Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

I had left the country and had no plans to return for a year, so I loaned my car to my sister who had plates put in her name and insurance.

I come back and totally need a car in the city I live. So I take the car back while the plates and insurance remain in her name. We post postpone making the change right away back into my name because there is a chance that come Jan 2011 I may have another vehicle and she (my sisters daughter) can continue to use the car.

Anyhow, the tabs expired on the 21st of Dec. I had just started working getting about 300 per week. When the direct deposit goes in, for three weeks in a row basically all my money the bank took to pay for: car note, visa, overdraft, and penalties. $40 went to gas for the week and 30 towards food for 3 weeks.

Since that time either I didn't have the money or when I did go to Secretary of State they were closed (Holidays). In the meanwhile a well intentioned friend after I mentioned this came up with the idea and colored the tab on the vehicle to the current year color (unbeknown to me) BUSTED.

The plates are in my sisters name and thus she gets the ticket even though I've been the one driving it since Dec.

What I thinking of telling the judge is that the truth. As just written above. That it wasn't her fault but my responsibility. I'm having the car insured in my name today and will have the tabs paid for tomorrow (holiday today and closed again). So by the time we get there everything will be back in my name properly.

I feel pretty bad. I've been unemployed for some time, behind on bills, bla bla bla, but doing my best looking for work. The day I was handed the ticket I was parked at the coffee cafe putting in resumes as is pretty much a daily thing for me. I have hundreds out from NY to CAL.

What are the chance he'll drop/change the charges to something less and then I can just pay the fees and court costs? I live in Michigan.


Asked on 1/17/11, 9:48 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jules Fiani Law Offices of Jules N. Fiani

You ask a great question and it is easier for me to explain the answer to you over the phone, especially since there are further question I must ask to give you the best and most accurate answer. Please call me on my cell phone at any time (I am available 24/7) at 586-457-5501 so I can help you and answer any additional questions you may have.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

--Jules N. Fiani

Attorney at Law

Office phone: 810-227-7200

Cell phone: 586-457-5501

Email: [email protected]

4920 Chilson Road

Howell, MI 48843

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Answered on 2/25/11, 4:37 pm


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