The social stigma of undergoing investigation by CPS may be embarrassing, and could even impact a parent’s custody or visitation rights in divorce proceedings. Additionally, the ability to adopt or foster a child could be restricted.
Child Abuse
Placing a child at risk for harm is child neglect. Under state Child Protection Laws, cases involving child neglect must be reported to the Michigan Department of Child Protective Services (CPS).
Experienced Michigan expungement attorney Paul J. Tafelski. Call Michigan Defense Law at (248) 451-2200 to speak with expungement attorneys. Criminal defense lawyers.
DUI/DWI
Traffic Violations
The attorneys at the office of Michigan Defense Law know that’s it’s possible to contest traffic violations and obtain a far more advantageous outcome as compared to pleading guilty to the offense. We work with you to gather information and explore your options when you’re faced with a hearing or administrative review regarding your driver’s license. Our experience allows us to deliver a customized approach to your defense and present convincing arguments on your behalf.
Sex Crimes
In Michigan, convicted sex offenders of certain sex crimes are required to register with the Michigan Sex Offender Registry under the Sex Offenders Registration Act. Failure of registering when required to do so is a felony.
Fraud
Occurs when an individual takes another party’s credit card. An individual can be charged with credit card fraud even if the credit card was never used. This crime is usually called Financial Transaction Device.
Robbery
Classes B-D: Second degree crimes, like arson, child abuse, robbery, and manslaughter are still severely punished. Larceny and embezzlement are at the lower end as a Class D felony. If convicted, you could be sentenced from 10-20 years’ imprisonment.
Burglary
The state of Michigan has many statutes concerning theft and property-related criminal offenses, with penalties ranging from fines to prison time.
White Collar Crimes
Theft
Misdemeanors
At Michigan Defense Law, we take the presumption of innocence seriously and fully believe that every client is due a skilled legal defense. Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or are faced with a felony conviction, we are committed to diligently defending you and achieving the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Embezzlement
93-Day Misdemeanors: When you violate certain state or local laws, you could be sentenced to jail time up to 93 days and a maximum fine of $500. Assault and battery, embezzlement of less than $200, and lower levels of retail fraud are included in this category.
Drug Crimes
You can be charged with drug possession under Michigan law if you are in possession of a controlled substance or controlled substance analogue that has not been prescribed to you by a medical professional. A controlled substance analogue is a drug that is chemically similar to a controlled substance; these are sometimes referred to as “designer drugs.â€
Assault
Aggravated assault or felonious assault is defined by Michigan law as “an unlawful attack by one individual upon another wherein the offender uses a weapon to inflict injury or displays it in a threatening manner.†An aggravated assault is something where “the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration or loss of consciousness.â€
Murder
Your choice of a legal advocate to protect your rights makes a significant difference in a murder case. The attorneys at the office of Michigan Defense Law have the skills and experience necessary to take on tough prosecutors, and will employ every legal strategy possible to gain the advantage. You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, so our lawyers will work meticulously to identify and exploit weaknesses in the allegations against you.
Juvenile Crimes
The serious impact of a juvenile crime can be highly underestimated. Being charged with a crime as a juvenile can have many long-term consequences, including the ability to obtain employment or even get into a college of choice. Many regrettable mistakes are made when we are younger, but they should not have life-altering consequences.
Identity Theft
Class H: The lowest level of felony, this category includes stealing ID to commit a felony or some types of identity theft. Serious offenses may lead to a jail sentence, but probation is also within the discretion of the judge. In all classes of felonies the facts of the case and the history of the accused will have an affect on the outcome except where a charge is dismissed.
Homicide
Negligent Homicide: If you’re operating a motor vehicle recklessly and cause an accident that results in another person’s death, you could be charged with negligent homicide. A conviction carries the potential for prison time and fines. However, there is often great range between the worst case scenario and the best case in these types of cases. It is very important to get skilled counsel as early as possible.
Arson
Shoplifting
Whether you are waiting to board a flight in Detroit Metro Airport’s McNamara Terminal or are elsewhere in the airport, there are numerous retail establishments in which a person can be accused of shoplifting. Under Michigan law ( Michigan Penal Code Section 750.356 ), shoplifting is defined as “retail fraud.†From higher end stores such as Brooks Brothers and Pandora to shops selling quick items for your flight, such as CNBC or Dylan’s Candy Bar, you can be accused of retail fraud or shoplifting. An individual can be charged with different levels of retail fraud depending upon the specific facts of the alleged crime, including the amount of property that was stolen.
Restraining Order
The contact was made in violation of a court order, restraining order, included a credible threat against the accuser, a family member, or a household member, or was a second or subsequent conviction of a Michigan stalking crime.
Forgery
Manslaughter
Manslaughter: There are different types of manslaughter cases, depending on the circumstances. A voluntary manslaughter offense is commonly a type of “heat of the moment†crime. With an involuntary manslaughter charge, the allegations are usually that the accused killed another person, but didn’t intend for death to result. Very reckless or negligent conduct is usually involved. Either type of case could lead to a sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted.
In addition to facing criminal penalties, you face the likelihood of a personal injury lawsuit. The criminal case pursued by prosecutors is independent of the civil case brought by an injured plaintiff. Even so, the investigation and outcome of a criminal case brought as the result of an accident DUI could have a substantial impact on the outcome of the civil case and whether you will need to pay damages. The prosecutor’s burden of proof to obtain a conviction against you in a criminal case is higher than in a civil case but the evidence obtained in the criminal OWI prosecution will likely be used against you in the civil case. Having a DUI attorney that understands the relationship between civil and criminal actions is important. Judgments obtained against a party convicted of OWI causing injury or death are non-dischargeable in bankruptcy.