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JB Umphrey, Attorney
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I own a home in Harper woods, Michigan. One year ago a building

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I own a home in Harper woods, Michigan. One year ago a building inspector said we needed a "certificate of occupancy" for our tenants to stay. My son did repairs requested. We have not heard anything since last summer.
Yesterday (Friday) I received a "Notice to Appear" for Arraignment, Offense "occupancy",
must appear this Monday in Harper Woods court.
What will happen Monday? Arraignment sounds awful. I always thought it was for serious lawbreakers, meaning first you are arrested, charged, and arraigned.
I am very upset and concerned.

Submitted: 1 year ago.
Category: Legal
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Expert:  JB Umphrey replied 1 year ago.

Hi and thank you for using JustAnswer!

I am sorry to learn of your experience. Please clarify: your court date is Monday, May 14?

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Customer: replied 1 year ago.

Yes. I am surprised at such short notice.

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Expert:  JB Umphrey replied 1 year ago.

Thank you.

When your son did the repairs, did you call up the building department to have them do another inspection so that you could be issued the certificate of occupancy?

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Customer: replied 1 year ago.

Yes. My son went to the city offices, and paid $100. I have a receipt from the city stating "For deposit Only" - "Certificate of Occupancy". I thought they would send a follow-up letter or some acknowledgment, but we received nothing.

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Expert:  JB Umphrey replied 1 year ago.

Okay, so, one can simply go to court, check in with the court officer and see if it's possible to first meet with the city attorney before appearing before the judge. The court officer will know if the city attorney is there or not for the docket. In meeting with the city attorney, one can present that receipt. The city attorney can then follow up with building officials to see where the breakdown (if any) occurred.

If the city attorney is not there on Monday, at the arraignment, one can simply plead not guilty and the judge will schedule a pre-trial date so that you can later meet with the city attorney, show the receipt, etc.

It has been my pleasure to assist you today with your procedural information needs. It is my goal that you are satisfied.

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Customer: replied 1 year ago.

I have no experience with this court stuff. I am very nervous, and just need to know more about this process. Am I just dealing with the court or city attorney? Am I going to be fingerprinted and have mug shots? Am I going to be put in a holding cell?

Expert:  JB Umphrey replied 1 year ago.

You will be dealing with both the court and the city attorney. You will not be placed in a holding cell or fingerprinted.

JB Umphrey, Attorney
Category: Legal
Positive Feedback: 96.7 %
Satisfied Customers: 20229
Experience: Explains legal matters based on 14+ years experience.
JB Umphrey and 15 other Legal Specialists are ready to help you
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Customer: replied 1 year ago.

Thank You. My wife tells me I watch too much TV. You have been very helpful.

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Expert:  JB Umphrey replied 1 year ago.

You are most welcome!

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