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Ethnic Intimidation Act – Hate Crime Laws in Michigan

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As a direct result of a dramatic increase in hate crimes in Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel is calling for tougher laws. Studies conducted by the FBI and Michigan State Police shows a roughly 30% increase in these types of crimes over the last two years. Michigan personal injury lawyer, Bryan Waldman, discussed these disturbing trends recently on WLNS 6 "Legal Edge" and the laws in place to help fight against them. Hate Crime Laws in Michigan and Other States Currently, 46 states and the District of Columbia have laws on the books that make hate crimes illegal. It's important to note...

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Michigan School Bus Laws & Back to School Reminders

School Bus in parking lost with text "Michigan School Bus Safety Laws"

School is back in session, which means that drivers will once again be seeing school buses on the road. The laws that govern how drivers must act around school buses are some of the most important, but also some of the most misunderstood, laws contained in Michigan’s Vehicle Code. Lansing personal injury attorney, Bryan Waldman, recently appeared on WLNS 6 “Legal Edge” and Grand Rapids personal injury attorney, Tom Sinas, recently appeared on Fox 17 "Know the Law" to share important reminders about Michigan school bus laws and discuss a few changes to these laws that will go into effect...

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What to Do About Noisy Neighbors and Barking Dogs

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Editor’s Note: Our law firm does not handle cases regarding noisy neighbors. 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. Summer is the reason Michiganders look forward to all year. But sometimes summers get, well, a bit noisy. With everyone spending as much time outside as possible, backyard games and barbeques, house parties and get together, knowing what to do about noisy neighbors can...

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Understanding Michigan Contract Law and Online User Agreements

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Online user agreements are everywhere nowadays, whether you realize it or not. "Agreeing" to an app's terms of service is just one example of online user agreements consumers must first sign. But in the name of convenience and because so many users don't even read what they're signing, contract law is quickly becoming a very complicated landscape. When you sign these online user agreements, you enter into what is known as an adhesion contract. These contracts often create unequal bargaining power between the two contracting parties. Unfortunately, if users don't agree to the terms, they are unable to use the service....

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Unreasonable Search and Seizure – Vehicle Passenger Rights and Tire Chalking in Michigan

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The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects an individual from unreasonable search and seizure of their person, home, papers, and effects. However, a few recent cases have brought vehicle searches into the spotlight. In essence, both state and federal courts have struggled time and again when dealing with searches of motor vehicles. A person's car can become caught in a gray area - halfway between being home and in private and out in the public. In general, law enforcement can search a vehicle without a warrant as long as they have probable cause or consent. However, passenger rights and,...

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Pothole Damage Reimbursement and Reasonably Repaired Roads

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Michigan roads are terrible, that's no secret. And while poor road conditions leave drivers frustrated and annoyed, the problem also contributes to extensive wear and tear on our vehicles. Many might fail to remember that Michigan actually has laws on the books regarding pothole damage reimbursement. Michigan personal injury attorney, Bryan Waldman, Michigan personal injury attorney, recently appeared on WLNS “Legal Edge” to explain Michigan pothole damage reimbursement and responsibility for maintaining safe roads in the state. Jurisdiction of Michigan Roads Michigan has a law with regard to pothole damage, yet few know about it. This law states that government entities have...

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Boundary and Property Disputes – Michigan Tree Trimming Laws

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Editor’s Note: Our law firm does not handle cases regarding boundary and property disputes. 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. There’s a beautiful apple tree in your neighbor’s yard. One of its branches hangs over the fence and shades your property. It leaves not so beautiful rotten apples all over your yard. While boundary disputes that lead to property disputes may...

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Michigan Beach Walking Laws – What’s Public and What’s Private?

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As Michigan's infamous summer seemingly inches closer, you might be wondering, “Where are the public beaches near me?” And the answer is more ambiguous than you might think. Tom Sinas, Grand Rapids personal injury attorney, appeared on Fox 17’s Know the Law recently to help beachgoers understand their rights regarding Michigan beach walking laws and outlines where you can and cannot walk along the infamous shoreline of West Michigan. Michigan Beach Walking Laws in the Spotlight A recent case in Indiana – Gunderson v. State of Indiana – a landowner challenged Indiana state law regarding where the public is allowed to walk...

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Silly Laws in Michigan – A Case for Cleaning Up Outdated Laws

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For those who've played the game where you're given three options of potential silly laws and instructed to choose which one is actually still in effect will understand how attorney Bryan Waldman felt researching his most recent WLNS 6 Legel Edge segment. Despite an effort in 2015 to clean up some outdated laws in Michigan, a few still remain on the books. Silly Laws in Michigan and the Cussing Canoeist In 2015, Michigan Legislature pushed for a clean up of some of these outdated laws in Michigan. Up until this time, Michigan banned walkathons and had strict regulations regarding where and how...

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Michigan Jury Duty Selection Process and What Happens In the Box

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[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]American citizens only have a handful of mandatory civic duties and serving on a jury is one of them. While most people dread jury duty, it should be considered an honor. The U.S. Constitution provides for the right to both civil and criminal trial before a jury of our peers. It's a foundation of our democratic society and we all benefit from this Constitutional right. However, in order for the system to function, we all must contribute. Bryan Waldman recently appeared on WLNS 6 Legal Edge to discuss the Michigan jury duty selection process and what jurors can expect...

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