St. Joseph, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer
St. Joseph, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer
St. Joseph, MI, Criminal Defense Attorney
No matter what kind of criminal charge you may be facing in St. Joseph, MI, it can be an intimidating situation to be in alone. If you were recently arrested for a criminal offense, you should find an experienced St. Joseph or Berrien County criminal defense lawyer to provide you with immediate legal support and help you navigate your case.
Criminal cases in Berrien County are handled in the 2nd Circuit Court and 5th District Court. All cases begin in the district court, and felony cases will eventually move to the circuit court, while misdemeanor cases stay in district court.
SBBL Law: St. Joseph’s Criminal Defense Team
In addition to giving advice and helping with any questions and challenges that may arise, an experienced Berrien County defense attorney will collect evidence, conduct an investigation, negotiate a plea deal, write and file any viable motions, represent you in court, and prepare for trial.
At SBBL Law, we have experience handling criminal cases at both the state and federal levels. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony, our team has the skills needed to fight for you.
Common Defenses for Criminal Charges in St. Joseph, MI
When you’re the defendant in a criminal case in Michigan, your attorney’s goal is to find errors in the prosecution’s evidence and prove reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case. This means that you don’t necessarily have to prove your innocence, but most successful defendants find some way to disprove or cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
The type of defense used in your case will depend specifically on the charges you’re facing and the context involved with them. For example, a theft case generally requires a much different defense than a tax fraud case. It’s important to be honest with your lawyer, so they can build the strongest defense possible with all the information on the table.
Common defenses implemented in St. Joseph criminal cases include:
- The police obtained evidence illegally through a bad search warrant or traffic stop, and the evidence should be suppressed.
- You have an alibi.
- Consent was involved.
- Duress was involved.
- Entrapment was involved.
- You are not in your right mind, i.e., claiming insanity.
- There was a lack of intent.
- There was a factual mistake.
- Your identity was mistaken.
- You acted in self-defense.
- The statute of limitations for the charge against you has expired.
Crime in Berrien County, MI
A total of 655,250 crimes were reported in Michigan in 2023. Berrien County, which is the 16th largest county in Michigan, ranks in the 72nd percentile for safety. This makes it a fairly safe county in comparison to other counties, with a recent crime rate of 23.32 per 1,000 residents.
Michigan laws exist to reduce crime across the state and keep communities safer. However, these laws can be harsh and imperfect, which can make navigating the criminal justice system daunting and overwhelming. Our St. Joseph, MI, criminal defense lawyers are committed to securing you a fair trial and outcome. Through our custom legal services, we can help you understand your charges, protect your rights, and represent you against the prosecution.
State Criminal Charges versus Federal Criminal Charges
State criminal charges are dictated by state laws in Michigan, while federal crimes are regulated by federal laws. State crimes include things like arson, burglary, kidnapping, murder, and rape. Federal crimes include offenses like drug trafficking, organized crime, racketeering, tax evasion, child exploitation, and some forms of fraud.
State criminal charges can become federal charges if they are a part of a bigger federal case, cross state lines, impact national interest, affect interstate commerce, involve weapons or evidence manufactured outside the state of Michigan (like guns and computers), or take place on federal land. Federal crimes must violate a federal statute. Our team at SBBL Law represents clients in both Michigan courts and federal courts.
Other Practice Specialties
FAQs
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped in St. Joseph?
It’s possible to have a criminal case in St. Joseph dismissed, but your success depends on the strength of your defense. At SBBL Law, we’re dedicated to preparing a strong defense that beats the prosecution’s claims and secures the fairest outcome for you. If possible, we will work to have your case dismissed completely. An experienced Berrien County defense attorney will work to have the most serious charges against you dismissed, even if dismissal of the entire case is not possible.
Why Is There a Higher Standard for the Burden of Proof for Criminal Cases?
In civil cases, the plaintiff has the burden of proof to prove their claim for a settlement, but the burden is not as high as the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard in criminal cases. The reason for this is that criminal defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty, and criminal charges can lead to loss of liberty through incarceration.
Since the penalties are higher in criminal cases, the burden of proof is higher, making it harder for the prosecution to prove their case. An experienced Berrien County defense attorney will work to find the flaws in the case that open up reasonable doubt that the crime occurred or that the defendant committed it.
How Can a Berrien County Defense Attorney Help You in a Criminal Case?
A criminal defense attorney assists you in a multitude of ways during a criminal case in St. Joseph. In addition to providing legal advice and helping you understand your rights and the charges against you, a Berrien County defense attorney conducts witness interviews, drafts motions, gathers evidence, investigates the prosecution’s claims, negotiates plea deals, prepares your defense, protects your rights, represents you in court, prepares for trial, advocates for a lighter sentence, and more.
Can I Appeal an Unfair Sentence for a Criminal Case in St. Joseph?
As long as you act quickly and have valid legal grounds, you may be able to appeal a sentence for a criminal charge in St. Joseph. If you believe you’ve received an excessively harsh sentence that was not set in accordance with the laws dictating maximum penalties, if the judge disregarded the Michigan sentencing guidelines, or if your trial attorney made critical mistakes and was ineffective in representing you, a St. Joseph criminal defense lawyer can help you file an appeal to try and overturn the conviction or receive a lighter sentence.
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Discuss Your Legal Options With a St. Joseph, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Navigating the criminal justice system is complicated and overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to face criminal charges on your own. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony, a Berrien County defense attorney is an invaluable asset to have on your side.
Our skilled team of attorneys at SBBL Law has years of experience handling cases in state courts across Michigan and federal courts across the United States. We’re dedicated to protecting your rights and building a strong defense that gives you a fair chance at a lighter sentence or case dismissal. Contact us to set up an appointment with a St. Joseph, MI, criminal defense lawyer today.
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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