CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN

If you’ve recently been charged with a crime, you’re likely feeling incredibly overwhelmed. Your family, your freedom, and your reputation may all be in jeopardy. When so much is on the line, put your case in the hands of an experienced legal team. Your future is too important to leave to chance.

At Detroit Legal Group PLLC, we’re ready to fight tooth and nail for the outcome you deserve. Whether you’ve been accused of a minor infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony, we have the skills to help you pursue justice. From our office in Detroit, we proudly represent clients in Dearborn, Southfield, Warren, and throughout the area. Schedule a free consultation with us today.

Charges We Defend

The consequences of a conviction can be devastating, but having a solid understanding of your charges may help you prepare a better defense. Our team has experience defending clients against a variety of criminal charges. We’re ready to help you craft a case geared toward results.

Civil Infractions

Civil infractions are minor violations of the law that are typically punishable by fines. Michigan classifies them into two categories—traffic civil infractions and nontraffic civil infractions. Common traffic-related examples include:

• Speeding

• Careless driving

• Defective equipment, such as a tail light

• Failure to yield

• Disobeying a traffic control device

Michigan nontraffic civil infractions often involve:

• Violating building codes or permits

• Violating ordinances regulating the disposal of refuse or yard waste

• Excessive noise

• Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit

• Disobeying state land-use rules, like those of a state campground or forest

Unless the defendant is found to be in civil contempt, he or she cannot be sentenced to jail time. In these cases, civil contempt usually means the defendant failed to pay the assigned fine, fee, or costs.

Misdemeanors

Michigan law views misdemeanors as low-level criminal offenses. Many misdemeanors can also be tried as felonies, such as DUIs, violent crimes, or drug offenses. Misdemeanor trials will examine factors such as intent, resulting in injuries, the value of property or goods involved, any priors of the defendant, and the offense itself.

Depending on your specific case, you could be dealt any of the following penalties:

• Jail time

• Heavy fines

• Community service

• Driver's license suspension

• Alcohol or drug treatment

• Probation

Get in touch with us at Detroit Legal Group PLLC if you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor. We’re ready to help you navigate the legal system and fight fiercely on your behalf.

Felonies

Federal law defines a felony as any crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Michigan breaks down felonies into categories as follows:

• Class A felonies

  • Examples: murder and first-degree sexual misconduct

  • Punishable by up to life in prison

• Class B felonies

  • Examples: second-degree child abuse, production of child pornography, and second-degree arson

  • Punishable by up to 20 years in prison

• Class C felonies

  • Examples: manslaughter and robbery

  • Punishable by up to 15 years in prison

• Class D felonies

  • Examples: embezzlement, human trafficking, and larceny worth over $20,000

  • Punishable by up to 10 years in prison

• Class E felonies

  • Examples: retail fraud and home invasion

  • Punishable by up to 5 years in prison

• Class F felonies

  • Examples: Unauthorized loans or credit applications

  • Punishable by up to 4 years in prison

• Class G felonies

  • Examples: domestic assault and intentionally writing a bad check over $500

  • Punishable by up to 2 years in prison

• Class H felonies

  • Examples: Misuse of personal information or use of a stolen ID

  • Not punishable by jail time, but can result in probation, treatment, or electronic monitoring

If convicted of a felony, you could lose civil rights such as your ability to vote, hold public office, or join the military. Your job opportunities may also suffer, as U.S. employers are legally allowed to ask about prior convictions.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Team?

Rather than relying on a public defender, it is in your best interests to retain an experienced legal team. Public defenders are often juggling multiple cases at once and can rarely offer you the attention you deserve. This can result in them pushing for a plea deal instead of fighting to clear your name.

At Detroit Legal Group PLLC, we do things a little differently. We’re prepared to give you the dedicated and knowledgeable advice you need to move forward because we know how important the outcome is to your future. Contact our office in Detroit for representation in Dearborn, Southfield, Warren, or anywhere else in Michigan. We’ll set you up with a free consultation.