Foremost among the rights guaranteed to an individual charged with a crime is the right to an attorney of the individual’s choosing. This right is essential, because without a competent attorney it is very difficult for a criminal defendant to defend himself or herself against the charges brought by the prosecution. An individual is entitled to an attorney in all criminal cases, including federal crimes and charges under state and local laws.
The right to an attorney attaches when adversarial judicial proceedings have begun. This means when an individual has been officially charged with a crime, or indicted for a crime. While you may certainly consult with an attorney while you are being investigated for a crime, the right to have an attorney does not attach at that stage, or even at the time of arrest. However, once you have been charged with a crime, you have a right to an attorney at all subsequent stages of the case.
While an attorney is important to protecting all your rights as an accused, it is particularly important to have a competent, local attorney on your side. An experienced local attorney has a professional relationship with the prosecutors and judges who will handle your case. A local attorney understands the attitudes of the jurors in the surrounding community, and knows the local rules, the procedures of the clerk’s office, and even the bailiffs. While local experience will not alone win your case, it provides key insights that can make a significant difference.
An experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney with knowledge of the local community and courthouse can make a tremendous impact on your case. At Grabel & Associates, we have provided aggressive, ethical representation of criminal defendants for over 13 years. Call or email us today for a free confidential consultation at (800) 342-7896.