Canton, MI Violent Crimes Attorney
Violent crimes in Michigan are punished with higher severity than most other crimes, and even if the violent crime is a misdemeanor, offenders could be looking at some time in the Michigan Department of Corrections or in the Division I, II, and III Wayne County jails. Nevertheless, the principal goal of Grabel & Associates is to keep offenders out of jail through aggressive defense, representation, and investigation. If you were arrested or are under investigation for a violent crime in Canton Township or throughout Wayne County, you need a highly experienced Canton, MI violent crimes attorney.
At Grabel & Associates, our central defense strategy is to prove your innocence of the allegations. If the evidence is stacked against you, however, we use our widespread resources to try and drop the case or achieve reduced or alternative sentencing. Whether arrest or investigation, make sure you use your right to remain silent and not speak to police or investigators until a Grabel & Associates attorney is at your side. Contact us today for Canton’s most trusted representation, and in the meantime, continue reading below to learn about how violent crimes are processed by the State of Michigan.
Processes For Misdemeanors and Felonies in Michigan
Facing a violent crime charge in Canton and Wayne County can be devastating, and whether you are in (or going to) jail or you are concerned for a loved one, one of the best ways to ease the fears and confusion is to learn about how the State goes conducts criminal proceedings. First, it can help to learn the types of violent crimes defined by Michigan Penal Code and their possible penalties. Some of the crimes and penalties include:
- Assault and battery: misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine (MCL 750.81)
- Aggravated assault (no weapon): misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine (MCL 750.81a)
- Criminal damage to property: punishment depends on value of damaged property and previous convictions (MCL 750.377a)
- Domestic violence: similar laws to assault and battery apply
- Armed robbery: felony punishable by imprisonment for life or for any term of years (MCL 750.529)
- Home invasion: punishment depends on severity of crime and/or intention (MCL 750.110a)
- Murder (1st Degree): felony punishable by life imprisonment without possibility for parole. Capital punishment is banned in Michigan. (MCL 750.316)
- Child abuse and neglect: punishment depends on severity of crime (MCL 750.136b)
Keep in mind that there are many different violent crimes defined in Michigan Penal Code, and it is important to determine the exact charge or expected charge (if under investigation for a violent crime). If arrested in Canton, Plymouth, or the surrounding areas, the arraignment will most likely occur at the 35th District Court, located at 660 Plymouth Road in Plymouth.
The 35th District Court handles misdemeanor charges from arraignment through sentencing, but if you are charged with felony, the 35th will only handle cases from arraignment through the preliminary exam. After the preliminary exam at the 35th District Court, the case is generally transferred to the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, located at 1441 St. Antoine Street in Detroit.
Defenses For a Violent Crimes Allegation
The seriousness of violent crime allegations can leave many discouraged and without hope; however, with the stakes for both misdemeanor and felony allegations, it is important to remember that a highly qualified violent crimes attorney has the resources and insider knowledge of Wayne County courts to effectively fight for attractive solutions. There are several options for a defense strategy, and the attorneys at Grabel & Associates will work always work with you, one-on-one, to put your interests at the forefront of our strategy. You’ll be an active participant, and we’ll guide you through the entire process. Some useful strategies that have resulted in positive outcomes for past clients have included:
- Self-defense: justification where the defendant was not the aggressor, and his/her reaction was a reasonable to a threat
- Duress/Necessity: proving the crime was committed under the threat of death or serious bodily injury
- Intoxication: though Michigan has little regard for defendants who became intoxicated voluntarily, reduced sentences are possible after proof that the defendant was unable to be guilty of intentionally committing the crime due to their diminished capacity
- Alibi: accounts for defendants whereabouts and shows that it was impossible for him/her to commit the alleged crime
- Entrapment: Michigan law prohibits law enforcement from persuading an individual to commit a crime
Grabel & Associates will also personally investigate every aspect of the crime, from investigation through the court proceedings, to make sure that the defendant’s rights haven’t been violated. If your rights were violated due to police or prosecutor mistakes, there’s a strong possibility for a dropped case.
Contact Grabel & Associates
Immediately after arrest (or knowledge that you’re under investigation), it is essential to contact an experienced violent crimes attorney immediately. We are available 24/7 at -800-342-7896 for a free emergency consultation. Having successfully defended many individuals from Wayne County and Canton, MI, we are confident that our attorneys can achieve beneficial results. For an aggressive, comprehensive defense, contact Grabel & Associates today.