Considering a Name Change in Michigan? Here's What You Need to Know

Thinking about changing your name? You're not alone. Many people choose a new name for various reasons, from personal preference to reflecting a new identity after a life change.

In Michigan, the process typically takes 4-6 months and varies slightly depending on your county. Here's a quick overview:

• It's a Multi-Step Process: Expect fees, filing a petition with the court, a background check, a hearing, and fingerprinting.
• Court Approval is Needed: A judge ensures your name change isn't fraudulent (avoiding debts or criminal history).
• Birth Certificate Update: Legal name change doesn't update your birth certificate. A separate application to Michigan DHHS is required.

Learn more regarding changing your name in Michigan here.

Stay tuned for our next post where we'll delve deeper into the specifics of the court process and what to expect at the hearing.

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you have questions or want more information and expert guidance, contact Steven Tramontin, criminal defense and family law attorney. He’ll make sure you know what to expect when it comes to changing your name.

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. 

New Law Means New Probationary Terms. Do You Qualify?

Effective March 24, 2021 there’s a new presumption in Michigan law against jail or probationary sentences for persons convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses.     

Senate Bill 1048 (2020) is part of criminal justice reform efforts across the country providing uniform standards for the probation system and ultimately reducing the number of citizens subject to unnecessary jail and probationary terms.  

For years, District Court dockets have been clogged with probation review and violation hearings involving individuals who have been convicted of minor crimes.  

Find out what this could mean for you or a loved one. Learn more here!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you have been charged with a crime and need advice, reach out to our expert criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor, Steven Tramontin. Call us at 734-665-4441 or email Steven at stramontin@psedlaw.com.

New Michigan Law Seeks to Minimize Unnecessary Terms of Probation

Senate Bill 1048 is designed to reduce the entanglement of typically law-abiding citizens convicted of minor offenses with the court system.  It’s now presumed that a person who is convicted of a non-serious misdemeanor should not be sentenced to jail or probation unless there’s evidence presented by the prosecution to the contrary.  Serious misdemeanor offenses are enumerated in MCL 780.811 and include domestic violence, child abuse, and certain offenses involving a firearm.

Learn more here!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you have been charged with a crime and need advice, reach out to our expert criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor, Steven Tramontin. Call us at 734-665-4441 or email Steven at stramontin@psedlaw.com.

New Law Removes Criminal Records If Your Case is Dismissed Before Trial

Prior to June 12, 2018, however, a dismissal of charges still left a lingering stain on a person’s publicly-available record in the State of Michigan. In Michigan, if you are arrested or charged with a felony or certain misdemeanors your fingerprints and biometric information are entered into a system known as the Internet criminal history access tool (ICHAT). ICHAT aggregates criminal records and is used by employers and others to conduct background checks. 

Recently the Michigan Legislature passed a new law that allows the removal of your record if your charges are dismissed before trial. Learn more here!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you need help navigating the criminal process, contact Steven Tramontin, a criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor! Attorneys at Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C., can help assist you with virtually everything law related. Consult your attorney for details.

Dismissal of Charges, But Removing Your Criminal Record Could Be Harder. Until Now.

Effective June 12^th 2018, a new law in Michigan provides that an arrest record, biometric data and fingerprints may be removed from ICHAT if the charge is dismissed before trial. Rarely do state legislatures enact criminal-defense-friendly laws but, here, the Michigan legislature took a step toward a fair system; a step away from a system that has handcuffed people charged with a crime even after the charge was justifiably dismissed.

Learn more!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you need help navigating the criminal process, contact Steven Tramontin, a criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor! Attorneys at Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C., can help assist you with virtually everything law related. Consult your attorney for details.