Business

Over the years our business clients have included multi-million dollar corporations to local family-owned businesses. We believe that no matter the type or size of your business, it is important to have the right advisors in place for everyday occurrences or major changes to your company. Our attorneys are uniquely qualified to not only draft your agreements, but to defend and prosecute them as well. Our lawyers can guide your business away from future lawsuits through advanced planning and conflict avoidance. If litigation becomes necessary, we will put our extensive courtroom experience to work for you.

Drunk Driving

If you are charged with drunk driving in Michigan, be aware, it is now called OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) and it is a serious offense under Michigan law. A conviction for this charge can grow more serious with each successive violation. If you are arrested for OWI, you should contact our office immediately.

Business Formation

We can help you decide on the type of business entity that is best suited for your company. We will prepare and file the organizational documents necessary for all Michigan corporate entities (articles of incorporation or organization; bylaws, partnership or operating agreements; incorporator / organizational certificates, minutes of initial board of directors or managers meeting; minutes of initial shareholder's meeting).

We can also provide information about business licenses and assist you in obtaining tax IDs. Setting up your business properly can avoid future problems. Most importantly, we will work side by side with you and your advisors in limiting your personal liability and providing you the peace of mind to permit you to get to the business of running your business.

Commercial Law

An often overlooked fact is that in today�s business environment, most litigation is prosecuted by business against business. Lawyers that are experienced in the courtroom are a must for any business, large or small. Our firm offers vigorous representation in business-related litigation. We represent corporations, limited liability companies, as well as their shareholders, corporate officers and directors, members and managers in a wide variety of contract and other business disputes.

Contracts

We have extensive experience in negotiating and documenting a wide variety of business transactions involving real estate, purchase agreements, partnership agreements, partnership dissolutions, and other contracts.

Criminal Defense

When being investigated for or charged with a crime, we understand that it is a very stressful time. It is important to have experienced professionals that are also successful trial lawyers. We defend misdemeanors to felonies and have done so for many years. Many times we are able to work out deals with the Prosecutor�s office, avoiding a trial. If needed, we are experienced trial attorneys and will try your case. Try to find the most experienced criminal defense lawyer. He is the one who will get the most respect from the prosecutor's office and your judge. He will be in a far superior position to advise you whether to go to trial; or, if the case is not likely to result in a jury saying "Not Guilty," that attorney can do the necessary investigation, and pre-trial motion work and will usually obtain far superior results for you by knowing exactly when to strike a "plea-bargain" and thereby obtain a far superior overall result.

In the criminal arena, when you need a lawyer you need one now. If you have been charged, or expect to be charged with a crime, you should consult with our experienced attorneys immediately. Simply put, the first call you make should be to us. Our attorneys have extensive experience in criminal litigation and handle every type of criminal matter, both misdemeanor and felony; both adult and juvenile. Decisions are required to be made at every step of a criminal case, from the initial investigation, to the charge, through trial, and any appeal. Quite literally, these decisions may have life-altering consequences for you. You should have an attorney by your side that can effectively negotiate for you and explain the process and its ramifications. We are uniquely qualified to counsel and advise you every step of the way. We have handled hundreds of cases in district and circuit courts throughout the State of Michigan, ranging from local ordinance violations to first degree murder and white-collar crime. The various types of criminal matters we routinely handle are:

• Assault
• Arson
• Battery
• Domestic violence
• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Homicide
• Drug charges
• Drunk driving
• Operating while intoxicated
• Operating while visibly impaired
• Minors in Possession (MIP)
• Criminal Sexual Conduct
• Retail fraud
• Malicious destruction of property (MDOP)
• Larceny
• Embezzlement
• Racketeering and Conspiracy
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Driving while license suspended
• Reckless driving
• Unlawfully Driving Away a Motor Vehicle (UDAA)
• Carjacking
• White collar crimes
• Child support arrearages/felony non-support
• Drug trafficking
• Delivery and manufacture of controlled substances
• Home invasions
• Stalking
• Kidnapping
• And all other types of felony and misdemeanor matters

Driver License Issues

Attorneys at Kohl, Harris, Nolan, McCarthy, P.C. have assisted many clients in driver�s license restoration proceedings. For most people, a driver�s license enables them to get to work, get their children to school, and generally provide for themselves and their families. The loss of a driver�s license creates a serious hindrance to one�s ability to provide for their family. As a result, it is imperative to have the assistance of a well-qualified attorney in these proceedings. The Attorneys at Kohl, Harris, Nolan, McCarthy, P.C. are familiar with the process and have handled these types of proceedings throughout the State of Michigan.

Employment Law

At the law office of Kohl, Harris, Nolan, McCarthy, we represent both employees and employers in work related matters. Employment law is a growing area and many federal, state, and local laws and rules affect the employment relationship. We recognize that employment litigation can be especially difficult on a business due to the cost of litigation and the business interruption. As a result, we also advise employers on good business practices to prevent employee dissatisfaction from arising into litigation. We have handled a variety of employment law matters including the following:

• Drafting, negotiating and review of employment contracts
• Preparation of employee handbooks and personnel policies
• Advising businesses on terminating difficult employees
• Discrimination cases, including but not limited to, sex, race, and age discrimination
• Wrongful termination and discharge
• Contract disputes
• Sexual harassment in the workplace

Environmental

All business must balance professional judgment and competitive issues against the obligation not to be negligent or reckless in the manufacture, production, or distribution of products and services. This includes businesses that, as a necessary part of their operation, must affect our environment in one form or another, and are governed by environmental laws and regulations. The attorneys at the law office of Kohl, Harris, Nolan, McCarthy, P.C. can assist businesses in avoiding the pitfalls associated with environmental regulation.

Estate Planning

Estate Planning is necessary to determine how to dispose of your assets upon your death after you have spent a lifetime in accumulating those assets. It was your hard work and effort which built your nest egg and it should be you who will determine how your assets pass after you are gone. If you should die without a legal document like a will or trust, often the State will decide who gets what with little to no regard for your wishes or your heirs� needs.

Estate Planning is not just limited to preparing to dispose of your assets and who will serve as your representative. For example, if you currently have minor children, who will be their guardian after you pass? In the event a catastrophic injury renders you unable to make medical decisions for yourself, have you designated a Patient Advocate or a Medical Power of Attorney (commonly known as a living will)? It is better to be prepared for these possibilities so your friends and family know your intentions and you will not be asking them to make extremely difficult decisions with no guidance.

It is important that a person make sure they are prepared for life�s uncertainties. Some situations require additional planning depending on your circumstances. We recommend that everyone exercise an �ounce of prevention� in order to secure their wishes by prudent and responsible estate planning. Our firm is experienced in handling these matters and we have also partnered with the boutique law firm of Sullivan and Sullivan located in the City of Lapeer. Richard D. Sullivan and Kathleen Sullivan-Brown have many years of experience in advising clients primarily on Probate and Estate law issues.

Family Law

As knowledgeable Divorce Attorneys we understand the emotional and financial issues that arise when a divorce becomes inevitable. We can often obtain immediate relief for our clients via court order upon the initial filing of the divorce, including immediate protection of bank accounts and other financial accounts, immediate protection of your personal property, obtaining spousal support, and obtaining attorney fees. Similarly, we can also often obtain immediate personal protection orders when faced with a violent spouse.

If you have been served with divorce papers, we can also help to strengthen your position in defense of a divorce action. Since a divorce will present probably the most stressful and difficult time in your life, it is important that you choose a top divorce attorney. You should avoid divorce attorneys or law firms that hold themselves out as representing only fathers, only mothers, only husbands, or only wives, since many of these firms are simply attempting to obtain clients via marketing to �only� the husband or �only� the wife.

A good divorce attorney has much experience representing either a husband or a wife, since knowledge of the issues and the law presented by both sides of a divorce is crucial. We take pride in the fact that we are an AV rated law firm and have several seasoned attorneys to advise you regarding your divorce. If you are contemplating a divorce, we recommend that you have a consultation with one of our attorneys.

Civil Litigation

Kohl, Harris, Nolan, McCarthy, P.C. handles all civil litigation and other general legal matters for clients of all sizes and levels of sophistication. We understand that when clients contact us needing assistance with whatever legal issue has presented itself to them or their business, their only concern is having that issue resolved favorably and efficiently so that there is as little impact on their business or lives as possible.

The firm�s attorneys have years of experience and have handled a broad range of cases and legal issues. Our clients also include business professionals, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, business owners, municipalities, employers, employees and individuals. In addition to helping clients solve their problems when litigation is unavoidable, the firm also devotes significant time to counseling clients regarding their day-to day business/legal concerns. A large part of our practice consists of advising clients on to how to minimize the risk of litigation and in negotiating contracts and documents so that should a dispute arise the client�s rights are spelled out as clearly as possible.

We believe strongly that a little time and effort at the outset can help our clients minimize, or sometimes even avoid, the cost and expense associated with litigation and other dispute resolutions. It is our objective to provide our clients with that type of advice to allow them to make an educated decision regarding their legal rights. We are the lawyers that other lawyers turn to when they don�t know where to go.

Medical Malpractice

When a patient has a medical complaint, is experiencing symptoms, or is about to have surgery, they place an enormous amount of trust in their doctor. Patients rightfully have a reasonable expectation that their health care providers know and follow the applicable standard of care, make correct decisions, and act in a manner that assures the patient�s health is not unjustifiably compromised.

When something goes wrong, patients are often left wondering if or how a mistake may have occurred. At Kohl, Harris, Nolan, McCarthy, P.C., we help people who have been injured by medical malpractice. If a patient has been seriously injured by a hospital�s negligence, a doctor's negligence, or patient confidentiality has been compromised by an unauthorized disclosure of private medical information, contact an attorney from our firm.

Municipal Law

Our attorneys are experienced in handling a wide range of municipal and governmental legal matters, up to and including, complex litigation. We offer expertise on various aspects of employment, real estate, zoning, construction, development, and prosecutions of all types.

In addition, our attorneys draft resolutions, regulations, deeds, contracts and other legal documents; review and approve legal documents, participate in public hearings involving governmental issues and perform many other governmental tasks in coordination with our municipal clients. Let Kohl, Harris, Nolan, McCarthy, P.C. provide you with the legal advice and representation your municipality needs to accomplish the objectives of your local government.

Personal Injury

If you have been hurt or wronged, we will meet and discuss potential remedies you may have. By law, an injured party must bring any action to recover damages within a certain time period, called a statute of limitations. It is very important for a plaintiff to know what the limitations period is; because once that period has expired, the plaintiff is barred from bringing a lawsuit. Therefore, if you have been hurt or wronged, do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to analyze your case and determine when a suit must be filed.

In your free consultation, we will also discuss the possible types of damages you may be able to recover. For example, plaintiffs may recover compensation for injuries and lost wages and other damages suffered. In personal injury matters, you pay us on a contingency. This means that, other than the actual costs, you would pay us a percentage of your recovery rather than by the hour or project. If you do not recover by way of a settlement, verdict or arbitration award, you will not have to pay attorney fees.

If you are being sued we discuss the likely timeline for the lawsuit, insurance implications and develop a plan of defense. We seek to vigorously defend you and limit your liability.

The lawyers at Kohl Harris are well-seasoned personal injury attorneys. In the history of the firm, we have secured multiple multi-million dollar recoveries for our clients, whether by verdict or settlement. We are happy to answer your questions about any matter involving a personal injury. If you have been injured or have been named as a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit, please contact us through this website. Time is of the essence when it comes to litigation and we are happy to provide a free consultation to discuss your situation.

We have experience litigating a variety of claims, including, but not limited to:

• Auto accident / motor vehicle accident (first and third party)
• Product liability / defective product
• Wrongful death
• Defamation (libel/slander)
• Insurance disputes
• Negligence actions
• Premises liability, including, but not limited to, slip and fall cases and negligent security cases
• Medical, dental, and legal malpractice
• Dramshop (actions against establishments which serve liquor)
• Dog bites
• Fire insurance claims
• Boating accidents
• Civil rights / police brutality

Probate

Probate is a legal process which ensures the transfer of a deceased�s estate to their family, friends and other designated beneficiaries. Probate also settles the estate of the deceased in the event any bills or taxes are owed and any creditors of the deceased have a limited amount of time to file a claim from the date the probate file is opened.

Probate not only distributes the property of a deceased person, but it allows heirs and potential heirs to file objections to the deceased�s will and the distribution plan. Some objections include, but are not limited to, that the will was not authentic; that the will was not the last will and testament of the deceased; that there exists a codicil (amendment) to the will which has not been admitted to probate; and the possibility of fraud, forgery or undue influence.

Typically, when a will is probated, all heirs and beneficiaries receive notice of the proceedings. The personal representative is the agent a decedent names to settle the affairs of the estate. This includes making distributions to pay bills, authorizing assets to be passed, and the like. The disbursement of all of a decedent�s assets is required to be accounted for, whether they were distributed to beneficiaries or were used to pay off debts and expenses.

If you are an heir to an estate, if you have been named a personal representative, or in any way are connected to proceedings in probate and you have a question, please contact our attorneys who will gladly consult with you free of charge. Our firm is experienced in handling probate matters and we have also partnered with the boutique law firm of Sullivan and Sullivan located in the City of Lapeer. Richard D. Sullivan and Kathleen Sullivan-Brown have many years of experience in advising clients, primarily on Probate and Estate law issues.

Probating Estates

If you are an heir to an estate, or are in any way are connected to proceedings in probate, and you have a reasonable suspicion that the decedent�s wishes are not being carried out or that possible fraud or coercion plays, or played, a role in the decedent�s distribution of assets, you will be required to file an independent lawsuit to advance your claims. Our law firm is a full service litigation law firm that has experience in determining whether a personal representative is legally fulfilling their duties and analyzing whether there are grounds to initiate a lawsuit based on the information you provide to us.

If you find yourself in such a situation described above, please contact our attorneys who will gladly consult with you free of charge on what your options are. Our firm is experienced in handling probate matters and we have also partnered with the boutique law firm of Sullivan and Sullivan located in the City of Lapeer. Richard D. Sullivan and Kathleen Sullivan-Brown have many years of experience in advising clients, primarily on Probate and Estate law issues.

Traffic Violations

Traffic offense convictions have a serious impact on your rates of insurance and on your insurability. They also can rise to the level of potential license suspensions or revocations. Moving violations such as speeding, driving while license suspended, or even running a red light may pose serious consequences to you. These convictions can also adversely impact your driving history and automobile insurance rates for years. For these reasons, the attorneys at Kohl, Harris, Nolan, McCarthy, P.C. vigorously defend these matters based upon years of experience handling these matters.

Zoning and Land Use

Whether commercial or residential property is the focus of your investment or development scheme, the old saw of �look before you leap� is universally applicable. Allowable uses under diverse zoning schemes must be known before any investment is made, building is constructed or use considered. Put our experience to work for you. Our firm will assist you in understanding in advance your options for location, building site and land use compatibility in the zoning district that you target.