ByMatthew BenedictIn this article, I will examine the best interests of the child factor (b) in Michigan. This is the second article in the series. Before the reader learns about 722.23(b), it is important to understand how family law courts use and apply the best interests of the child factors. I covered how the courts use…
ByMatthew BenedictA person accused of drunk driving knows that they are in for grievous consequences if they are convicted. While the punishment for a DUI is not the same in every state, this is not a conviction you want to have on your record. Additionally, most states will make your punishment more severe if you caused…
ByMatthew BenedictIn this article, I will provide some basic education for the best interests of the child factor (a) or MCL 722.23(a). During a contested child custody hearing, the judge must review each of the 12 factors found in the best interest of the child factors statute. A parent seeking a divorce or a parent seeking…
ByMatthew Benedict
ByMatthew BenedictIn this blog, I will discuss what to do when the State of Michigan has a hold on your driver’s license. This “hold” causes an out of state resident to become ineligible for a driver’s license in their new home state. A clearance must be obtained from the State of Michigan. The typical fact pattern…
ByMatthew BenedictWhat is in this video In every criminal case, before the judge renders a sentence, the defendant and his attorney have an opportunity to speak to the judge in court. In this video, I discuss what a defendant should and shouldn’t say to a judge during a sentencing hearing. A defendant that makes sentencing errors…
ByMatthew BenedictI have been practicing law since 2001, most of my trial experience is in the 86th district court. As a Traverse City criminal lawyer, I grew up in the 86th District Court and believe I know this court system well. I have represented over 800 clients in the 86th District Court. The Big Three Crimes…
ByMatthew BenedictIn this blog, I explore four tips to get your driver’s license back. Understanding these topics will increase the likelihood of restoring driving privileges after two or more drunk driving convictions in Michigan. Witness Sobriety Letters and the Driver’s License Restoration Case Some people just want their driver’s license back, and they will lie…
ByMatthew BenedictOnce Michigan gun rights are restored, why can’t I purchase a gun? There are two bodies of government, State and Federal laws. Both bodies of government pass laws that prohibit a convicted felon from possessing a gun. Michigan’s laws are far more forgiving than the Federal government’s laws. Michigan has automatic restoration of gun rights,…
ByMatthew BenedictIn this blog, I wanted to discuss several fact patterns related to restoring gun rights in Michigan. This blog illustrates how federal law and Michigan law interact together. In Michigan, fewer felony convictions result in loss of gun rights. On the Federal level, more felonies result in the loss of gun rights. Michigan has a…
