Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in Michigan

Re: Juvinal MIP

Wow. Without having the opposing side of the story, this sounds like punishment that outweighs the offense. Your daughter should have a court appointed attorney who can attempt to turn the situation around. Consider writing a letter to the judge explaining your circumstances and asking for a court appointed attorney. Tell the judge that you cannot afford to take work off to be with your daughter when she is on house arrest. Ask that she be allowed to be home on house arrest without your supervision. Alternatively, inquire about a tether which could be utilized so that the juvenile court officer is notified when she leaves and this could solve the problem with your work attendance. Ask that a juvenile court officer speak with her teacher and determine what social services she needs to put her where she needs to be at in school. Be careful to avoid disparaging the court system in the process because that could offend the judge. Take the letter to the court clerk and and ask that it be filed. Alternatively, ask for the judge's secretary's number so that you can obtain her fax and/or address at which to send the letter.

Good luck!

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.