Domestic Violence Attorneys in Detroit, Michigan

Domestic violence charges can carry severe ramifications. If you are accused of or facing criminal charges for domestic violence, speak with an attorney immediately. At Detroit Legal Group PLLC, we understand the serious nature of these charges.  

Our domestic violence defense attorneys in Detroit, Michigan, are dedicated to defending your rights and finding the best possible legal solution given your circumstances. At Detroit Legal Group PLLC, we always strive to secure the best possible outcome for our clients. Our criminal defense attorneys proudly pursue justice for those accused of domestic violence and other offenses in Detroit, Warren, Dearborn, Southfield, and the rest of Michigan.

Domestic Violence in Michigan  

Domestic violence can be defined as a single incident or a pattern of violent or threatening behavior combined with physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Law enforcement takes domestic violence accusations very seriously, and courts in Michigan punish those convicted of domestic violence harshly.  

Under Michigan law, domestic violence charges are filed when the defendant and alleged victim have any of the following relationships: 

1. Present/former spouses 

2. Present/former dating partners 

3. Individuals residing in the same household 

4. Individuals sharing a child together 

If the defendant and alleged victim do not have any of the above-mentioned relationships, assault charges may be pursued instead of domestic violence. According to an annual report by the Michigan Department of State Police, there were a total of 70,564 domestic violence incidents reported to law enforcement in 2021. In more than half of the incidents, the defendant was accused by a spouse or a present/former dating partner.  

Domestic violence can include different forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Threats, stalking, coercion, intimidation, and control may also result in domestic violence charges depending on the facts of the case.  

Possible Consequences and Penalties  

In Michigan, domestic violence can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Furthermore, Michigan law has two classifications of domestic violence:  

1. Simple domestic assault. These charges do not necessarily need to involve bodily harm. 

2. Aggravated domestic assault. These charges apply to cases in which the alleged victim suffers injuries that require medical attention.  

Depending on the classification and the facts of the crime, possible consequences and penalties include but are not limited to: 

• Imprisonment 

• Fines 

• Permanent criminal record 

• Mandatory counseling or anger management classes 

• Loss of a firearm 

• Loss of custody rights or parenting privileges 

• Deportation 

On top of the above-mentioned consequences and penalties, a domestic violence conviction can carry a stigma for the rest of your life. If you are facing domestic violence charges in Michigan, you need to fully understand the serious nature of the charges. You do not want to take chances and risk your freedom and future. Reach out to a skilled domestic violence defense attorney in Detroit, Michigan, to help you find a path forward.  

Possible Defenses  

There are several possible defense strategies that you may use to convince the judge to drop or reduce domestic violence charges filed against you. Some of the most common defenses include: 

• False accusations. Claiming that you were “falsely accused” is one of the most common defense strategies in domestic violence cases.  

• Mistaken identity. You may also argue that you did not commit the violent act by showing a reliable alibi.  

• Self-defense. Depending on the facts of your case, you may claim that you were trying to protect yourself or your children from the immediate threat of harm.  

• Lack of intent. You cannot be convicted of domestic violence if the prosecution cannot prove that you had an intent to commit the crime.  

Each case is unique. Contact a domestic violence defense attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and start building the strongest defense strategy possible.