Accomplished Legal Representation for Residents of Southeast Michigan

Drug Crimes

Under Michigan law, drugs are classified into five schedules based on the risk of harm and addiction associated with their use. Crimes related to schedule 1 and 2 drugs typically carry greater penalties, but you should consult a criminal attorney in the Detroit area if you are facing any type of drug charge. People can be charged with manufacturing, distributing, or possessing drugs, depending on the type and the amount of the substance found in the person’s possession. Regardless of the specific charges, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant acted knowingly and intentionally.

Domestic Violence

Any acts against a household or family member that cause harm (or fear of harm) or that would cause a reasonable person to feel intimidated, threatened, terrorized, or harassed constitute domestic violence. Domestic violence crimes in Michigan may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the facts of the case. In addition to criminal penalties, people convicted of domestic violence offenses will often be subject to restraining orders. They also may face family law consequences, such as reduced child custody rights.

Violent Crimes

Certain offenses, like aggravated assault, robbery, manslaughter, and murder, are considered violent crimes and carry significant penalties. Such crimes typically involve the use or threatened use of force. Violent crimes may lead to long prison sentences upon conviction, but an investigation of the case by a diligent Detroit criminal attorney often reveals a strong defense. For example, a defendant may be able to argue that they acted in self-defense or defense of others when they used force.

Sex Crimes

Charges classified as sex crimes include rape, criminal sexual conduct, and sexual assault. Many sex crime charges require the prosecution to show that the victim either did not consent or lacked the ability to consent to the behavior in question. Accordingly, in matters in which consent is an element, a defendant may be able to offer the defense that the activity was consensual. In other situations, a defendant may be able to show that the accuser or another prosecution witness is exaggerating or fabricating their story.

Gun Crimes

Michigan has numerous laws regulating gun ownership. For example, people with felony convictions are often barred from owning firearms, as are minors. Additionally, the laws prohibit anyone from possessing or selling certain types of weapons, selling guns without a license, and carrying guns in a school zone. Possession is a key element of many gun crimes. If the prosecution cannot establish the element of possession, the defendant should be found not guilty.

White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes generally refer to offenses that involve financial theft or fraud, such as Ponzi schemes, embezzlement, and identity theft. White collar crimes are typically charged as felonies. These cases are complex and involve an extensive amount of sophisticated evidence. If the evidence was obtained without a warrant, or the police investigating the crime exceeded the scope of the warrant, the evidence may be deemed inadmissible.

Fraud

Fraud involves the use of deception or misrepresentation to steal or attempt to steal property, funds, or services. Credit card fraud, check fraud, counterfeiting, forgery, and tax evasion are examples of fraud crimes. Fraud offenses may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. An accomplished Detroit criminal lawyer might help a defendant fight this charge by showing that the alleged victim consented to the behavior in question or that the defendant lacked the required intent.

Federal Crimes

Federal crimes include offenses that violate federal laws, occur on federal property, or involve crossing state lines. If federal prosecutors suspect that a person committed a federal crime, they must present evidence to a grand jury, and they will determine if there are grounds to bring charges against the person. If the grand jury deems the evidence sufficient, the person will be indicted. After the indictment, the individual will be arrested and arraigned and will enter a plea. Federal investigators and prosecutors are bound by the same standards as those handling state crimes.

Criminal Investigations

Prior to charging a person with a criminal offense, the police will typically conduct an investigation. People who are the focus of such inquiries should know and understand their rights so they can avoid potentially providing the police with incriminating evidence. For example, you have the right to remain silent if you are questioned regarding criminal activity. You are also protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. Additionally, people have a right to be represented by an attorney during criminal investigations. Ellen Michaels will protect you during an investigation and fight to prevent criminal charges.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Lawyer Serving Detroit and Surrounding Areas

Just because a person is charged with an offense does not mean that the prosecution will be able to obtain a conviction. If you are faced with criminal charges, it is important to speak to an attorney regarding your rights. Ellen Michaels has the skills and resources needed to obtain successful results, and she will develop a strategy designed to help you seek the best outcome possible in your case. Attorney Michaels has offices in Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, Ann Arbor, and West Bloomfield, and she is a specialist in criminal matters in Metro Detroit, Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Monroe Counties. You can reach her via the form online or at (248) 202-3345.