What is a civil suit?

In a(Mi) civil suit can you bring up convicted felon criminal history from 1992 if he is on probation to 2024?

• I'm involved in a civil suit in the state of Michigan. The person I'm involved in suit with is a convicted felon dating back to the late eighties from the state of Florida. I have been told by his attorney, "It is against Michigan Law to talk about someones criminal history in a civil suit if crime is ten years old. Michigan court 's does not care if he is on probation until 2024 for his crimes in Florida. Any crime over ten years old even if person is on probation can not be discussed regarding present civil suit. This person was my business partner and he stole from our company. I can not afford an attorney due to the fact this person stole thousands of dollars from me. I have been "Pro Per" with this civil suit. I have tried checking with State of Michigan Law Library and can't find an answer. If an attorney or someone knowledgeable with Michigan law can answer this question, "Is it a law in the State of Michigan in a civil suit you can not bring up criminal history of someone who's crime is over ten years old and they are on probation for said crime until 2024?" His attorney is trying to have any information stricken from my witness list and exhibit list regarding his clients Florida conviction. He attorney has filed a motion for 9/7/11 to have criminal info striken. This person criminal history consist of, Grand Theft of over $100000.00, Exploit Aged and Mismanagement, Gross Frauds & Cheats at Common Law, and Larceny By Conversion. Thank You

• Answer:

  This is one of the most complicated areas of evidence law and there's almost never a simple answer. You need a real attorney's opinion, not one from a bunch of 12 year olds who want to be lawyers and "live the dream" on Yahoo Answers. Aside from consulting an attorney (which you absolutely need to do if you want a good answer) you could research whatever statutes & cases are cited in the motion. If his attorney is any good he would have used the motion to head off some of your arguments.