Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Cases We Handle in Michigan

Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney will make sure that you are defended to the fullest extent possible. Headquartered in the heart of Grand Rapids, SBBL Law is here to defend Michigan residents who face the following kinds of charges:

• Drug charges. Michigan heavily prosecutes illegal drugs and controlled substance offenses. Penalties in both the state and federal system often include years in prison, large fines, and the reality of a felony record. Drug charges include anything from misdemeanor possession to felony conspiracy charges.
• OWI charges. In Michigan, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses are commonly referred to as OWI (Operating While Intoxicated). Judges take OWIs seriously in Michigan, especially if there was a crash or any injury to another person. Approximately 8,800 alcohol-related crashes occur in Michigan annually, and it is common for victims or their families to speak at sentencing and ask for the highest penalty available. If you are charged with operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a skilled OWI attorney can help mitigate the possible penalties, such as license suspension or revocation, jail time, and fines.
• Arson and property crimes. Whether a property or arson charge resulted from a simple mistake or an accident, or something more deliberate, having an attorney on your side is essential. Michigan enforces strict penalties for arson, which can be severe. Other types of property damage offenses often rely on witness statements and suspicion, and a skilled defense attorney may be able to secure a more favorable result by revealing flaws in the evidence.
• Fraud charges. Fraud crimes are taken seriously by both Michigan courts and federal courts. State benefit and program fraud allegations are usually handled in state court, and federal benefit or program fraud is usually handled in federal court. These offenses are often prosecuted long after the alleged offense, and the person charged might have no idea there was ever even a problem. Keeping careful records of any benefits applications and correspondence can help defend against future allegations of fraud or concealing important information to authorities—such as whether a spouse lives in the home or not and dates of employment, all of which affect eligibility for public benefits and programs.
• White-collar crimes. At SBBL Law, we handle white-collar crime cases throughout Michigan and across the United States. If you are accused of embezzlement, tax fraud, healthcare fraud, or other types of financial crimes, you could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and damage to your professional reputation. If facing fraud or other white-collar crime charges in either state or federal court in Michigan, it is essential to have an experienced Michigan corporate crimes attorney protecting your rights and your future.
• Gun crimes. While most people have the legal right to own firearms in Michigan and across the country, both federal and state laws strictly regulate how those firearms can be possessed, purchased, sold, carried, and used. Violating these laws can lead to serious criminal charges. Even seemingly minor charges, like carrying a concealed weapon without a license, can result in significant fines, loss of firearm privileges, and potential imprisonment. Common firearms offenses in Michigan include being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm without a serial number, violating federal firearms sales laws, using a firearm during or in furtherance of another crime, or possessing an unlawful firearm or component.
• Violent crimes. When facing charges of murder, manslaughter, or assault, you need an attorney who will review the evidence thoroughly and develop a defense that protects your rights and freedoms right from the start of the case. Violent crimes are prevalent throughout Michigan. Annually, for example, Detroit sees tens of thousands of arrests and charges relating to violent crime.
• Sex crimes. Some of the most complicated charges are those related to sex crimes. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Michigan, the stakes could not be higher. Not only do you face prison time and fines, but you could also face the possibility of being placed on the sex offender registry, which could harm your chances at future employment and housing, and create immense difficulties after release from prison.

If you are accused of any crime in Michigan, the most important step is to hire a defense attorney you trust to protect you. If you find out you are under investigation before charges are issued—including if there was a search warrant at your house or the police came to ask you questions—contact an attorney as soon as you can. What you say at the outset of the investigation will have a major impact on your chances of success later on. If charges are issued, your attorney will support and guide you through an arrest and will stand by your side throughout every stage of the criminal court process, which may include:

• Posting bond
• Arraignment
• Pretrial conferences
• Preliminary hearing
• Plea negotiations
• Motions hearings
• Trial
• Verdict
• Sentencing
• Appeals

Trust SBBL Law today to review your case, challenge any evidence against you, and fight for your future rights and freedoms. Our attorneys have the experience and skill to protect your rights and build a strong defense aimed at achieving the best possible outcome, including, when possible, a complete dismissal of your charges.