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Hart Criminal Defense Lawyer
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Hart Criminal Defense Lawyer

Why Choose SBBL Law?

SBBL Law provides an unmatched level of skill and dedication in criminal defense representation. With extensive experience throughout Michigan state courts and federal courts nationwide, the firm handles even the most complex legal challenges. Each case is approached with precision, focusing on protecting clients’ rights and addressing the unique aspects of every situation. SBBL’s criminal defense attorneys routinely handle criminal cases successfully in Hart and Oceana County.

What sets SBBL Law apart is the depth of its team, which includes former federal prosecutors, FBI agents, and Army JAG officers. This background offers unparalleled insight into the strategies used by the government, enabling the firm to craft effective defenses. From advocating for favorable plea deals to challenging constitutional violations, SBBL Law’s attorneys work tirelessly to pursue the most favorable resolutions.

Understanding Your Rights Following Criminal Charges

Facing criminal charges can be an intimidating experience, but knowing your rights is vital to protecting yourself. After your arrest, remain silent and avoid discussing the case with law enforcement or anyone else. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so exercising your right to remain silent is one of the most important steps you can take. This is especially important when using the jail phones, as even acknowledging that you were present during the offense or that you know anything about it can weaken your chances of a successful defense.

If you are being investigated for federal charges, seek legal representation immediately. Federal cases often involve complex procedures and high stakes, requiring guidance from an experienced attorney. Remaining calm, silent, and focused on securing legal counsel will give you the opportunity to navigate the criminal justice system effectively and protect your future.

Possible Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

A criminal conviction in Hart, Michigan can lead to severe penalties, such as fines, probation, incarceration, or orders to pay restitution. Felony convictions may result in longer prison sentences, substantial fines, and restrictions on certain rights, like voting and firearm ownership. The consequences often extend beyond the courtroom and affect personal and work-related aspects of defendants’ lives.

Individuals with criminal records may face challenges when seeking future employment, housing, or job-related licenses. Certain industries, including healthcare and education, are particularly unforgiving when it comes to hiring individuals with criminal convictions. A conviction can also strain personal relationships, damage reputations, and limit future opportunities.

Employers, landlords, and licensing boards often view convictions as liabilities, further complicating rehabilitation and reintegration. Given these far-reaching consequences, fighting criminal charges early on can provide a means of avoiding these long-term consequences.

Effective Legal Defense Strategies for Fighting Criminal Charges

Fighting criminal charges requires a strategic approach that systematically weakens the prosecution’s case. The ultimate goal of a criminal defense attorney is to reduce the penalties their client is facing and, when possible, have the charges reduced or dropped. Common steps a criminal defense attorney can take include:

  • Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully
  • Exposing unreliable or inconsistent witness testimony
  • Addressing constitutional violations, such as improper searches or arrests
  • Advocating for favorable plea deals or reduced charges
  • Presenting mitigating factors to minimize a sentence
  • Seeking alternative sentencing options, like rehabilitation or community service
  • Preparing for trial with strong cross-examinations and evidence challenges

A proactive defense strategy is essential for protecting a defendant’s rights and minimizing the impact of criminal charges. By thoroughly examining the prosecution’s case and building a strong defense, defendants can pursue a more favorable resolution to secure their future.

 

Team Leader

Matthew G. Borgula

Criminal Defense Attorney , Partner
888-915-8064

Senior Counsel

Mikayla S. Hamilton

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
888-915-8064

 

Team Leader

Tessa K. Muir

Criminal Defense & Title IX Attorney, Partner
888-915-8064

Team Leader

Kathryn M. Springstead

Chief Appellate Counsel
231-924-8700

Team Leader

Michael Bartish

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
616-458-5500

FAQs

Q: How Do Criminal Lawyers Win Cases?

A: Criminal lawyers win cases by challenging evidence, identifying procedural errors, and raising reasonable doubt about the prosecution’s claims. They analyze witness credibility, cross-examine effectively, and file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence. A strong lawyer tailors defense strategies to the specifics of the case, ensuring that the prosecution cannot meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Q: What Should a Defendant Avoid Saying in a Criminal Case?

A: A defendant should avoid admitting guilt, exaggerating details, or lying to their lawyer or law enforcement. Statements made to the police or prosecution without legal counsel may be used against you in court. It is also crucial to avoid discussing the case in public or on social media. Always consult your attorney before speaking about your case to ensure your rights are protected.

Q: Should I Tell My Lawyer Everything?

A: You should be as open as possible with your defense attorney.. The attorney-client privilege protects your communications, allowing your lawyer to provide a strong and effective defense. Withholding details can hinder their ability to strategize effectively or prepare for challenges in court. Being honest and transparent helps your lawyer anticipate the prosecution’s arguments and craft a defense that addresses every aspect of your case.

Q: What Is a Strong Legal Defense Argument?

A: A strong legal defense argument challenges the prosecution’s evidence or narrative. Common strategies include providing procedural violations, questioning the credibility of witnesses, or showing that evidence was obtained unlawfully. For example, raising reasonable doubt about the defendant’s involvement or intent can undermine the prosecution’s case. Tailoring the defense to the specific facts and circumstances of the case increases its effectiveness in court.

Schedule Your Criminal Defense Consultation Today

Having the full weight of the criminal justice system bearing down on you can be an unsettling and isolating experience. It can be easy to forget that facing criminal charges does not mean that you will ultimately be convicted of a serious crime or face life-altering penalties. With legal representation, you can get your side of the story across and question the assumptions being made by prosecutors.

At SBBL Law, we understand how law enforcement and prosecutors work and think because our trial-ready lawyers have a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. Once you partner with our respected law firm, you’ll gain a strong ally who won’t settle for anything less than a fair outcome in your case. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation, and let us begin defending you.

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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

Arenac

Midland

Bay

Huron

Gratiot

Saginaw

Tuscola

Sanilac

Shiawassee

Genesee

Lapeer

St. Clair

Livingston

Oakland

Macomb

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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