uparow

Michigan Violent Crime Lawyer

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Michigan Violent Crime Lawyer

Our Approach

As a team led by former federal prosecutors, FBI special agents, and Army JAGs, we bring a unique understanding of how the government investigates and prosecutes cases. This knowledge and experience allow us to help our clients avoid, defend against, and minimize the fallout from criminal charges. Whether facing domestic abuse charges, a restraining order, contesting a restraining order, or defending a highly-publicized federal case garnering national attention, you need a team with an expert understanding of how state and federal criminal cases work.

In every criminal case, we examine potential weaknesses in the investigation and charges. We work to reduce felony assault and domestic violence charges to misdemeanors, avoid charges altogether, and obtain outright dismissals following preliminary examinations based on victim/witness credibility issues. We regularly file successful motions to suppress evidence for illegal stops and searches, as well as motions to suppress statements taken in violation of Miranda rights. We carefully review all evidence against our clients, identify mistakes in the investigation, undermine the credibility of witnesses, advocate for bond while awaiting trial, seek alternatives to incarceration such as pretrial diversion or probation, and explore the potential benefits of cooperation. For clients who face sentencing after a conviction, we work to mitigate the sentence by challenging incorrect guideline scoring and arguing for a lesser sentence.

Crimes of Violence Charges

Domestic Violence

A charge of domestic violence (DV) is an assault or battery that occurs with someone with whom a person has a domestic or dating relationship. Domestic violence charges are almost always complicated by the human dynamics of the relationship between the person charged and the person alleging the assault. Our attorneys understand this complicated dynamic and help uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case involving victim/witness credibility. We have worked successfully in domestic violence cases throughout Michigan to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, avoid charges altogether, win acquittals at trial, and obtain outright dismissals following the preliminary examination based on victim/witness credibility issues.

Team Leader

Michael Bartish

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
616-458-5500

Violent Felonies

Violent felonies and firearms charges are serious and carry severe sentences. Our award-winning criminal defense attorneys have the experience and skill to defend clients facing charges in state cases throughout Michigan and in federal cases nationwide, including for:

  • Assault
  • Homicide & Manslaughter
  • Gang-Related Crimes

Federal & State Firearms Charges

Firearms charges in federal court require an attorney who specializes in federal court. When a person catches the attention of the FBI, DEA, or ATF, it is often because of a larger investigation or the person’s criminal history. There are striking differences between the state and federal courts, with federal firearms charges often carrying 5-20 years in prison or more, even for non-violent defendants. The interplay between the Armed Career Criminal statute, the Career Offender guidelines, and mandatory consecutive sentences makes federal sentencing outcomes complicated. We understand the importance of mitigating damage to our client from the outset and have unparalleled expertise to do so, from the investigation stage and grand jury through trial or sentencing.

  • Felon in possession of a firearm
  • Firearms prohibited by federal law
  • Firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking or in connection with crimes of violence (including federal 18 USC 924(c))
  • Dishonesty during the purchase of a firearm
  • Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) offenses by licensed dealers

Major Cases

Our legal team, which is led by former federal prosecutors, FBI Special Agents, and Army JAGs, is equipped to take on complex and high-stakes criminal cases, such as those that require meticulous preparation and particular experience and knowledge.

    • Murder-for-Hire. Murder-for-hire cases are classified as felony charges in Michigan and in federal courts, and they come with severe criminal penalties, such as potential life imprisonment . A dedicated lawyer from our team can thoroughly investigate your case, leveraging expert witnesses and certain legal motions to champion your innocence.
    • Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges encompass a broad range of illegal activities that are associated with an ongoing criminal enterprise. A talented litigator from our firm can support you in fighting these serious charges by examining your allegations, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and developing a strategic defense.
    • Terrorism charges in Michigan and in federal cases are associated with violent or threatening behaviors, as well as actions carried out with the intent of steering government policy or intimidating or coercing a civilian population. Our experienced criminal defense team can help you construct and implement a comprehensive defense against these severe charges.
    • High-Profile Public Cases. Our deeply experienced criminal defense team has what it takes to take on high-profile public cases, such as those that involve public officials or celebrities, as well as cases that attract significant media attention. We can work to ensure that your privacy is protected and your reputation is secured, as well as mount a strong legal defense.

Our team is experienced in handling high-profile cases that garner high-pressure media attention. We handle federal cases nationwide and state cases throughout Michigan. We have successfully argued for bond in major federal cases, represented one of the defendants in the kidnapping involving Michigan’s governor, worked with clients facing charges stemming from the January 6th surge at the US Capitol, and defended police officers in use-of-force cases garnering ongoing coverage in the national news. We believe that every defendant deserves a full and fair process, uninfluenced by the media and public attention. Our attorneys are uniquely experienced and poised to handle these types of major cases.

Team Leader

Gary Springstead

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
231-924-8700

Team Leader

Tessa Muir

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
616-458-5500

Team Leader

Matthew Borgula

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
616-458-5500

Team Leader

Heath M. Lynch

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
888-915-8064

Contact Our Team

The attorneys at SBBL Law are experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to handling crimes of violence in Newaygo County. Call us for a free case evaluation and consultation when you face serious allegations.

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.

WA or id wy ut az nm co nd sd ne mn wi il in ky tn nc sc ga fl al oh wv va de md pa nj ny me vt nh ma ri ct mi ia mo ar la ms ak hi ks ok tx ca nv mt Mason Lake Oceana Newaygo Montcalm Muskegon Ottawa Allegan Kalamazoo Barry Kent Lona Mecosta State & Federal Federal

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

Kalkask

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