Criminal Defense Lawyers In Detroit, Southfield and Westland Michigan

The Michigan Legal Team offers aggressive criminal defense in state and federal courts for clients facing criminal charges.  Whether involving a felony or misdemeanor, it is never too soon to begin preparing your defense in a criminal case. By engaging a criminal defense attorney early on – even before charges have been filed or warrants have been issued – you increase your chances of lessening charges, suppressing evidence or having your case dismissed. You also allow your criminal defense attorney the time to pursue all legal avenues in devising an effective strategy. Our attorneys will carefully examine whether any violation of constitutional rights has occurred, such as the right to due process and other freedoms guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment.

Dedicated to skillfully serving our clients, our attorneys prepare for litigation through to verdict and will only consider a plea bargain if it is in your best interests. Whatever the charge, we understand that your liberty is at risk and that a criminal conviction of any kind impacts the lives of not just the accused, but also of family and friends.

Felony or Misdemeanor?

Implied punishment is usually the deciding factor as to whether a crime is categorized as a felony or misdemeanor. Sentencing that calls for a year or more in prison is reserved for felony charges and jail time consisting of a year or less defines a misdemeanor. Some crimes may be charged as either felony or misdemeanor or depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime or whether the crime was a repeated offense.

Felony

Felonies fall under both state and federal laws; a felony is a serious offense, carrying heavy penalties usually involving possible imprisonment for more than a year.  In Michigan there is no death penalty, and the maximum sentence for a felony is life in prison. Examples of crimes that are generally categorized as felonies include, but are not limited to the following:

Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor may fall under federal or state jurisdiction. An example of a federal misdemeanor would be speeding in a national park. Disturbing the peace would be an example of a state misdemeanor. Crimes generally considered misdemeanors include, but are not limited to the following:

Misdemeanor convictions may result in repercussions beyond the immediate jail term, such as:

• Limited employment opportunities
• Denial of professional license
• Deportation or denial of citizenship for non-citizens

Our criminal defense attorneys at The Michigan Legal Team are knowledgeable, experienced and successful in criminal defense representation. To speak with a lawyer regarding criminal charges, please call our office at 248-353-6300.