Criminal Defense Information Center

If you have been charged with a crime, the criminal justice system can be overwhelming. America’s complex system of law and procedure is intimidating. The nearly limitless resources of the government are brought to bear in an effort to convict you of the crime charged. The impact of a conviction can be devastating to every aspect of your life.

The most important asset for an individual charged with a crime is knowledge. Knowledge of the rules and structure of the criminal justice system levels the playing field. Particularly when charged with a serious crime, the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney is invaluable.

Most criminal laws are state laws. These include what are known as common law crimes, such as murder, manslaughter, rape, kidnapping, theft and battery. They are enforced by the state through its counties and cities. Each county, as well as most towns and cities, employs police, sheriffs, and other officials to enforce the laws of the state. Each county has a branch of the state judiciary where most criminal cases are tried. Each county has its own district attorney responsible for prosecuting violations of the laws of the state.

Certain criminal laws are federal and are enforced by the federal government. These include such crimes as mail fraud, securities fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, racketeering, and drug trafficking, amongst others. Federal crimes are enforced by various federal enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and the DEA, as well as local law enforcement. Federal crimes are tried in federal court, and are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney General.

The U.S. Constitution has a tremendous impact on criminal law enforcement at all levels. The rights given to criminal defendants under the Constitution extend to all U.S. citizens. These include such fundamental rights as the right to counsel, the right to due process, the right to a jury trial, the privilege against self-incrimination, and the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.

The role of the criminal defense attorney is embedded in the U.S. Constitution. It is a fundamental right of any U.S. citizen accused of a crime to be represented by an attorney of his or her choosing. The criminal defense attorney stands between the accused and the vast resources of the government to ensure that the defendant receives a fair trial.

If you have been charged with a crime, it is essential to consult with a skilled attorney you can trust. An experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney 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 us today for a free confidential consultation at (800) 342-7896.

Subcategories:

1. Stages of a criminal case (arrest, arraignment, preliminary hearing, etc.)
2. Constitutional protections for the accused
3. Categories of crimes and sentencing
4. Life after a conviction
5. The importance of a competent local attorney
6. Habitual Offender Status and Sentencing Effects
7. Search and Seizure
8. Restitution
9. Criminal defense FAQs
10. Plea Bargains
11. Failure to Appear in Michigan Court
12. Obstruction of Justice
13. Resisting Arrest
14. Entrapment