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Lame Duck Session – What Michiganders Should Know Right Now

legislative-session

When talking about “lame duck,” we aren't referencing a bird. Michigan is just one of ten other states with legislators working an entire year – January through December. Michigan lame duck session refers to the four week period of time after Election Day when leaving legislators, and in some cases governors, are still presiding over legislation. Tom Sinas, Grand Rapids personal injury attorney, explains the significance of the Michigan lame duck session occurring right now in the state. Why Michigan Lame Duck Session is Important Since Michigan has a full year legislative calendar, previously elected officials are still working. These working officials...

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Michigan Proposal 3 – Making Voting Easier and More Secure

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Passed in the 2019 midterms, Michigan Proposal 3 deals with election laws. It will amend the Michigan constitution with the intent of making it easier for people to vote as well as improve the security of elections in the state. Bryan Waldman and Tom Sinas both discussed the changes Proposal 3 is bringing to Michigan on "Legal Edge" and "Know the Law" - two of our firm's regular media partnerships. Michigan Proposal 3 - Making Voting Easier There are several ways voting will become easier for Michiganders now that Proposal 3 has passed, including the following: Shortening voter registration period. Before, voters...

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Michigan Eavesdropping Laws – When is it Okay to Record a Conversation

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Editor’s Note: Our law firm does not handle cases regarding eavesdropping. We provide this information on our website because as a law firm we feel it is important to educate the public as much as we can about state law. For more resources on attorneys who may be able to help you in this area, click here. With advancements in technology and tiny computers ready to record in almost everyone's pocket, the issue of eavesdropping is becoming more and more of a concern. Tom Sinas recently discussed Michigan eavesdropping laws on Fox 17's Know the Law. What you can and can't record,...

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Michigan Court System – Understanding the Basics

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With the recent midterm elections, voters will have noticed several options for electing Judges and Justices on their ballot. But do you understand what each one does or what type of cases each court hears? Tom Sinas, Grand Rapids auto accident attorney, explains the basics behind the Michigan court system in this recent Know the Law segment. Michigan Court System - Levels [caption id="attachment_12819" align="alignright" width="250"] Michigan Supreme Court[/caption] The Michigan court system is composed of three levels: Trial Courts - Circuit Courts + District Courts Court of Appeals Michigan Supreme Court Trial Courts are divided into District Courts and Circuit Courts. The Judges in...

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Michigan Deer Hunting Season – Regulations and Dangers

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[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Michiganders sure love to hunt, and with Michigan deer hunting season upon us once again, there are several things to keep in mind before hitting the woods. Because hunting is so popular in Michigan, Tom Sinas recently shared information for West Michigan listeners on Fox 17 Know the Law, while Lansing attorney, Bryan Waldman, appeared on WLNS Legal Edge to discuss the topic for mid-Michigan viewers. Michigan Deer Hunting Season and Chronic Wasting Disease 2021 Hunting Season Update: Baiting and feeding are banned in the Lower Peninsula, and banned in the Upper Peninsula core CWD surveillance area. In areas where baiting...

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Proposal 2 in Michigan – Everything You Need to Know About Redistricting

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Chances are you've heard about Proposal 2 in Michigan if you've been listening to any debate surrounding the recent midterm elections. Prop 2 sought to address the issue of redistricting. But drawing legislative districts can be a confusing topic to most, so Grand Rapids attorney Tom Sinas recently sat down to answer explain it on Fox 17's "Know the Law." Proposal 2 in Michigan On November 6th, voters passed Proposal 2 in Michigan. This will ultimately give control to an independent commission to draw new legislative districts. This new method of drawing district lines will replace the former process, which relied on...

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Tenant Rights in Michigan – Everything Renters and Landlords Should Know

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We hear a lot about landlord-tenant disputes, so it's important to understand the obligations of landlords as well as tenant rights in Michigan. There are many laws regarding this rental properties, including evictions, security deposits, and maintenance. There are also specifics regarding tenant guests and what happens if they're injured while on the property. State laws, local ordinances or codes, and the actual lease itself, which is a legally binding contract between the landlord and the tenant govern these issues. Tenant Rights in Michigan - Maintenance and Rental Properties Both the landlord and the tenant have obligations with regard to maintenance. The landlord...

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What You Need to Know About the Michigan Marijuana Vote 2018

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Updated: December 2018 to reflect the passing of Proposition 1 on November 6, 2018 When the Michigan marijuana vote, also known as Proposition 1, passed on November 6, it brought with it a lot of upcoming changes. WLNS Channel 6 interviewed Michigan personal injury attorney, Bryan Waldman to discuss several unanswered questions and concerns regarding recreational marijuana use in Michigan. Tom Sinas also appeared recently on Fox 17 Know the Law to discuss driving while high and other legal implications. Here's what you should know: Concerns Remain Regarding Recreational Marijuana Use in Michigan Employment While recreational marijuana use may be legal now in Michigan, you can...

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Constitution Day 2018 – Understanding First Amendment Limitations

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In honor of Constitution Day 2018 which was on September 17, Grand Rapids personal injury attorney, Tom Sinas, explains the First Amendment on Fox 17 Know the Law. This amendment protects our rights to freedom of speech, religion, and of the press, but is often misunderstood.   First Amendment - the Right to Free Speech [caption id="attachment_12092" align="alignright" width="200"] Tom Sinas, Fox 17 Know the Law co-host[/caption] Here is a refresher on how the First Amendment is written, in honor of Constitution Day 2018: "Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or the press, or the right of the people peaceably to...

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Health Insurance for College Students

If you have a college student, it’s a very exciting time of year. Moving out, starting new classes, and furnishing first apartments is a milestone many Michigan families look forward to. But there’s one more to-do item Grand Rapids car accident attorney, Tom Sinas, discussed recently on Fox 17 Know the Law: health insurance for college students. Health Insurance Options for Students Today’s college student actually has quite a few options when it comes to health insurance coverage. The following are the best places to start looking. Coverage through the university. Many universities actually offer health insurance for college students, especially larger...

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