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Muskegon, MI Criminal Defense Lawyer
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Muskegon, MI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Choosing Our Team

At SBBL Law, we are committed to defending your rights and ensuring you have a fair opportunity to fight the charges against you. With our team at SBBL Law, a skilled Muskegon County defense attorney who is well-versed in Michigan state law, as well as federal criminal law, will be ready to help you navigate even the most complex cases.

What Is Criminal Defense?

Criminal defense refers to the legal strategies and actions employed by a defense attorney to represent someone accused of a crime or under investigation. The primary goal is to ensure a fair trial and to protect the rights of the defendant throughout the criminal justice process.

Defense attorneys work to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution, argue that their client is not guilty, or minimize the severity of the charges. This can involve questioning the legality of arrests, challenging the reliability of evidence, or demonstrating that the defendant did not commit the crime.

Criminal defense can also involve negotiating plea deals to reduce charges or sentences. Defense lawyers also advocate for their client’s constitutional rights, ensuring they are not deprived of due process. The goal is to secure the most desired outcome possible, whether through acquittal, a reduced sentence, or an alternative resolution.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

Our Muskegon criminal defense lawyers help with a wide range of criminal cases, including both state and federal offenses. Our legal team is equipped to represent you in any criminal matter, from misdemeanor charges to the most serious federal crimes.

Common State Criminal Cases in Muskegon

Our firm has experience in defending clients against a variety of state charges, including:

  • Drug Offenses: Whether you are facing charges for possession, distribution, or trafficking, drug-related offenses can carry severe penalties under Michigan law, especially if you are subject to a habitual offender enhancement or have any prior drug convictions. We work to reduce the charges or get them dropped whenever possible. In Muskegon, WEMET (the West Michigan Enforcement Team) is a joint task force of law enforcement departments working together to investigate drug crimes, and SBBL has significant experience at both the state and federal level successfully challenging WEMET traffic stops and search warrants.
  • Assault and Battery: Assault charges can range from simple assault to more serious charges like aggravated assault or assault with intent to do great bodily harm. We defend clients against all forms of assault and battery charges, including domestic violence allegations.
  • Theft Crimes: Whether it’s shoplifting, burglary, robbery, or larceny, theft charges can come with serious consequences. Our defense strategy focuses on challenging the evidence and protecting your rights.
  • DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and OWI (Operating While Intoxicated): A DUI or OWI conviction can result in a range of penalties, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. We are experienced in defending individuals accused of DUI/OWI and other alcohol-related offenses.
  • Violent Crimes: If you are accused of a violent crime, such as murder, manslaughter, or assault with a deadly weapon, you need a skilled lawyer to fight back against these serious charges.
  • Sex Crimes: Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) charges in Michigan can carry severe penalties, including sex offender registration and lengthy prison sentences. However, sex offenses are not as straightforward as people may assume. An experienced criminal defense attorney will evaluate inconsistent statements, potential motives to fabricate, impaired memory, delayed reporting, and other issues that raise true questions about what did and did not happen.
Michael Bartish

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
616-458-5500

Team Leader

Gary Springstead

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
231-924-8700

Team Leader

Heath M. Lynch

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
888-915-8064

Common Federal Criminal Defense Handled in Muskegon

Federal crimes are often much more serious and come with harsher penalties than state crimes. Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and IRS are involved in the investigation and prosecution of these offenses, and the legal process can be complex and intimidating. Federal criminal cases can involve charges such as:

  • White Collar Crimes: These include wire fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, tax evasion, and healthcare fraud. White collar crimes often involve complex financial transactions and may be prosecuted in federal court due to their interstate or international scope.
  • Drug Trafficking: Federal drug charges are often associated with larger drug trafficking organizations. A conviction could result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. We work to challenge the evidence and fight against federal charges involving controlled substances.
  • Gun Crimes: Federal gun charges can involve the illegal possession, sale, or trafficking of firearms. These charges carry serious consequences, and we are committed to challenging the investigation and defending you against them.
  • Immigration Crimes: Crimes related to immigration, such as illegal entry or overstaying a visa, are often prosecuted at the federal level. Our attorneys have experience defending against these types of charges to help you or a loved one facing a criminal charge that could result in deportation.
  • Other: There are many other federal criminal cases that we handle at our firm as well. Our legal team will work hard to create a tailored legal defense that encompasses your needs and goals.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Know If Your Lawyer Is Selling You Out?

A: If your lawyer is not communicating effectively, ignoring your interests, or seems overly eager to settle or make deals without consulting you, it could be a red flag. They may avoid transparency about case details or show a lack of interest in your case. If you suspect your current attorney may be overcharging you and underperforming, consider seeking a second opinion from another legal professional. At SBBL Law, our attorneys routinely substitute in to take over cases from other lawyers who were not meeting their clients’ expectations.

Q: Can You Tell Your Lawyer You Committed a Crime?

A: Yes, you can tell your lawyer if you’ve committed a crime. Lawyers are bound by attorney-client privilege, meaning they cannot disclose anything you share with them unless it involves future harm. It’s always appropriate to be honest with your lawyer so they can provide the right guidance.

Q: What Is the Most Common Fee Scale a Criminal Defense Attorney Uses?

A: In Muskegon, criminal defense attorneys typically use one of two fee structures: hourly rates or flat fees. Rates vary by location and complexity of the case itself.

Q: Do Most Lawyers Charge for Phone Calls?

A: Yes, lawyers factor any time spent on your case into their billing, including phone calls and other meetings. However, some offer free initial consultations. It is a good idea to clarify billing practices before retaining a lawyer, as fees can vary depending on the lawyer’s experience, practice area, and the nature of the case.

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Contact Our Muskegon Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Michigan, you don’t have to face it alone. At SBBL Law, we provide you with a tailored criminal defense strategy. Our Muskegon criminal defense lawyers have the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to represent you in state or federal criminal cases. Call us today and give us a chance to fight for your future.

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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