Working Directly With A Lawyer Can Make A Difference In Your Case
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a lawyer protecting your rights. At Standard & Berry, PLLC, we understand what you are going through right now, and we want to help.
As Michigan criminal defense lawyers, we dedicate ourselves to helping people charged with a crime through every step of the process. We know that what happens to you may also affect your family. You can count on us to take all of these concerns into consideration when building your defense. Additionally, you can be sure that we will get to know you so we can defend you to the best of our abilities. Whether we negotiate a plea or go to trial, you will be in good hands.
A Conviction Will Have Serious Consequences
Criminal offenses come with consequences that can follow you for life. Depending on the specifics of the case, you could face hefty fines, mandatory counseling, and jail or prison time. You may also lose your right to possess firearms, the right to vote and your professional license. You may have a permanent criminal record that can exclude you from housing, financial aid and other opportunities.
You can turn to us for defense against a wide range of charges, including:
- Assault offenses and domestic violence
- Drug charges
- Weapons violations
- Auto theft
- Drunk driving/DUI
- Theft
- Larceny
- Juvenile offenses
Our thorough investigation of the charges may lead to weaknesses in the case against you. We can use that information to argue for reduced charges or, in some instances, a dismissal of the case.
Even if we can’t get the charges dismissed, we will still work hard to lessen the consequences you face. A plea agreement, for example, may result in a shorter sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges In Michigan
Facing criminal charges can be daunting and it’s not always easy knowing what to do. An experienced criminal attorney can guide you through your case. Here are some of the most common questions we hear about criminal charges in Michigan.
Should I talk to the police?
Generally, the answer is no. Talking to the police once you have been identified as a suspect will not help you. Beyond giving the police your identifying information, you should assert your Fifth Amendment rights, which include remaining silent and contacting a criminal defense attorney. You should never talk to the police without having an attorney present, as even brief comments can harm your case.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Crimes in Michigan are typically broken down into two categories: felony offenses and misdemeanor offenses. The category of offense greatly impacts the potential penalties. Misdemeanor offenses are further divided into two subcategories, 93-day misdemeanors and one-year misdemeanors. The names reflect the potential prison sentences that an individual may face if convicted.
Felony offenses are more serious. Which category of crime an individual is charged with will depend on things like the value of goods involved, the potential threat to the general public and the harm caused to any victims. The most serious felony offenses are Class A felonies, which include murder, kidnapping and rape. A conviction for a Class A felony can result in life imprisonment.
What is an unlawful arrest in Michigan?
The police have numerous powers at their disposal. For example, they can stop your vehicle if they have reasonable suspicion that an offense has been committed. However, to arrest you, they must have either a valid warrant or probable cause. Probable cause essentially means that they have strong evidence that a crime has been committed. For example, if a driver fails a roadside Breathalyzer test. Arrests without probable cause or a valid warrant may be unlawful.
Let’s Talk Today About Your Situation
We won’t know if we can help until you tell us what happened, so call our criminal defense attorneys today in Grand Rapids at 616-622-3064 or send us an email. We can meet you at the jail if necessary.