Whether charged with a misdemeanor or felony in either state or federal court in Michigan’s 9th Circuit Court or 8th District Court, it’s crucial to secure legal representation from an experienced Kalamazoo, MI, criminal defense lawyer who will advocate for your rights and assist you in building a strong defense.
With years of experience handling criminal cases in both Michigan and federal courts, the team of attorneys at SBBL Law will thoroughly assess your case and build a defense that fiercely represents you.
We leverage our trial and investigation expertise, negotiating techniques, decades of legal practice in criminal courts nationwide, and compassion for those facing the overwhelming power of the government to provide superior defense services to those charged with a crime. Our lawyers regularly appear in both state and federal court in Kalamazoo. To fight the criminal charges against you and protect your future, don’t wait to ask our team for help.
The overall crime rate in Kalamazoo is 27.6 per 1,000 residents. It ranks in the 41st percentile for safety, which means it’s considered to be less safe than 59% of other cities. It ranks in the 39th percentile for property crimes and the 21st percentile for violent crimes.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) has been focused on reducing gun violence, and its efforts are paying off. Between 2023 and the beginning of 2025, their department reported:
That said, the laws aren’t always enforced properly or are misinterpreted, often leading to issues for defendants, prosecutors, and everyone in between. If you’re facing criminal charges, a Kalamazoo, MI, a criminal defense lawyer at SBBL Law can help.
Seek legal representation as soon as possible, so you can build a strong defense and protect yourself and your future. Anything you say to police, to witnesses, or even to family and friends can be used against you in court, so securing legal counsel as early as possible is critical.
Some of the most common types of criminal charges our lawyers see in Kalamazoo include:
Criminal defense attorneys have a broad range of tasks and responsibilities, depending on the case. Your attorney is there to evaluate your case and build a defense that secures the lightest possible sentence for your charges, or to get them dismissed altogether. In addition to providing legal advice and support, your criminal defense lawyer can help with:
The penalties determined for criminal charges in Kalamazoo, like anywhere, are entirely dependent on the nature and severity of the crime. For example, you can expect a lighter sentence for a misdemeanor than for a felony. A judge or jury may look at factors like:
The amount an attorney charges for their retainer fee depends on factors like the complexity of your case and the specific services you need. Some lawyers charge a flat rate, others charge hourly, and others use a combination of both. Once your lawyer knows more about your case, they can give you an understanding of your anticipated costs and fee structure.
It’s important to do your research to find the right Kalamazoo criminal defense lawyer. Not every lawyer is a criminal defense lawyer, and not every lawyer has experience in the court where you are charged. It’s important to find a criminal defense attorney with experience with your exact type of case and experience in the court where you are facing charges.
This is especially true if facing federal charges, as most lawyers have little to no experience in federal court, so you will need to find a federal criminal defense lawyer for a federal criminal case.
Defense lawyers work on a range of crimes, with some lawyers covering every type of criminal offense and others focusing on specific categories. Be sure to choose a lawyer who has experience working on cases similar to yours. It’s also important that you trust your attorney because you are preparing your legal strategy together. That means you must be open and honest with the lawyer you choose.
In Kalamazoo, Michigan, the complexity of a criminal case and the defenses available can vary depending on the details of the situation. That said, certain charges are known to be harder to defend against than others. Generally speaking, complex fraud, drug trafficking, and violent crimes can be particularly challenging to defend. Additionally, one of the most difficult crimes to defend is first-degree murder. This crime involves the deliberate and premeditated planning of a murder.
Sex crimes are also difficult cases because there is often little to no physical evidence and no witnesses, so it sometimes comes down to a credibility contest between the defendant and the purported victim.
The type of defense you and your Kalamazoo criminal defense lawyer use is entirely dependent on the details of your case. Some common defenses may include entrapment, insanity, lack of intent, mistaken identity, mistake of fact or law, necessity, self-defense, and more.
The prosecutor carries the burden of proving a case beyond a reasonable doubt, so finding holes in the prosecution’s investigation is crucial. You should consult a lawyer and discuss your case in detail to ensure they can build the strongest defense possible.
See Related Posts:
Defending yourself against a criminal charge can be complicated and overwhelming on your own. Michigan is known for aggressively handling crimes, particularly violent crimes. Prosecutors often seek the most severe charges and penalties for criminal offenses, which can leave you facing life-altering consequences.
An experienced Kalamazoo criminal defense attorney from SBBL Law will work closely with you every step of the way to defend you against charges and work toward an optimal outcome. If you are ready to discuss your case in more detail, reach out to our team to set up a consultation with a skilled attorney today.
Our criminal lawyers represent clients in nationwide federal criminal cases and Title IX investigations, and we regularly appear in courts 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.
60 MONROE CENTER ST NW #500
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503
28 W. MAIN STREET
FREMONT, MI 49412