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Northville

Criminal law in Michigan is a specialized area of law with lengthy, detailed statutes that undergo frequent changes in response to public opinion and political demand.

Anyone charged with a crime needs to understand the laws involved, the elements of different criminal violations, the defenses that can be raised, and the proper course of action to take to work toward the best possible outcome.

That’s where an experienced Northville criminal lawyer can help. Your defense attorney will be able to analyze the facts of your case and how they fit into the legal situation so that together you can move toward a satisfactory resolution.

Two Basic Categories of Crimes

Crimes are generally classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are considered less severe crimes under the law and have shorter jail terms and lower fines than felonies. Within each of these basic categories, criminal violations are further divided into different classes with different penalty levels.

Often, the amount of money or physical harm involved in a case is the determining factor as to whether a crime is treated more or less severely. That means it’s important to ensure that the facts of the case are investigated and presented correctly.

Misdemeanors Under Michigan Law

While the term “misdemeanor” is defined in dictionaries as a “minor wrongdoing,” the law can provide major consequences. In Michigan, misdemeanors are divided into three classes.

The lowest level crimes are those classified as “93-day” violations because they are punishable by up to 93 days in prison and fines of up to $500.

More serious misdemeanors are in a separate class punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1000.

Finally, those classified as High Court misdemeanors can be punished by fine of up to $2000 and a prison sentence of up to two years.

Some examples of misdemeanors under Michigan law are:

  • Indecent exposure
  • Prostitution
  • Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated
  • Negligent homicide by vehicle
  • Shoplifting
  • Disturbing the peace
  • Embezzlement of property worth less than $1000
  • Petty larceny
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Assault
  • Possession of marijuana
Felonies Under Michigan Law

Michigan law divides felony offenses into eight different classes, labeled A through H. Class A felonies are the most serious while Class H are generally the least serious. Some examples include:

  • Class A — murder, first-degree criminal sexual conduct
  • Class B — production of pornography, second-degree arson
  • Class C — robbery, manslaughter
  • Class D — human trafficking (not resulting in injury), larceny of property worth $20,000
  • Class E — home invasion, carrying a deadly weapon with illegal intent
  • Class F — possession with intent to deliver marijuana, filing an unauthorized credit application
  • Class G — domestic assault, knowingly passing a bad check worth $500
  • Class H — use of stolen ID, false representation to obtain personal information

The penalties range from potential life prison sentences for Class A felonies to a short jail term or alternate such as probation in for a Class H felony.

Contact a Northville Criminal Attorney

A knowledgeable criminal lawyer will know how the circumstances of your case fit in with the various Michigan criminal laws, as well as any applicable federal or local laws.

Your attorney will serve as a personal advocate, working to raise the best possible defenses and provide advice on the appropriate course of action to take to toward the best resolution. If you’re facing criminal charges, contact a Northville defense attorney today.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.