How can a criminal defense attorney help me?

There is a meaningful difference between a good lawyer and a great lawyer. Only the best criminal defense attorneys consistently achieve extraordinary results and never back down from a fight to help their clients.

Should I seek the help of a retained criminal defense attorney?

If you face felony or misdemeanor charges in state or federal court, you should seek the best legal representation you can get. An experienced, talented, and dedicated criminal defense attorney might be able to help you avoid charges or a conviction, avoid incarceration, reduce any penalty a judge imposes, or seek suppression or exclusion of illegally seized evidence. Prosecutors and police officers know that the first thing a responsible person does when accused of a crime is, legitimately or wrongfully, seek expert legal representation immediately.

The top criminal defense lawyer will do their best to do the following for any misdemeanor, felony, state, or federal charge:

Obtain a personal bond or low bond.
Review the case immediately for information that may be helpful to the client.
Move to suppress evidence.
Move to exclude illegally seized evidence.
Obtain vital inculpatory and exculpatory information from the prosecution.
Force the prosecution to produce and disclose evidence that may be helpful to the client (exculpatory evidence).
Prevent important evidence, such as 911 tapes, police dispatch tapes, vehicle information, videotapes, etc., from being lost or destroyed.
File a motion to prevent the prosecution from admitting hearsay into evidence.
Negotiate an exceptional plea bargain (if the client desires to plea).
A criminal defense attorney can help persuade the judge to sentence the client to a fine or probation.
Prevent the judge from sentencing the client to jail or prison.
Take the case to trial and win!
Search for and obtain evidence to use on behalf of the client.
Get the case dismissed if possible.
Get a felony reduced to a misdemeanor.
Get a misdemeanor reduced to a civil infraction.
Get a conviction taken under advisement.
Obtain status for the client under MCL 333.7411, MCL 769.4a, or HYTA (Holmes Youthful Training Act).
Challenge scientific evidence.
Contest fingerprint evidence.
Dispute DNA and other forensic evidence.
Do whatever is necessary to win!

What does a criminal defense attorney do?

The best criminal defense attorney helps by thoroughly researching the facts, investigating the allegations against their clients, winning trials for innocent clients, and negotiating extraordinary deals with prosecutors for clients who want to enter a plea. Plea bargains and other agreements with prosecutors in Michigan may include reduced bail, charges, and sentences.

Criminal defense attorneys also examine witnesses to determine what they will say in court, consult experts on complex issues, and investigate prosecutor witnesses to find impeachment evidence. A fearless attorney will closely examine a case for any constitutional violations that could lead to the suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges. Many lawyers claim to defend clients aggressively but then back down in court and manipulate their clients to enter a plea (sometimes even when they are innocent!). The attorneys known for being the best defense lawyers never force clients to plead or go to trial; they inform their clients of all options, answer their questions, listen to their concerns, and then help them decide what is in their best interest. A top criminal defense lawyer will never shy away from fighting charges when they can help the client avoid a conviction or jail time.

Help from a Retained vs. Court-Appointed Criminal Defense Attorney

Is it worth investing in a retained criminal defense lawyer if a court-appointed lawyer is an option? Are the help and representation really that different? In most cases, the answers to both questions are “definitely yes.” Although many court-appointed lawyers are conscientious and have some experience in criminal defense, most do not take the time to get to know the client, develop all possible defenses, thoroughly investigate all angles, or have the necessary resources to formulate the best attainable defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important reason to have a defense attorney?

Imagine sitting down to play a game. The game’s outcome will, at least partly, determine your future, where you will live (maybe in a jail), earning capacity, and impact your family. Next, imagine you’ve heard of the game and seen it played but do not know the rules. How comfortable would you be playing for such high stakes? Probably very uncomfortable. Not having a good criminal defense lawyer protecting and defending you is the equivalent of playing a life-altering game without knowing the rules.

What qualities should a defense attorney have?

A defense attorney should be aggressive, honest, communicative, faithful, zealous, fearless, analytical, prepared, and intelligent.

How do lawyers defend?

Different lawyers have different philosophies on how they defend clients. Some attorneys focus more on the number of clients on their dockets, such as court-appointed and general practice attorneys (lawyers who simultaneously handle various areas of the law). Their priority is to maximize retainers by quickly resolving cases. Other lawyers focus on maintaining a controlled, specialized practice to provide the highest possible caliber of legal representation.

Why should you hire a criminal defense attorney?

If the police obtained evidence against you improperly, a qualified attorney might be able to get your charges dropped, your fines scaled back, or even your case dropped. They can keep a felony off your criminal record and prevent you from compromising your career or spending time in jail by lessening your charges.

Why do you need a criminal lawyer?

You need a criminal lawyer if you face criminal allegations. If you’ve been accused or are suspected of illegal activity, a criminal defense lawyer is your best hope of avoiding a conviction. A felony or misdemeanor conviction can result in incarceration, fines, probation, court-ordered therapy or education, loss of a professional license, inability to obtain or advance in employment, loss of civil rights (such as the right to vote or possess firearms), damaged reputation, loss or reduced custody, and more.

What does a criminal lawyer do?

A criminal defense lawyer fiercely defends and protects their client by ensuring fair treatment within the law, advocating for a sentence focusing on rehabilitation (instead of jail or prison), fighting to suppress illegally seized evidence, arguing for reduced or dismissed charges, counseling their client on important life decisions, and battles for an acquittal at trial.

Do defense lawyers lie for their clients?

Neither defense lawyers nor prosecutors should lie about anything. An attorney cannot ethically permit a witness to lie under oath.

What happens if you tell your lawyer you are guilty?

If you tell your lawyer you are guilty, it might prevent that attorney from calling you as a witness to testify on your behalf. An attorney cannot suborn perjury by calling a witness they know will lie or be untruthful on the witness stand.

Aggressive, Successful Defense Lawyers Who Can Help You

We know you want someone to help you as they would like their family member defended. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. provides precisely that type of care, dedication, and resolve! If you want a free consultation with a passionate, effective Michigan crimes defense lawyer, please call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. We handle cases in Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, and throughout Michigan.

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.