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Kentwood, MI Criminal Defense Lawyer
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Kentwood, MI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Why Choose SBBL Law?

SBBL Law is devoted to criminal defense in state courts across Michigan and federal courts nationwide. Acting as a fierce barrier between clients and the criminal justice system, our firm adeptly navigates, communicates, and defends at every stage of the legal process to pursue the most favorable outcome possible for individual cases.

We have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients because we tailor defense strategies to the unique circumstances of each case, and we are familiar with the strategies and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case. Whether facing state or federal charges, working with our attorneys provides the opportunity to stand up to the overwhelming power of the government and fight for a fair case resolution.

Understanding Your Rights Following an Arrest

An arrest triggers critical rights that must be understood and protected. The right to remain silent is a fundamental right. Anything said during an arrest can be used against you in court. It is important to invoke your right to remain silent by asking for an attorney before you answer any questions. Some people think they can “clear things up” by talking with the police early on and worry that asking for an attorney will make them look guilty. But remember that the police are not there to “clear things up”; they are building a case and collecting evidence. You also have the right to an attorney, which ensures you have someone advocating for your rights and guiding you through the legal process. Knowing when to exercise these rights can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Law enforcement must follow proper procedures during your arrest. Failure to do so could lead to evidence being suppressed, which is something a skilled criminal defense attorney will be able to recognize and challenge in court. You are also protected against unlawful searches or seizures under the Fourth Amendment.

Understanding these rights ensures you can respond appropriately and avoid actions that could jeopardize your defense. Consulting a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately following an arrest helps you protect your rights and build a strong defense from the start.

Penalties and Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

A criminal conviction carries significant penalties beyond fines and incarceration. Depending on the charges, penalties may include probation, community service, or restitution payments. However, the consequences often extend far beyond the courtroom, impacting personal and professional aspects of life. Convictions can lead to difficulty securing employment, housing, or professional licenses, creating long-term challenges.

A conviction can strain personal relationships and damage reputations, especially in cases involving serious offenses. For individuals holding professional positions, a criminal record may result in job loss or limited career opportunities. Employers often view criminal convictions as a liability, leading to fewer chances for advancement.

Understanding the potential penalties and collateral consequences of a conviction highlights the importance of a strong defense. Legal representation can reduce penalties and minimize the long-term impacts of criminal charges.

Effective Criminal Defense Strategies for Criminal Charges

Facing criminal charges requires a strategic approach to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences.

Common criminal defense strategies include:

  • Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches or arrests
  • Exposing inconsistencies or unreliability in witness testimony
  • Challenging procedural errors that could undermine the prosecution’s case
  • Advocating for reduced charges or advocating for plea agreements when appropriate
  • Presenting mitigating factors to reduce a sentence

Each step in the process is designed to safeguard your rights and reduce the impact of criminal charges. A thorough and proactive defense ensures every opportunity for a successful outcome is pursued, no matter the complexity of the case.

 

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: What Happens if You Tell Your Lawyer You Are Guilty?

A: If you tell your lawyer you are guilty, attorney-client privilege ensures your admission remains confidential. Your lawyer’s focus is always on protecting your rights, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and seeking a positive outcome to your case. Ultimately, the prosecution carries all the burden of proof in every criminal case, and a conviction can be avoided if the prosecutor fails to meet their burden or put on a case that convinces a jury of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Q: What Is the Most Common Argument of a Defense Attorney?

A: A common argument used by defense attorneys is questioning the prosecution’s ability to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This may involve challenging the credibility of evidence, identifying procedural errors, highlighting inconsistencies in witness testimony, and presenting an effective narrative of what actually happened. By raising reasonable doubt, defense attorneys work to ensure a fair trial and protect the accused from wrongful conviction.

Q: Can a Good Lawyer Get You Out of Anything?

A: No lawyer can guarantee the dismissal of charges or an acquittal; however, a skilled lawyer can ensure your rights are protected, examine the evidence against you, and build the strongest possible defense. Their role is to challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and negotiate favorable resolutions when appropriate, but outcomes depend on the facts and legal circumstances of the case.

Q: What Should You Do if You’re Arrested?

A: If you’re arrested, remain calm and invoke your right to remain silent. Do not answer law enforcement’s questions without an attorney present, as anything you say can be used against you. The police might tell you that they are going to help you or put in a good word for you with the prosecutor if you confess; however, this is a common and totally allowable police tactic that is designed to mislead you into a confession. Avoid discussing the case with anyone, even friends or family, as it could jeopardize your defense. This is especially true when using the jail phones after arrest, as every phone call is monitored, and prosecutors have access to those calls. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and start building a defense strategy tailored to your case.

Q: What Types of Crimes Are Hard for Prosecutors to Prove in Court?

A: Crimes relying on circumstantial evidence, such as fraud or conspiracy, can be challenging for prosecutors to prove, as are crimes that rely entirely on the credibility of a single witness. When evidence is weak, inconsistent, or improperly obtained, it creates significant hurdles for the prosecution, making it difficult to meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Take the First Step Toward a Favorable Outcome in Your Case With SBBL Law

SBBL Law is devoted to providing fierce, results-driven criminal defense in Michigan state courts and federal courts nationwide. With a team of former federal prosecutors, FBI agents, and Army JAG officers, our trial-ready criminal defense attorneys have the experience and insight to challenge the overwhelming power of the government.

Whether addressing constitutional violations, suppressing unlawful evidence, or crafting tailored defense strategies, the attorneys at SBBL Law are ready to stand by your side. Take the first step toward building a strong defense. Schedule your consultation today to work with a team that will navigate, communicate, and defend at every stage of the process.

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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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