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.

Bitcoin 101

Bitcoin was the first example of cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are an entirely digital currency, and bitcoins aren’t printed but are produced by computers and held electronically.  Bitcoin allows for a minimal amount or even no trust between the parties in the transaction. Bitcoin stores transactions through a blockchain, which is a specific type of database that stores every transaction ever made. Bitcoin calls the blockchain a “shared public ledger.”

Bitcoin is open-source; its design is public; nobody owns or controls bitcoin and everyone can take part. Bitcoin is legal and can be spent on anything. Many major companies accept bitcoin, including PayPal, Starbucks, and Etsy. 

Bitcoin is a relatively new type of currency, with many potential but unproven applications in the future. It is under increased scrutiny from regulators, and this is likely to continue as Bitcoin grows. Learn more here!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you’re interested in learning more about bitcoin and how it could affect your business,  please call Edwin Pear, Ann Arbor business attorney at 734-665-4441 or email him at epear@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.

You Can Now Adopt a Policy That Prohibits the Possession of a Firearm on School Property.

The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that a local school district may adopt a policy that prohibits the possession of a firearm on school property. The outcome of the case was in doubt considering prior appellate court rulings that a municipality may not establish gun-free zones on municipal property. The basis for earlier rulings that address possession of a gun on public property include:

1. Municipalities are prohibited from regulating guns by local ordinance.
2. A person with a concealed pistol license may carry a concealed pistol anywhere in the state except on certain premises. 
3. A firearm may be openly carried anywhere in the state with certain premises excepted.

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you would like to learn more about concealed or open carry gun laws or municipal law services at PSED Law, contact us today! Schedule an initial consultation. 734-665-4441

New Tax Changes Will Change the Way You Negotiate Divorce Settlements in 2019

Thinking about your taxes for 2019?

Are you recently divorced or thinking about divorce?

It will be important to consider all of the tax changes as you negotiate settlements in divorce cases, custody cases, spousal support and even child support cases in 2019. 

• Spousal support and alimony
• Personal exemptions and child tax credit
• Personal deductions

Read more here about how these changes could affect you. If you need more detailed tax advice, please consult a tax professional.  

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you would like to learn more about new tax changes effecting divorce, contact PSED Law today! Our divorce attorney in Ann Arbor, Wendy Alton, can help assist you with divorce and everything in between. 

Have You Been Defamed? Probably Not.

One of the most common type of calls I take comes from people who believe they have been defamed. Almost without exception we have to turn them away, informing them that, unfortunately, even if what someone said about you is really hurtful, it’s not defamatory. This can leave clients confused, wondering why that is the case. The reasoning behind this goes back to the roots of the United States, and the protections of afforded speech enshrined in the Constitution.

Learn more here!

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation!

If you would like to learn more about defamation and civil litigation services at PSED Law, contact us today! Attorneys at Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C., can help assist you with civil litigation in Ann Arbor and everything in between. Consult your attorney for details.