Can I Get My Points Reduced?

If you happen to get a ticket in a jurisdiction that doesn’t have a program to allow you to have your charge converted to a non-moving violation, you can still request an informal hearing on the citation. Police officers are often willing to negotiate a lesser citation at a hearing. Don’t be afraid to ask. 

If none of the above work, you may have an additional avenue to have points reduced. If you qualify, the Michigan Secretary of State will notify you in writing that you can take the Michigan Basic Driver Improvement Course. To be eligible, you must have fewer than two points on your license, not have been operating a commercial motor vehicle, and must have been cited for an eligible offense. If you qualify, you’ll receive a letter in the mail.

Learn more about point mitigation in Michigan here.

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

 

For more information or to speak with us about your moving violation in Michigan, please contact our criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor at 734-665-4441. To learn more about Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C., or any of our attorneys, please visit learn more about us here.

Points Mitigation or Removal in Michigan for Traffic Violations

Were you pulled over and cited for a moving violation? Like most people your biggest concern is not the fine, but rather the points and the effect it will have on your insurance. Don’t worry, with a good driving record there is still hope that you won’t be penalized by your insurance company.  

But you don’t have a lot of time to act. You must contact the court listed on your citation quickly. If you wait more than 10 days the citation will result in a default judgment and be reported to the Secretary of State and added to your driving record. Don’t let this happen to you, call quickly.

When you call you want to find out what the court offers for points mitigation or removal. Most courts in conjunction with law enforcement have a program that will allow you to have a speeding ticket converted to a zero-points non-moving violation. It may cost you more than your original ticket, but you won’t have points. These programs go by different names, but if you request traffic mediation or a points removal program, the clerk you’re speaking with will be able to direct you to your options. Some courts even have an online program for you to submit a request for a zero point resolution. 

Learn more about point mitigation in Michigan here.

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

 

For more information or to speak with us about your moving violation in Michigan, please contact our criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor at 734-665-4441. To learn more about Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C., or any of our attorneys, please visit learn more about us here. 

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Lawyer

1. Do they offer a free consultation? Many lawyers will not charge for an initial consultation. Make an appointment to explain
your issue and see if you feel comfortable with the lawyer or lawyers you’ll be working with. A good connection is crucial for success. Ask potential lawyers questions to determine your compatibility.

2. What does the lawyer charge per hour, and how do they handle fees? How big is the firm? Will other lawyers be working on your case? What does the firms staffing situation look like? Can other employees work on your file at a discounted rate, saving you money?

3. What are your expectations? Make sure you discuss your expectations with your attorney so you can avoid any miscommunication. Ask if they have time to take on your case immediately and if they have time to devote to it. How much communication are you expecting to receive from your lawyer? Is your case civil, where frequent contact is required? Do you prefer phone calls or emails? You and your lawyer should have a mutual understanding of what communication will look like throughout your case.

4. Ask questions. Lawyers understand making this choice is significant, financially and often emotionally. They should be willing to work with you to help meet your needs and determine what actions will lead to a positive outcome.

Learn more about things you should consider when choosing a lawyer here.

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

For more information or to speak with us about your legal issue, please contact our attorneys in Ann Arbor at 734-665-4441. To learn more about Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C., or any of our attorneys, please visit learn more about us here.

What to Consider when Choosing a Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer for your situation and needs is extremely important. You may be asking yourself, “What kinds of things should I consider?”

Whether you’re looking for help dealing with a legal issue, estate planning, going through a divorce or starting a business, here are some key factors to consider when selecting a lawyer:

1.     Location- One of the first things to consider is location. Where is the firm’s located?

2.     Do your research! Go online. Talk to your friends and neighbors and ask who they’d recommend. Most people have to interact with the law at one time or another so maybe they have a recommendation. Ask people in your area who they’ve used and liked. Look at ratings on Google. Reputation matters!

3.     Look for areas of law or specialty. Lawyers usually have a primary area of focus like estate planning, civil litigation, and domestic relations matters. Ensure you retain an attorney who understands your situation's legal process and is an expert in that particular area of law. 

4.     Short-term or Long term representation – Do you need a lawyer on retainer? Do you have a short-term lawsuit? You need to determine whether you need continuing or short-term representation. Drafting documents involves a few interactions with a lawyer, whereas a civil suit can require years of contact.

Learn more about things you should consider when choosing a lawyer here.

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

For more information or to speak with us about your legal issue, please contact our attorneys in Ann Arbor at 734-665-4441. To learn more about Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C., or any of our attorneys, please visit learn more about us here.

What is a Friend of the Court?

Most cases involving minor children are referred to Friend of the Court, an agency which assists the court by consulting and enforcing cases involving custody, parenting time, and (spousal and child) support disputes. The Friend of the Court will assist the parties in coming to a mutual agreement that’s beneficial to both, with a focus on the best interests of the minor children.  Friend of the Court offers many services, including mediation, support enforcement, assistance with review hearings, show cause hearings and more. If both parties agree, they can “opt out” of Friend of the Court services, which means that they won’t be able to utilize the services or enforcement powers the Friend of the Court offers. 

Child support is then determined by the custody determination as well as each party’s financial status and ability to provide for the minor child(ren). 

Learn more about getting a divorce in Michigan with children here.

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

 

If you would like to learn more about divorce in Ann Arbor, contact us today! Divorce attorneys at Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C., can help assist you with your case and everything in between. 

Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our attorney for divorce in Ann Arbor today at (734) 665-4441 for a no obligation consultation.

What You Need to Know About Divorces with Minor Children in Michigan

Unlike a divorce without minor children, when minor children are involved there’s a minimum waiting period of 6 months before the Court will grant a divorce. During the divorce process, you’ll settle issues regarding spousal support, property division, and division of marital debt, as well as custody issues and child support regarding the minor child(ren).  There are two types of custody: physical and legal.  Physical custody determines who the children reside with, while legal custody grants the rights to make important decisions regarding the child(ren), including medical, educational and religious decisions.  Both custody matters can be granted to one parent (sole custody) or shared between both parents (joint custody).  

Learn more about getting a divorce in Michigan with children here.

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

 

If you would like to learn more about divorce in Ann Arbor, contact us today! Divorce attorneys at Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C., can help assist you with your case and everything in between. 

Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our attorney for divorce in Ann Arbor today at (734) 665-4441 for a no obligation consultation.

Common Scenarios for Transferring Vehicle Ownership for Descendents

 Here are common scenarios for transferring vehicles in the State of Michigan: 

• Joint title. If a person shares the title with the deceased and the title reads says that the full rights of the vehicle go to the survivor, then the process is relatively simple. The vehicle transfers to the other person on the title. In this situation, the person only needs to present the title and a copy of the death certificate. This applies even if the estate of the deceased is in probate.
• Transfer on Death. As part of your estate planning, your attorney can create a “Transfer on Death” or “TOD”.  This is a document that you sign transferring the vehicle to another individual under MCL 700.6101 upon your death.  This can be taken to the Secretary of State to complete the transfer.  

Learn more about the transfer of vehicle ownership after someone passes here.

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

 

If you would like to learn more about estate planning in Ann Arbor, contact us today! Estate planning attorneys at Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C., can help assist you with your case and everything in between.