Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney

What does a great criminal lawyer do in felony and misdemeanor cases? Here is what you need to know and expect from your lawyer.

Your future, liberty, and life are important. You will want the best lawyer you can get to protect and defend you.

If you are being accused of a criminal offense or charged in Michigan with a felony or misdemeanor offense (with the potential of jail or prison), you will want to have the best Michigan criminal defense attorney fighting for you. If you are wondering, “do I even need a criminal defense attorney?” the following information will be helpful for your consideration.

If you are looking at prison time, a hefty criminal penalty, or lengthy probation, you should most likely look to hire the best criminal defense attorney possible, unless you cannot afford one, and then you will request that the court provide a court-appointed lawyer. To put it simply, the legal system is designed so that self-representation in a criminal trial in a competent manner is impossible and foolish.

Because every criminal case is different, great criminal defense lawyers pick out the particular portions of each case that make them unique. Also, the best criminal defense lawyer for you may be able to spot specific arguments and factors that could mitigate or even prevent a conviction. Getting the best possible attorney to represent you in your criminal trial is necessary when it is all said and done.

“He who represents himself has a fool for a client.”

– Abraham Lincoln

The Zealous and Fearless Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney’s Job

A criminal defense lawyer has many jobs. In addition to calling witnesses in your defense and cross-examining witnesses that the prosecution puts forward, the most experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorneys may also:

If you need to secure a plea bargain, your lawyer may work with you and the prosecutor to negotiate a “deal.” These deals, also known as “plea bargains,” can often reduce your potential sentence or eliminate some or all of the charges brought against you. However, prosecutors are often unwilling to negotiate with defendants representing themselves or defendants represented by criminal lawyers who are inexperienced or unsuccessful trial attorneys.

Figure out a good sentencing plan for your situation and convince the sentencing judge to implement the plan. If you are found guilty, your criminal defense attorney may be able to fashion your sentence in a way that would prevent you from winding back up in the criminal justice system. For instance, instead of going to prison for a year or more, your criminal defense attorney may suggest that you go to jail only for six months and spend the remaining four months in a drug treatment facility to help you with the drug problem that landed you in trouble in the first place. The Michigan Criminal Defense Attorneys will give you the best chance of avoiding jail or prison altogether.

Help you with the stress and anxiety that often accompany criminal prosecutions in Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and throughout Southeastern Michigan. Defendants in criminal prosecutions often feel embarrassed, depressed, and fearful and can also suffer from low self-esteem. A good criminal attorney will be patient, answer all your questions, promptly and consistently return your phone calls, and be available when you need help.

Provide you with a reality check. Defense lawyers often know what is going on much better than you will during your criminal trial. Defense attorneys have the advantage of remaining objective throughout a proceeding. They can offer insights into how the trial is going and what will likely happen. These assessments and reality checks are often essential when a criminal defendant is trying to decide whether to accept a prosecutor’s plea bargain, whether to testify, and whether a trial should be by bench or jury.

Point out important legal rules and regulations that you would most likely never find on your own or understand without assistance. Many rules and laws about criminal prosecutions are buried within regulations, laws, and even prior court opinions. For example, suppose you were to represent yourself. In that case, you may never know if the search that the police conducted of your apartment was lawful or not without understanding the many nuances and intricacies surrounding the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution. Motions to suppress based upon Miranda violations, illegal search, and seizure.

Navigate your case through the state legal system. In addition to written rules, such as the local rules of court, that must be obeyed and followed, there are often many “unwritten rules.” For example, if only certain prosecutors can make and approve plea bargains, a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer may be your only chance for a favorable plea bargain or sentence agreement (also called a Cobb’s Agreement).

Explain some of the “hidden costs” and “collateral consequences” that come with pleading guilty or being found guilty at trial. Many people that represent themselves never think about the indirect consequences of pleading guilty if it could lead to a shorter sentence. For example, if you pleaded guilty, you may find it very hard to find a job.

Be able to spend more time and effort on a case than a defendant that chose to represent himself or a defendant represented by a court-appointed lawyer who has taken on too heavy of a caseload (after all, it is the attorney’s job to represent you!).

More easily gather evidence and statements from witnesses that the prosecution will call. Understandably, many witnesses refuse to give statements or information to people allegedly involved in a crime for fear of their safety or because they do not want to cooperate. However, these witnesses are often much more willing to talk to an attorney about their upcoming testimony.

Find and hire investigators that can investigate the alleged crime and the witnesses that the prosecution will call to the stand. If these investigators can find evidence that would make a witness’s testimony less believable, this could tremendously help your case.

Connections to top experts can be vital to building an effective defense. Different types of expert testimony may be helpful, and only the most experienced, skillful criminal defense litigators will know what experts are most influential and knowledgeable. An “expert witness” may present evidence that would tend to show your innocence or rebut evidence that the prosecution offers, making the prosecution’s case less credible.

Top Michigan Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you want a free consultation with an experienced, fearless, and zealous Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer, we can help you. The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is comprised of nationally recognized and awarded state and federal criminal defense attorneys with a reputation and track record of winning!

Call us for a free consultation, and we will take the time to talk with you, answer all of your questions, and address each of your concerns. Our team will collaborate and work with you to develop a strategy to get you the best possible outcome. You are in the right place if there is no room for errors or false promises. We will not let you down.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.