Charlotte, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charlotte, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charlotte, MI, Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges in Eaton County, reach out to the Charlotte, MI criminal defense lawyers at SBBL Law. Our team has decades of experience representing clients in criminal cases at the state and federal levels, and we’re well-versed in navigating complex legal issues. With the right Eaton County defense attorney on your side, you can ensure your rights are being protected and work toward a lighter sentence or even a complete dismissal of your charges.
Whether charged in the 56th Circuit Court or 56A District Court, SBBL Law has the experience to protect and defend you.
Common Criminal Offenses in Charlotte, MI
There are many different types of criminal charges in Michigan, which is why it’s critical to seek legal representation from a Charlotte, MI, criminal defense lawyer who has experience dealing with cases like yours in Eaton County courts. Some of the most common criminal charges seen in Charlotte include:
- Assaults and Aggravated Assaults. Aggravated assault is the most reported violent crime in Charlotte. In one year, there were a total of 3,322 aggravated assaults reported in Michigan. This type of offense is considered a felony. Simple assault, on the other hand, is considered a misdemeanor.
- Drug Crimes. These types of crimes can include everything from misdemeanor possession of drugs to felony drug trafficking offenses. There were a total of 1,843 drug violations in just one year.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI). DUI offenses, also known as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan, are treated very seriously, so it’s important to secure legal representation from a criminal defense lawyer who will help you craft a defense. Penalties are especially harsh for a second or subsequent OWI conviction, or if the drunk driving resulted in a traffic accident or injury.
- Sex Crimes. Sex crimes can include offense like criminal sexual conduct (CSC), having child sexually abusive material (CSAM), indecent exposure, prostitution, sexual assault, statutory rape, and more.
- Theft. Larceny-theft refers to stealing someone else’s property with the intent of keeping it forever. There were 9,058 larceny-theft cases in Michigan over the course of a year Burglary and robbery are related but different charges. Burglary involves breaking and entering with the intent to commit another crime, and robbery involves taking property from another person through the use or the threat of force.
Benefits of Working With a Charlotte, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the foundation of a criminal defense attorney’s services, they provide sound legal advice and guide you through challenges with your case. However, they can and should do much more than that. Your attorney plays an integral role in every step of your criminal case. They can:
- Help you build a powerful defense strategy
- Collect evidence
- Interview witnesses
- File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss your case
- Negotiate plea deals
- Help you understand your rights and the legal options available in your situation
- Provide you with support and advice through each step of your case
- Fight for a reduced sentencing or a case dismissal
Regardless of whether you’re facing a minor misdemeanor or a Class A felony, it’s advantageous to work with a Charlotte, MI, criminal defense lawyer you can trust.
Crime in Charlotte, MI
In one recent year, there were 45,449 violent crimes and 153,270 property crimes reported in Michigan. This was a 7.3% decrease from the year prior, which is a trend that has continued, at least for violent crimes. That following year, the state reported 45,060 violent crimes and 154,590 property crimes.
In 2024, Eaton County Central Dispatch (ECCD) answered a total of 114,432 calls, including 44,227 on emergency lines. Of a total of 62,528 law enforcement calls for service, 7,583 of them came from Charlotte. This accounted for about 12.1% of total calls.
Crime in Eaton County has been on a slight decline in recent years, but it’s still a prevalent issue. If you are facing criminal charges, it’s wise to reach out to a Charlotte, MI, criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The criminal justice system is confusing and difficult to navigate, which can lead to problems even, and perhaps especially, if a defendant is innocent.
Other Practice Specialties
FAQs
What Is the Most Common Defense for a Criminal Charge in Charlotte?
The type of defense you and your Charlotte, MI criminal defense attorney choose to use ultimately depends on the details of your case. That said, there are a handful of common defenses that may be viable options for a broad range of both property and violent crimes. These defenses include coercion, consent, lack of intent, mistake of fact, mistake of law, mistaken identity, self-defense, illegal evidence, and more.
What Does the Defense Have to Prove in a Charlotte, Michigan Criminal Case?
In criminal cases, the prosecution has the burden of proof. This means that it’s their responsibility to prove that a defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As a defendant, you bear no burden of proof, but juries are more likely to acquit if you put on a case to raise doubt in the prosecution’s case and prove your innocence. This involves challenging the prosecution’s evidence, presenting your own evidence, raising doubt about witness credibility, and using other legal strategies to challenge the validity of their case.
Can I Communicate With a Prosecutor Before Seeing Them in Court in Charlotte?
It’s possible for your attorney to talk to a prosecutor before a criminal case in Charlotte, but the prosecutor will not speak with you directly. Throughout your case, your defense attorney will be in frequent contact with the prosecutor to ensure the prosecutor provides all necessary evidence through discovery and to negotiate for a reduced charge or a more favorable outcome.
Why Is the Burden of Proof Lower in Civil Cases Than in Criminal Cases?
Civil cases typically only affect the parties directly involved in the case, and the burden of proof is lower in a civil case than a criminal case. Criminal cases can potentially result in jail or prison, and so prosecutors must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Charlotte, MI Criminal Defense Lawyer Reviews
★★★★★
“Matt and Mikayla were outstanding to work with. Professional, timely, communicative and helped me every step of the way thru the process! I would recommend them and their firm to anyone who is looking for assistance!” – Nathan Weisenburger
★★★★★
“After searching around Michigan for a good dependable lawyer, I was recommended Heath Lynch from another lawyer. That was the best decision I have ever made by deciding to work with him and his law firm. Communication was great, he was very understanding, and very passionate about what he does. He showed nothing but compassion the entire case. I would recommend him to anybody that is looking for a federal lawyer in the state of Michigan!!!” – Bri Case
★★★★★
“Michael Bartish is a first rate attorney who walked me through my legal issues with both empathy professionalism. His legal advice was spot on and honest. He asked me to trust his experience and guidance to achieve an optimal result for myself and I am glad I did!! I highly recommend Michael and would not hesitate to work with him again.” – Joe VandenBosch
Charlotte, MI Criminal Defense Resources:
Connect With a Charlotte, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
Whether you’re facing a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony in Charlotte, MI, exercising your right to legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. It’s wise to reach out to an experienced Eaton County criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Our team at SBBL Law will evaluate your case and craft a powerful defense that is tailored to your unique charges. We are devoted to protecting the rights of Michiganders and are prepared to fight for you today. Reach out to our office to learn more about our team of Eaton County defense attorneys and to set up a free consultation today.
Where We Practice
Our criminal lawyers represent clients in nationwide federal criminal cases and Title IX investigations, and we regularly appear in courts throughout Michigan:
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan (federal court in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette)
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (federal court in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Bay City, Flint, Port Huron)
- Kent County (Greater Grand Rapids, Walker, Wyoming, Kentwood, Grandville)
- Newaygo County (White Cloud)
- Ottawa County (Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven)
- Allegan County
- Barry County (Hastings)
- Muskegon County
- Oceana County (Hart)
- Mecosta County (Big Rapids)
- Ionia County
- Montcalm County (Stanton)
- Clinton County (St. Johns)
- Gratiot County (Ithaca)
- Eaton County (Charlotte)
- Ingham County (Lansing, East Lansing, Mason)
- Jackson County
- Calhoun County (Battle Creek)
- Kalamazoo County
- Van Buren County (Paw Paw, South Haven)
- Mason County (Ludington)
- Lake County (Baldwin)
- Osceola County
- Berrien County (St. Joseph)
- Washtenaw County (Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor)
- and elsewhere throughout Michigan.
If you or someone you know is looking for a criminal defense attorney, call now for a free consultation (616) 458-5500 or (231) 924-8700 or connect with us online.
Kalamazoo
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Allegan
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Barry
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Lona
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Kent
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Ottawa
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Muskegon
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Mecosta
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Montcalm
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Newaygo
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Lake
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Mason
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Leelanau
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Benzie
Grand Traverse
Manistee
Kalkaska
Crawford
Oscoda
Alcona
Oceana
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Wexford
Missaukee
Roscommon
Ogemaw
Iosco
Osceola
Clare
Isabella
Ionia
Clinton
Eaton
Ingham
Van Buren
Calhoun
Jackson
Berrien
Cass
St. Joseph
Branch
Gladwin
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Midland
Bay
Huron
Gratiot
Saginaw
Tuscola
Sanilac
Shiawassee
Genesee
Lapeer
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Livingston
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Hillsdale
Washtenaw
Wayne
Lenawee
Monroe
Antrim
Otsego
Montmorency
Alpena
Presque Isle
Charlevoix
Emmet
Cheboygan
Our Locations
616-458-5500
Grand Rapids
60 MONROE CENTER ST NW #500
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503
Fremont
28 W. MAIN STREET
FREMONT, MI 49412
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