Blog

The view from a driver's seat on a wet city street

Oct 14, 2026

Your Teen's First Ticket in Michigan: Graduated License Rules and Points

For a teen on a graduated license, a first ticket does more than add points. It can extend the license level, delay a full license by up to a year, and put a new driver on the Secretary of State's radar during a three year probationary period.

Silhouettes of running figures painted on a concrete wall

Oct 11, 2026

Is Taking a Campaign Yard Sign a Crime in Michigan?

Michigan's election law doesn't have a campaign sign theft statute, and voters rejected one in 2002. That doesn't make taking a neighbor's sign legal. It's charged as larceny, malicious destruction of property, or trespass, the same as any other property.

A police officer standing at the front door of a house at night

Oct 08, 2026

Strangulation Charges in Michigan: How One Allegation Becomes a 10 Year Felony

A domestic assault charge in Michigan usually starts as a 93 day misdemeanor. One allegation of pressure on the neck turns it into assault by strangulation under MCL 750.84, a 10 year felony with none of the first offender exits.

Oct 05, 2026

Bow Hunting With a Pistol on Your Hip: Michigan CPL Rules and Drinking at Deer Camp

During Michigan's archery deer season, the DNR's rule is no firearm afield while bow hunting, and a concealed pistol license is the main exception. Add a drink at camp and the CPL rules, the hunting code, and the firearm statute all start counting.

A columned stone courthouse under a gray sky

Oct 02, 2026

On Probation or Out on Bond: Can You Vote in Michigan's November Election?

In Michigan, only serving a jail or prison sentence takes away the vote, and only while you're serving it. Probation, bond, a pending case, and an old record don't, and the online registration deadline for November 3 is October 19.

A man checking his phone in a parked car at night

Sep 25, 2026

You Left for College on Probation. Can You Report From There?

Most district court probation can't be transferred out of state, but nearly every practical condition can be modified by the judge who imposed it. The motion is easy in September and expensive in November.

A man sitting at a desk at night reviewing something on a screen

Sep 22, 2026

Will a Set Aside Conviction Show Up on a School District Background Check?

Michigan makes a set aside conviction nonpublic and keeps school districts outside the circle of agencies that can see it. The problem that catches people is the second, fingerprint based check, not the first one.

A man being questioned by an officer outside at night

Sep 19, 2026

Is a Fight With a Roommate Domestic Violence in Michigan?

MCL 750.81(2) covers a resident or former resident of the same household, so roommates fall squarely inside Michigan's domestic assault statute. What that label costs, and the deferral that keeps it off a public record.

A young driver behind the wheel seen from the back seat

Sep 16, 2026

Can You Get a Restricted License to Drive to Class or Work in Michigan?

Summer convictions produce September license letters, and the dates on them decide the fall. What restricted driving covers, when it starts, and why the judge has nothing to do with it.

1 2 3 … 39 Next