath test or PBT. West Michigan Drunk Driving Lawyer This is a hand held breathalyzer. If you refuse the PBT, it is a civil infraction that carries a fine of $150.00 plus costs. The PBT is inadmissible in court. The officer will also read your chemical test rights.Grand Rapids Michigan Drunk Driving Help. Regardless of whether you take the PBT, you still are required to take the evidentiary test under the Michigan Implied Consent Law. Michigan Secretay of State Facts In Michigan all drivers are presumed to have consented to that test. So, if you refuse that second test there are severe consequences. You will receive 6 points added to your driving record and your license will be suspended for one year. And, these consequences are separate from the penalties for the underlying traffic offense. Best Defense Drunk Driving in Michigan. Attorney Gerald R Stahl has represented hundreds of individuals suspected of drunk driving in Michigan counties. Those counties include Kent, Ottawa, Berry, Allegan, Ionia, Newaygo, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, and Montcalm.

Transvaginal Mesh problems and litigation begin to mount.

2012-02-21T13:01:00.005-08:00

Transvaginal mesh is used for treatment of such conditions as pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. The mesh is implanted to help and strengthen the weakened vaginal wall. Injuries caused by the implanted mesh vary according to the type of mesh used. Grand Rapids Michigan Products Liability Lawyer. The most common potential claims are injuries such as infection, pelvic pain, urinary problems, vaginal pain, extrusion of the mesh, injury to nearby organs. These types of injuries can cause the women to live with constant daily pain. There several factors in the mesh itself that contribute to a particular problem. The FDA is one good source of recent reported injuries. Medical Device Injuries If you have been harmed by the implantation of transvaginal mesh contact The Law offices of Gerald R. Stahl. http://www.geraldrstahl.com/history. Grand Rapids Medical Devices Lawyer.

Commercial Trucking accidents are investigated at a different level than auto accidents.

2012-02-20T12:34:00.001-08:00

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations govern the use of commercial trucks on US roadways. Grand Rapids Michigan Truck Injury Lawyer. The rules cover everything from monitoring the number of hours a driver can operate to the method and records maintained in the truck. Another major factor a skilled trial lawyer will consider in a truck accident is the proper parties in a lawsuit. Not only do you sue the driver, but also the employer and in some cases the company that loaded the truck. An outside maintenance company can also be a party to a trucking accident. In investigating trucking accidents some common causes of negligence include shifting load, defective brakes, poor training, lack of road experience, poor driving conditions or tired or sleepy driver.Semi Truck Accidents in Michigan Employers are also liable for negligent hiring and supervising of semi truck drivers. Attorney Gerald R.Stahl has represented victims of trucking accidents in Michigan and other states for over 30 years. Injury Recovery after Semi Crash in Michigan.

Semi trucks should not be allowed to increase weight and size on busy highways and streets.

2012-02-19T09:52:00.008-08:00

Increasing semi truck size and weight restrictions would likely cause greater risk to drivers on already crowded highways. Obviously, the chances of death or great bodily harm increase in a semi truck/car accidents. Overweight trucks can also cause more damage and pot holes to the roadway. West Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer . Individual State action regarding allowing more size and weight would also create a disproportionate economic advantage to different states. Semi crashes are are devastating and the federal government needs to restrict the size and weight of semi tractor trailers nationwide. Gerald R. Stahl has been representing victims in Semi truck crashes for 30 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Injury help in Michigan after a Semi Truck Crash.

Law says, "No to Cell phones in Semi Trucks"

2012-02-19T07:46:00.019-08:00

A new law calls for a ban on cell phone use by semi truck operators as of January 3, 2012.This should make the highways and roads safer. This is important since, semi truck accidents are more likely than any other type of accident to cause death or serious injury. Grand Rapids Michigan Wrongful Death Lawyer. Truckers are still allowed to use hands free devices. The rule specifically prohibits interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand held cell phones while operating their vehicles. Attorney Gerald R. Stahl has represented victims of trucking accidents for 30 years. Kent and Ottawa County Semi Truck Accident Lawyer.

Arrest of Michigan State Representative on Drunk Driving charges highlights flaws in law.

2012-01-23T10:02:00.018-08:00

The recent arrest of State Representative, Bob Genetski, on Operating While Intoxicated charges shows that police have too much discretion in making drunk driving arrests. Apparently, the legislator was stopped for the very minor offense of traveling slightly over the speed limit in the early morning hours. He was cooperative with the officer and blew a PBT (preliminary breath test), it registered only .066. West Michigan Drunk Driving Help. Clearly the driver's BAC ( Blood Alcohol Content) was under the .08 unlawful blood alcohol level in the State of Michigan. The PBT is suppose to be used to establish probable cause to arrest. Probable cause is established when someone is over the legal limit of .08. Grand Rapids Drunk Driving Lawyer. So, why then did the officer arrest him and ask him to blow another breathalyzer? The officer claims he showed signs of intoxication. That is purely subjective. The representatives driving was barely over the limit. And, most likely very few cars were on the road. At .066 it is likely that this unfortunate driver was nothing more than tired from a long day. Experinced Drunk Driving Lawyer in Grand Rapids. The officer overreached and I believe that Representative, Bob Genetski will be acquitted or the charges dropped.

Supreme Court rules against police attaching GPS device to auto without warrant.

2012-01-23T09:14:00.003-08:00

In a unanimous decision the Supreme Court ruled that the police placing a GPS device on a suspected drug dealers car constitutes a search. The justices concluded that the Fourth Amendment forbids the government from obtaining information by physically intruding on a constitutionally protected area. Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Lawyer. Other justices agreed with the conclusion of the majority, but noted that a better analysis concludes that reasonable expectations of privacy were violated by the long term monitoring of the movement of the vehicle driven by the defendant. .Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Help. The decision is without a doubt a victory for privacy and ensures that the high tech use of GPS will only be used after a Judge signs a valid warrant.

Congress to vote on bill that could end conflicts between state and federal law on marijuana issues.

2011-06-24T08:58:00.002-07:00

A republican and a democrat are teaming up in a highly controversial piece of legislation to end the disconnect between the federal law and a states right to sovereignty over legalization of marijuana. Reps. Ron Paul and Barney Frank will have a fight but the law needs to be debated and changed. The forefront of the debate is the legal use of medical marijuana that has been adopted in several states while the federal government continues to enforce the federal ban against any legal use of marijuana. Grand Rapids Marijuana Defense Lawyer The proponents of the law say the war on drugs is a failure and that allowing states to legalize marijuana would take the control away from dealers and drug lords in favor of state taxation and regulation. Representative Frank suggests that it is no different from alcohol or tobacco use in that it is up to the individual and it should not be punished as a crime if the citizens of a state want to legalize it. Michigan presently allows use of medical marijuana. Medical Marijuana Defense in Michigan. Some states have already decriminalized the use or possession of marijuana. The bottom line is that it is time to tax and regulate marijuana. Attorney Gerald R. Stahl has represented people charged with marijuana offenses for 30 years.

Companies can be liable for workers exposure to asbestos.

2011-06-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

Workers exposed to asbestos dust who ultimately are diagnosed with mesothelioma may be able to sue the company for negligence. Grand Rapids Product Liability Lawyer. Companies are obligated to protect employees from known hazards at their plant. This would include such protections as providing masks and protective gear at work.The company should also test air quality at the work site. They should also provide the employees with warnings and information regarding the known dangers of asbestos. A company engaged in ultra hazardous activity should also have medical check ups and consultations for their employees. If you or someone you know was diagnosed with a work related disease contact the Law Offices of Gerald R Stahl.

What is the settlement value of the injuries I sustained in an auto accident in Michigan?

2011-06-11T06:21:00.007-07:00

The settlement value of a personal injury auto accident in Michigan can very greatly. Your best bet for a fair settlement is to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer.There are no books or manuals that you can consult to determine the value of your case. Every injury is unique to that person and will have different effect on that persons life.The circumstances of every accident are different and may effect the value of your case in the mind of an insurance company. Remember insurance companies survive by paying as little on a claim as possible. A good, tough minded lawyer, knows when the insurance company is low balling your claim.They also know how to prepare and present your unique case. The value of your injuries will also depend upon the strength and support of your doctors and their medical records.There are other variables that will effect your settlement, such as the defendant's policy limits, the insurance company involved in your case, the adjuster assigned to your case, your employment, your prior medical condition and many other factors. The Law offices of Gerald R Stahl has spent over 29 years helping injury victims get the maximum recovery for their case. Experienced Grand Rapids Personal Injury Lawyer

Story says high dose of cholesterol lowering drugs can have severe side effects.

2011-06-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

A story on ABC World News reports claims Americans that take a high dose of the cholesterol lowering drugs, 80 milligrams of certain drugs including Zocor and Vitorin should be on alert that these drugs statins in high doses can cause muscle tissue break down. ABC news interviewed a Dr. Stephen Nissen, of the Cleveland Clinic, who described muscle deterioration, pain and weakness. Obviously, people taking these high doses should consult their doctor about the dangers of continued use. Additionally, patients experiencing muscle deterioration, pain or weakness should consult a lawyer to determine if the manufacturer has liability for causing their symptoms.

State of Washington says medical marijuana users can be fired.

2011-06-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

A recent decision by the Supreme Court in the State of Washington found that an employer can fire a worker who uses medical marijuana, even if the worker uses the drug at home and the employer finds no evidence of poor performance on the job. Apparently, the case stems from a employee that was fired after a positive drug screen. The Court found that the companies drug policy made no exception for medical marijuana. The case shows the unwillingness of the courts to force private employers to accommodate medical marijuana use. The Michigan medical marijuana user should know their company policy and position before medicate with the drug.

Marijuana smell still enough for traffic stop in Michigan.

2011-05-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

In Michigan the smell of marijuana alone is probable cause to search. Although the officer conducting the investigation must articulate his familiarity with the odor of marijuana. Clearly, the justification for the search is the fact that possession or use of marijuana in Michigan is a crime and constitutes criminal activity. However, the law is rapidly changing after the citizens of Michigan passed legislation legalizing medical use of marijuana for people stricken with diseases and chronic pain. The number of people possessing and applying for medical marijuana licenses in Michigan is staggering. Citizens legally possessing medical marijuana could be subjected to violations of their Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure. Although, marijuana is still illegal under federal law. In Michigan odor of marijuana is still probable cause to search until the law is changed.

The French should be upset with treatment of IMF chief.

2011-05-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

In the United States we like to brag about the presumption of innocence in criminal cases. However, to the French people the treatment of Dominique Strauss-Kahn gives a completely different impression of our judicial system. The media has continually flashed photos of the handcuffed Strauss-Kahn being led to court. Although the IMF chief alleges he acted with consent, the media is reporting results of DNA tests results as well as facts relating to the alleged assault. The pretrial publicity surrounding the case certainly could make it difficult to find non bias jury. Whether he is guilty or innocent is for a jury to decide based upon the evidence presented to an impartial jury not the court of public opinion.

Do I have to sue my friend for injuries I received in an auto accident?

2011-05-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

A common dilemma that arises after an auto accident is whether the passenger, who sustains serious injuries, will have to sue their friend or relative that caused the accident. In most cases the passenger will not have to sue. Under The Michigan No Fault Act, vehicle owners are required to have insurance. If an owner operates without insurance it is a crime. Assuming the driver of the car has insurance, the insurance company has to step into the shoes of the policy holder and pay fair compensation for the victim's pain and suffering. Certainly, there could be disputes about the value of the claim or the severity of the injuries, and that could lead to a lawsuit. But the claim's value will be argued and negotiated between your lawyer and the insurance company. Policy limits could also be an issue. The person that caused the accident should care about the victim's well being. Additionally, the vehicle owner paid for a policy of insurance that is required to compensate victims of their negligence. The bottom line is that if the injured person has a valid claim, they most likely will not be suing their friend or relative that caused the accident.

Does my insurance company have a lien against my accident settlement?

2011-05-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

I refer to this situation as the subrogation dilemma. The answer is complicated and depends upon what type of insurance you have, and what type of claim you have settled. For instance, under the Michigan No-Fault Act, your auto insurance company does not have any right to a lien on your 3rd party settlement for pain and suffering. This is largely because your settlement is for non-economic damages. Additionally, Michigan requires you to have auto insurance under the law. However, in the case of Medicare, they are entitled, by federal law, to reimbursement of past medical expenses when a beneficiary has recovered money from a different source. For instance, if a recipient of benefits, slips and falls on defective property, medicare expects to get reimbursed for it's medical bills. This could potentially diminish most of your settlement. Some insurance contracts state they have a right to subrogation by the contractual agreement. This allows the insurer to to "stand in the shoes" of the insured and pursue claims against the wrongdoer. In many cases, the insurance company simply sends a you a lien letter then sits back and waits for you to get recovery. Do not be fooled. In many instances, the insurance company claim is barred or the lien can be negotiated. An injured victim should always consult a qualified personal injury lawyer if confronted with an alleged subrogation lien. The Law Offices of Gerald R Stahl represents clients on personal injury cases and deals with numerous claims for subrogation.

Finally, the United States has good news.

2011-05-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

The news of the finding and killing of Osama bin Laden by US Special Forces brings back memories and emotions to all Americans. The leader of al Quada and the mastermind behind the many terrorist attacks is now dead. Good job President Obama. Every American should feel better and safer. We all remember where we were when first heard the news about the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The pictures are implanted in our memory. His terrorist acts resulted in war and economic turmoil. Now it is our turn to celebrate justice. The mood of Americans will improve and economy will move in a positive direction. Terrorism still exists, but this is a great day for America.

Insurance Company profits linked to paying less on claims

2011-04-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

As we all know, Insurance companies are businesses and thus their goal is to make a profit. I have no problem with that concept. The problem is that insurance companies are selling a promise to pay the full value of a claim when they write the policy. Since an insurance company's greatest expense is paying claims, the companies make more profit if they pay less on claims. For instance, in Michigan, I have noticed that in certain companies, the adjuster, (the person assigned to process the claim), has complained that the company no longer gives them authority or descretion to settle cases. These are trained and experienced adjusters.This process delays the settlement. The adjuster must go to his boss who handles hundreds or in some cases thousands of claims. The result is that people who have not hired a qualified personal injury lawyer get discouraged and end up with a nominal, "This is all we are offering settlement". They actually may have no idea what they are entitled to under the policy. Experienced lawyers know that if they have a good case, the insurance company has obligations to pay the claim. If the insurance company refuses to act in good faith, they can be sued for additional damages. This is called a "bad faith insurance claim." It's unfortunate but some, not all, insurance companies are spending more and more on advertising and less on paying claims. Let the "buyer beware" and know your policy and your company.

Don't compare legal cases with your neighbor.

2011-04-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

At some point you have probably heard a neighbor or friend talk about the guy who got off on a drunk driving case, or the women that got a big verdict for having hot coffee spilled on her. Don't be fooled into thinking that you can compare another case to your case. Most of the time you are not getting the complete picture. Take the hot coffee case, most people do not know that the victim in that case had numerous surgeries and skin grafts and that several complaints had been lodged about the scolding hot coffee prior to the accident. The media just reports hype about the money. After all, every case is unique and every set of facts are different. Doctors have varying treatments and patients have different results. Laws also change and sometimes they restrict or limit your rights. Everyone knows that drunk driving laws in this country have gotten stricter over the years. For instance, in Michigan the BAC standard in Drunk Driving arrests was .10, since 2003, it is now .08. TV ads boast big verdicts, but don't really tell you the particulars of the injuries, or facts of the case. In Michigan, it is a no-fault insurance state and that law governs recovery for pain and suffering in auto and truck accidents. The bottom line is to hire a qualified lawyer that will fight for the best recoveryin your case.

Police have device to scan cell phones.

2011-04-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

It has been reported that the Michigan State police have acquired a high tech device that can be used to scan your cell phone even during a routine traffic stop. Apparently, the device, known as the CelleBrite UFED, used by the state police, could grab all the photos and video off an IPhone within one and a half minutes. It is also reported the device works on numerous types of cell phones. The scanning device that is reported to recover hidden and deleted data from a phone that includes call history, text messages, contacts, images as well as other information. Lawyers and public service agencies are worried about the potential for the violations of constitutional rights protected by the the Fourth Amendment guarantee against unreasonable search and seizure. A search without a warrant is deemed unreasonable unless it fits into well defined exceptions. Thus a search Warrant must be requested and issued by a neutral magistrate after a determination of probable cause. Obviously, use of this device should be closely monitored by the courts and the justice system.

Insurance companies use surveillance in personal injury cases.

2011-04-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

Insurance Companies in Michigan and other states often use surveillance methods to rebut your claim that your injuries have caused you to be disabled . For instance, let's say that you have sustained severe fracture of your elbow and now claim you limited use and constant pain. An investigator may stake out your house. And, in the process might video tape you doing some yard work such as cutting down a tree and hauling brush. Obviously, this evidence could be very damaging to you and controvert your claim that you are disabled or unable to work due to pain. So, beware of that real possibility that you could be video taped or followed after your auto accident or other personal injury claim.

What should I do after I am injured in an auto accident?

2011-04-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

After an auto or truck accident, you should immediately call your insurance company. Michigan is a no-fault insurance state. So several statutes will apply to the accident. You should call your insurance company because they need as much information as possible about the accident. For instance, the other vehicle driver's information, the police department that is investigating the crash, and your injuries. Since you are injured, you should go to the hospital. You should not talk to the other driver's insurance company. Under the Michigan No-Fault Act injury claims for pain and suffering are against the driver that caused the accident. Before you commit to any statement, you should meet with a qualified personal injury attorney. The Law Offices of Gerald R Stahl has represented injured victims since 1982. It is too important to your future to try to deal with your problems without a professional attorney. Any wrong statements could potentially hurt your chances for fair recovery.

Excessive force not the only issue in Derek Copp case?

2011-04-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

Whether the police officer used excessive force in making the arrest of Derek Copp is not the only issue. I admit that police do have a difficult job, and at times it is very dangerous. However, the raid on Derek Copp was probably not one of those situations. The reality is that kids or young people such as Derek Copp, 20, should not all be labeled as drug dealers. Generally, these young people have little money, small quantities, and they share their marijuana. How else could they get the marijuana? If they grow it, that is manufacturing, a felony. The law in this area needs to be changed. Essentially, the quantity issue should be addressed. Technically, anyone that shares a marijuana cigarette is guilty of delivery, a felony. Why? When they pass it they are transfering it in violation of the law. If you sell, transfer, or deliver marijuana, it is a felony. Now, more than ever, with legal possession in Michigan for medical marijuana use and possession the time has come to change the underlying laws. The Derek Copp case will be debated and argued on both sides, but the use of force is just one of the issues. I do not condone the use or possession of Marijuana and it is still illegal. But, eventually these issues should be addressed.

Lawyer Mailings after an accident

2011-04-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

I recently had a friend that was rear ended in a car accident in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In order to be safe, she went to the hospital to get checked out. It turns out she was not injured. However, in the ensuing days she received numerous mailings and brochures from personal injury attorney's from all locations in the State of Michigan offering to represent her. She even received calls on her home telephone voice mail. It was almost overwhelming for her.The reason for this is that the accident report is public record and it contains information on whether someone may have sustained injuries. Some people feel this practice is an invasion of privacy. And, the family could be in the process of grieving. If you are injured in an auto or truck accident in Michigan the best way to find a Lawyer is to ask a friend or family member for a referral. And, make sure the attorney has experience in recovery of damages for auto or truck accident victims.

"No Fee Guarantee" in Personal Injury Accidents

2011-04-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

What does "No Fee Guarantee" in Personal Injury or Accident Cases really mean? It does not mean you are getting special treatment. In fact, in almost all personal injury cases, such as car accidents, lawyers for the victims work on a contingency basis. That means the lawyer does not require a retainer fee, but gets paid a percentage of the amount recovered for the client. In Michigan, that percentage amount is normally 33%. The reason for this agreement is that in most cases an injured victim does not have the money to risk on large retainers or a large hourly rate. So, the contingency fee is the preferred method of payment and has several advantages for both the attorney and client. The Law offices of Gerald R. Stahl has represented victims of serious auto accidents in Michigan for 30 years. http://www.geraldrstahl.com/history.php

Driver Responsibliity Fees in Michigan Unfair?

2011-03-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

The State of Michigan, via the Secretary of State, assesses Michigan Driver Responsibility Fees to people with too many points, drunk drivers and other violators. The rational is that the State is going to punish bad driver's. But, the real reason is that the state is broke and just looking for more money. Remember that in all these cases the driver has already been to court and paid fines. And, in some cases, in addition to fines, the court has ordered the driver to spend time in jail, has had their license revoked, is paying for probation supervision, performing community service, and must pay a driver's license reinstatement fee. Many attorney's and some Judges feel the practice is unfair and arguably a violation of the double jeopardy clause of the Constitution. But, until the legislature or courts change the law, driver's have to pay.

Personal Injury Structured Settlements

2011-03-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

There are companies spending millions of dollars in advertising in order to get their hands on your structured settlement from a personal injury case. Think about it, if it is such a bad deal for the recipient, then why do these companies want to buy the contract? How could they afford the advertising if they were not making big bucks. Basically, because these companies want your contract for pennies on the dollar. In other words, they believe you are desperate and need cash now, so let's take advantage of their misfortune. Structured settlements in personal injury cases are generally paid to people that suffer life long effects of injuries. Often times the structured payment comes every month guaranteed for life. In many cases the victim of the injury cannot work or has a shortened work life. Those people still get the normal bills for rent, electric, phone, cable just like any other person. So, think twice before selling your structured settlement proceeds.

Should Michigan change Marijuana Laws?

2011-03-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

If the state of Michigan wants to save money, they could consider following the lead of California and decriminalize the possession of marijuana in small amounts. California decriminalized the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana in January 2011. One of the major reasons for signing the legislation was that it saved the State the cost of paying court appointed lawyers to represent people charged with simple possession. However, the State of California still makes possession of a small amount a civil infraction. Thus, they collect a civil fine for the possession with no criminal record or conviction to the violator. Nevertheless, there are many people that completely disagree with California and oppose their new law. For now, Michigan still makes possession a misdemeanor crime.