While sexting may seem like harmless fun, if either of the parties are under the age of 18 it can result in some very serious charges. The state sees this as the creation and distribution of child pornography. Even the child him or herself can be charged, and if a computer was involved at any time it can result in sentence enhancements. Sexting is a problem with no end in sight, and has been debated on TV talk shows, at school board meetings, and by parents throughout Michigan and worldwide. While most adults would like to see sexting made illegal, current Michigan law . If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime associated with sexting it is important to retain an experienced criminal lawyer to protect your rights. Our experienced attorneys are regulars at metro Detroit courts and have developed relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and city attorneys who will be assigned to your case. We can negotiate with the prosecutor to get these charges reduced, modified, or even dismissed. We can work to get you sentenced pursuant to a diversionary program so that if all goes well your record will eventually be clean.
Need a Sexting Criminal Defense Attorney? To retain Garmo & Kiste, PLC call us at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.
Entering into a contract can seem straightforward, you may even enter them more often than you think. Every time you buy groceries, or apply for a credit card you have in fact entered into a legal contract. However, the way the law has developed there are many areas that are full of pitfalls for the unwary. An indemnification agreement is one such concept. An indemnification clause is a statement that if one party is sued based on the terms of the contract, the other party will cover any judgments or costs against them. Such agreements are regularly upheld in court. If you are signing a contract with an indemnity agreement you might benefit significantly from letting a lawyer look it over before you sign.
If you are the drafter of a contract, it is important to think carefully if you may be liable for the actions of the other party whether it may be wise to shift that liability. Experienced attorneys can bargain with the other party on your behalf to get you the exact contract you are comfortable with.
Indemnity agreements are regularly used when parties sign “boilerplate” or pre-prepared contracts. It is important to be especially wary of these, as the less experienced party may have less of an opportunity or knowledge as to how to protect their interests and rights. Additionally, they may have less power to negotiate.
Need a Lawyer for a indemnification business contract? To retain Garmo & Kiste, PLC call us at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.
In Michigan, Contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, and laborers who have a contract with a General Contractor or Sub-contractor can file a mechanics lien. This can grant a security interest in the property that has been improved through labor or products purchased in reliance on a contract. In order to set one up, it requires a little work on the front end to save a lot of work at the end. If you are a contractor or sub-contractor and you would like to ensure payment for your services, you should contact an experienced attorney to set up a mechanic’s lien and protect your interest.
We are attorneys and small business owner’s in Troy, Michigan. We know that times are tough for businesses right now, and we will do everything we can to get you paid. Once the lien has been established we can file a garnishment on the paycheck or taxes of a person or business so they have no choice but to pay you the amount you are rightfully owed.
Need a Michigan Mechanic’s Lien Attorney? To retain Garmo & Kiste, PLC call us at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.
Whether you are living in the dorms with an assigned roommate, or living off campus with friends, there are times when your roommate’s actions can put you at legal risk. If your roommate is committing some drug crimes such as manufacture, distribution, or even possession, in some cases you could also be charged. If the police believe you were aware of what was going on or involved you can be charged as well. If you do not hire an experienced attorney to protect your rights, you could end up going down for the same crimes as the guilty party. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to contact an attorney sooner than later as drug charges can affect your financial aid eligibility.
An experienced attorney can negotiate for a plea agreement get the charges reduced, modified, or even dismissed. Even if you have already been sentenced we may be able to get you sentenced pursuant to a diversionary program with the effect that the charge will eventually fall off your record after a probationary period of good behavior.
Need to understand Roommate Drug Liability Michigan, call us at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.
Detroit Panhandlers: New Ordinances Crack Down on Overzealous Panhandlers
Especially with recent economic events, more and more people are finding themselves with nowhere else to turn besides relying on generosity of strangers. In response to this trend, the city of Detroit strengthened its anti-panhandling laws that have been in place since 1996. The new law, while deferential, to first amendment rights to ask for charity in public prohibits:
- Forcing themselves on another person
- Block their way
- Continue to beg after a person reacts negatively
- Touch an individual in a tortious way
- Solicit on marked no solicitation areas
Garmo and Kiste, PLC is your home for changes and updates to laws that affect you in the metro Detroit area.
Charged w/ Panhanding? If you have legal questions or concerns call us at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.
If you have been putting off getting your estate in order, you may surprised when you find out how easy it can be to make a plan for your affairs. A lady bird deed is an option outside of a traditional will where you can convey property on the condition of your death, without losing homestead exemptions, and avoiding probate entirely. This can be a good option for someone who is receiving Medicaid benefits to avoid Medicaid making a claim on your property after you death. The name comes from the fact that Lady Bird Johnson was the recipient of property under this scheme. If you think this type of deed may be a good option for you our experienced attorneys can advise you as how best to draft it to protect you, your family, and your property interests.
There are some other unique estate planning options available to you including a Quit Claim Deed (QCD for short). A quit claim deed is a means to transfer ones interest in property to someone else. There is no warranty of title, so quit claim deeds are often used between family members as gifts, in the case of divorces where one spouse must transfer their interest to the other, and in tax sales. If you think a quit claim deed might be a good option for you and your property, you must consult with an experienced attorney to ensure there are no outstanding issues.
Need a Lady Bird Deed/Quit Claim Deed Michigan Estate Attorney? To retain Garmo & Kiste, PLC call us at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.
Cell phones and driving have always been controversial. There are those who say it is just like talking to a person in the vehicle, those who argue that Bluetooth technology solves the problem, and those who are in favor of an outright ban. However, the anti-texting and driving bans have proven popular and seem to have made some inroads into the ability to legislate this touchy issue.
Governor Snyder signed “Kelsey’s Law” which makes driving while talking on a cell phone as a teenage driver (Or level I and II driver) a civil infraction. The law is named after a 17 year old Sault Ste. Marie young woman who was killed in a car accident while talking on her cell phone. For more information please see:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013301080438
The sentence is to be determined by local municipalities.
Michigan Cell Phone Ban Tickets? For all of your legal needs call Garmo & Kiste, PLC at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message. We are experienced Michigan attorneys with offices in Troy and Lake Orion, MI.
Pursuant to MCL 257.625, if you get a DUI in another state, have a DUI on your driving record and then move to Michigan, your driver’s license may be suspended for an additional length of time. While this may seem like double jeopardy, driving is a privilege not a right. Especially when moving to a new state, not having a valid driver’s license can present a real problem. You may face background checks for new employment, have your credit checked using your driver’s license number for a new lease or bank account, or just need to drive around to find your way around your neighborhood or to your new drive.
Our firm has been able to negotiate on behalf of our clients to get this term of suspension dropped, reduced, or to count prior driver’s licenses suspensions as concurrent. Upon moving to a new state getting your life in order without being able to drive can be nearly impossible. Even if you are already established, you will need to arrange for transportation to work, and other places. We can put our experience to work for you and get you back on the road sooner.
Need a Michigan Driver’s License Restoration Attorney? To retain Garmo & Kiste, PLC call us at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.
We are excited to announce that we have opened a satellite office space located at 236 S. Broadway St. Lake Orion, MI 48063! Our main office will remain at 240 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48099, and we will be expanding and remodeling this space over the next 3-4 months.
This expansion is an attempt to better serve our clients in the North Oakland and Lapeer areas, Courts that we regularly frequent. Each court has its quirks, and our attorneys will work to secure you the best possible legal result. For all of your legal needs call Garmo & Kiste, PLC at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message. We are experienced Michigan attorneys with offices in Troy and Lake Orion, MI.

Our very own Brian Garmo spoke with Bobby and Stacey this morning on the air! We admit we were a little star struck, but Brian proved even lawyers can laugh at themselves. Brian was “guilty as charged” of liking the doughnuts the station was kind enough to provide.
We love opportunities like this to let more people know what were about, where were located, and just how competitive our pricing is. Contact Brian Garmo at (248) 398-7100, Ext. 2 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.