Facing a criminal charge of any description in Michigan is something each and every accused individual must take very seriously. Considering the ripple effects a conviction can bring for months and even years going forward, there is no room for delay or indecision when it comes to marshaling a defense.
In order to stand the strongest chance of avoiding punishments which can encompass monetary fines, terms of incarceration, probationary supervision and more, it is necessary to secure the services of an experienced defense attorney who will staunchly advocate for your rights. A Wayne County criminal lawyer will examine the evidence and develop a strategy designed to protect your liberty, your name and your future.
Distinctions Among ChargesThe range of offenses for which individuals can be subjected to formal criminal charges in Michigan is quite substantial, including everything from arson to theft. The Michigan Penal Code serves as a comprehensive repository key definitions and penalty classifications relevant to all criminal defendants. It is possible to review whether a crime is considered to be a misdemeanor or a felony offense, a fact which is largely determined by the perceived egregiousness of the conduct.
While misdemeanor crimes are routinely perceived as less harmful to society than felonies, charges relating to them retain the ability to wreak serious havoc on the lives of those convicted of them. Potentially subjecting defendants to jail terms approaching one year and fines of up to a $1,000, such allegations can throw the lives of ordinary people into real disarray making it important that a Wayne County criminal attorney is consulted as soon as possible by those accused.
Felony ChargesAs most would expect, felony charges place defendants in jeopardy of far more serious punishments, as the offenses they are meant to address are considered to be extremely damaging to society as a whole and/or their victims in particular. Because felonies come in all shapes and sizes, the legislature defines their terms and elements with great specificity so that appropriate sentences may be crafted by the courts.
Depending on the nature of the offense at issue, a convicted felon may be incarcerated for multiple years or perhaps even the remainder of their life. Crippling monetary sanctions, extended probationary supervision and other penalties stemming from guilty findings in felony cases can follow individuals for decades. As a result, it can make life extraordinarily difficult not just for the offender, but also their entire family which may face an unending struggle for financial, emotional and societal stability.
Types of OffensesCrimes in Michigan run the gamut from those considered to be fairly minor in impact to those believed to be profoundly detrimental to the community at large. Residents of the Great Lakes State are well-advised to seek assistance from a criminal lawyer in Wayne County when facing charges relating to:
It is easy to understand the very real anxiety that comes to the forefront when criminal charges are lodged, but the fact is that delay is never a defendant’s friend in terms of fighting back.
The state must establish all elements of a crime must be established beyond a reasonable doubt, and accused parties have an absolute right to launch an aggressive legal defense.
Whether by excluding illegally seized evidence or by exposing flaws in the prosecution’s arguments, it is often possible to achieve dismissals, reductions of charges, success at trial or perhaps a significant downward departure in applicable sentences.
Contacting an AttorneyIf you or a loved one have been accused of criminal conduct, it is important to realize that knowledgeable assistance is within close reach. By contacting a Wayne County criminal lawyer with a record of achieving positive outcomes for clients, you can begin the process of preserving your freedom and reclaiming your life.