LAD holds workshop on small claims court
Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc. conducted the second of its three fall workshops on small claims court Nov. 8 at St. Clair Shores Public Library.
Small claims court is a judicial process in district courts for settling money disputes of $5,000 or less. LAD’s workshops are designed to teach residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties how to represent themselves in the courts and collect money judgments.
Kelly L. Bidelman, managing attorney of LAD’s Macomb County office in Mount Clemens, conducted the workshop. In her introductory remarks, she pointed out that the limit on monetary disputes had been raised from $3,000 to $5,000 in September.
Guest speaker Craig Pappas, executive director of The Resolution Center, Mount Clemens, explained how attendees could use mediation as an alternative to filing suit in small claims court. Automatic mediation is a requirement in several Macomb County jurisdictions, he said.
“We see if we can come up with solutions that are win-win for both parties,” Pappas said.
The first of LAD’s fall workshops on small claims court was held Oct. 23 in Detroit. The third was scheduled for Nov. 13 in Pontiac.
Judge tosses charges in multiple medical marijuana cases
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A judge has thrown out charges against four employees of two Lansing medical marijuana facilities, saying they were following a law that needs clarification.
The Lansing State Journal reports 54A District Court Judge Hugh Clarke Jr. issued the written opinion last week dismissing drug-dealing charges against the HydroWorld employees. He says the state's medical marijuana law “screams for legislative clarification.”
HydroWorld’s owner Danny Trevino calls the ruling a victory. The state attorney general’s office brought the charges and is considering an appeal.
Michigan voters in 2008 approved the use of marijuana for medical reasons, but parts of the law are being challenged.
The state Senate could look at changes aimed at clarifying the law in the final dozen or so scheduled meeting days before the end of the year.
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