Criminal Sentence Appeals Lawyer in Clinton Township

If you or a loved one has been found guilty of a crime and sentenced to penalties you feel are unjust, it may be possible to appeal the sentence, without challenging the verdict. In Clinton Township and statewide, sentences are expected to take into account both the severity of the crime and the specifics of the offense, including the offender’s history, and a sentence that seems to stray drastically from the sentencing guidelines or other case outcomes in similar situations may be reviewable by a higher court. No matter what the specific details of your case are, it is critical that you speak with an attorney concerning your post-conviction options. Our team knows how much effort you have already put into your case, and how disappointing it can be to receive an unjust result, but don’t give up in your fight for justice. Our law firm is available 24/7 to begin working with you or your loved one as you continue to work towards a beneficial case outcome.

Get in touch with our criminal appeals lawyers now for a free initial case consultation and find out more about the options that could be available to you after a criminal conviction. Under the direction of experienced appellate attorney Scott Grabel, our lawyers will fight to protect your constitutional rights, and expose any violations of those rights that may have occurred in your case. There are a number of reasons why a sentence may be able to be challenged, and out talented team is familiar with all the relevant strategies that are effective in post-conviction and appellate cases. Get in touch with our team as soon as possible, as there is often a very restricted timeline in post-conviction cases, and it is possible to miss out on your opportunity to appeal a decision. Our firm is available 24/7 to provide you with an initial analysis and key information concerning the next steps you need to take in your Clinton appellate case.

Sentencing in Criminal Cases

When a defendant is found guilty of an offense, a judge will assign a specific punishment, or sentence, to that defendant. In some cases, sentences are concurrently decided when a verdict is reached, and in other cases a separate sentencing hearing is required.

In many criminal cases, judges use the information contained in the pre-sentence report to largely determine what penalties the defendant should face. Along with the Michigan sentencing guidelines, a judge will use the report, which is prepared by the probation department, in order to gain insight into the defendant’s history and the specifics of the case.

In order to put the report together, a probation officer will conduct a PSI, or pre-sentence investigation. The report then includes information on prior convictions, aggravating circumstances involved in the case, psychological evaluations, statements from either side, family and employment history and other information deemed relevant.

Michigan State Guidelines

Judges will also use the state sentencing guidelines in determining the sentence doled out in a specific case. These guidelines show a maximum recommended sentence for each offense, as well as some of the information that should be considered regarding the specifics of the case as judges apply the information to the case at hand.

These guidelines are not always strictly followed, however, and as a result excessively harsh sentences can easily result. Judges are free to diverge from the guidelines as they see fit, and in many cases a judge’s personal feelings about the case play a huge role in the sentencing process. Always consult with a lawyer and determine whether or not the sentence in your case was fair, and if you have cause to appeal the sentence. Our lawyers are available for you 24/7, even if you didn’t work with our firm during the initial case.

Our Approach to Sentence Appeals

If a sentence is excessively harsh, or if it in any way does not comply with Michigan laws, or if for whatever other reason you feel that a fair process was not followed during your sentencing, it may be possible to challenge the result. Oftentimes, you have to file a notice within days of the decision, which is why our team is committed to 24-7 availability for post-conviction clients. We know how to write convincing appellate briefs, and understand what it takes to successfully improve a case result in Clinton. Contact us now to begin the process of fighting back against an overly aggressive sentence that you feel is undeserved, we are available now to advise you throughout the post-conviction process.

Contact Grabel & Associates for 24/7 Criminal Sentence Appeals Defense

To speak to a member of our appellate team now, call 1-800-342-7896 or contact our firm online. We are available to begin working with you 24/7 and will immediately begin advising you on the next steps necessary in your Clinton criminal sentence appeal case.