Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Michigan

I was having a short argument outside of my house in my backyard at aprx midnigh, which I know I shouldn't have been doing anyway. Neighbor that lives behind us called the police to report us being noisy instead of just asking us to quiet down. Before the officers arrived we were already done with our argument and were on good terms inside the house. Officer knocked on the door and we did not answer the door, because there was nothing wrong at this point. My two dogs that are vaccinated and registered with the city were outside to use the bathroom. When the officers proceeded to the fence to look into the back yard, the dogs barked because they were aware of strangers. Isn't this what dogs are trained to do anyway? - bark when strangers approach? Now I have a court date for my ticket for barking dogs. What do I do? What is going to happen? I am in college full time, not employed and never been in trouble before. I wont be able to pay any fines if they order me to! I need help getting out of this!!!

The ticket I have has the offense code: 6.04.340


Asked on 4/13/11, 6:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL private practice

Neighbors should not have to ask neighbors to "quiet down" at midnight and it is not smart to ignore the fact that the police are knocking on your door. Do not ignore this order to appear in court. You must appear, with or without an attorney. Either way, you will have only a few short minutes to tell the court what happened. If the court orders a fine, pay it. If the court waives the fine, after hearing your "explanation" consider yourself lucky, and be more considerate of your neighbors in the future. Be sure to take a copy of your dog's license and vaccination reports with you to court.

Read more
Answered on 4/14/11, 5:41 am


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in Michigan