Driver Responsibliity Fees in Michigan Unfair?

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

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?

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.