New Baltimore, MI Juvenile Defense Attorney

If you or a juvenile you know has been accused or charged with a crime in New Baltimore, Macomb County, or in Michigan, the entire endeavor can be quite frightening and intimidating. More importantly, if you’ve been found guilty of a crime as a juvenile, it can carry negative consequences for the rest of your life. This is especially true in regards to felonies, and depending on the nature of the crime, you could be charged as an adult and face serious, drastic penalties. In New Baltimore and Macomb County, and across Michigan, prosecutors and judges can be quite harsh toward juveniles who’ve committed a misdemeanor or felony. As the leading juvenile defense attorneys in New Baltimore, MI, and throughout the state, we fully understand the consequences you or your child may be facing in these circumstances.

Since 1999, our juvenile defense attorneys have worked with young men and women from every demographic, who’ve been charged with a myriad of offenses. If there’s one thing we’ve learned - it’s that there are no two cases alike. Including charges of larceny, drunk driving, possession of drugs, and even more serious crimes, such as murder or rape, we’ve found the best way to conduct a strong defense is to work one-on-one with you in Macomb County.

By putting your concerns at the front of an aggressive, thorough defense, Grabel & Associates can build a strong defense that works to keep you out of juvenile detention, jail, or from paying hefty fines. Additionally, we will aggressively fight to keep your convictions off your criminal record, thus protecting you from a lifetime of criminal punishment. The moment you’ve been accused or charged with a crime, contact our juvenile defense attorneys immediately at 1-800-342-7896 so that we can begin building a strong case.

Your Rights and Options as a Juvenile

It’s a story our juvenile defense attorneys have heard a hundred times - a group of teenagers driving around are pulled over. The officer claims that he/she pulled them over for a broken tail light, but smells booze or marijuana in the vehicle. Through aggressive tactics, such as threats, the officer convinces the teenagers to let him search their pockets or gives them a breathalyzer. After a thorough search and possibly an arrest, the teenagers find out that both tail lights are working just fine. This small anecdote, which happens far too often in Macomb County, simply shows how some officers convince young people to waive their rights. When accused or charged with a crime, the one of the first things to remember is that you have rights as a juvenile.

By contacting the juvenile defense attorneys at Grabel & Associates, we’ll analyze and investigate every aspect of your accusation. No stones will be left unturned, and we’ll diligently page through police reports while consulting you through every stage of the Juvenile Justice System. Whether at the Macomb County Juvenile Court or any other juvenile courts throughout the county and state, we’ll work with our wide network of resources to expose faults in the arrest and trial process. Some of the offenses we handle include:

• DUI and drunk driving
• Sexual assault or statutory rape
• Drug crimes
• Misdemeanor theft and shoplifting
• Credit card theft
• Assault and violent crime or gang violence

Understanding the Juvenile Law Process

Whether you’ve been arrested before or if it’s your first time, you need to remember your most valuable constitutional right - you’re innocent until proven guilty. Furthermore, it is also important to note that the Juvenile Justice System is unlike the Criminal Justice System. Whereas the latter imposes criminal punishments, the Juvenile System boasts a goal of rehabilitation. In the State of Michigan, juvenile proceedings apply to individuals under the age of 17, and juvenile proceedings must begin before your 18^th birthday. In some circumstances, the courts may choose to extend this jurisdiction until you’re 21.

Keep in mind that, in most cases, the nature of the alleged crime determines the juvenile proceeding. Especially for felonies and violent crimes, the potential for being tried as an adult increases. Nonetheless, after being accused of a crime, the court, such as the Macomb County Juvenile Court, can initiate proceedings through a petition. After issuing the petition, the court has 14 days to determine whether there is probable cause to proceed. It is in these stages that a New Baltimore juvenile defense attorney is absolutely critical. For some cases, we can work with the court to determine a consent docket, which basically states that the accused is put on a consent calendar. In this case, the juvenile has certain terms to complete in a specific timeframe, and if completed in time, the court must close the case and destroy all records of the proceeding.

Contacting a Juvenile Defense Attorney in Michigan

At Grabel & Associates, we believe that any juvenile accused of a crime should be given his/her full state and federal rights. You are innocent until proven guilty, and we’ll work with you to determine the best course of action. However, we will also immediately begin fighting against any criminal punishments and work for impressive results. No matter the charge, our juvenile defense attorney will give you the best chance to retain your freedom and enjoy a successful future.

Call us any time of day, any day of the week at 1-800-342-7896. A case consultant will be available to speak to you toll free, 24/7. Our experienced juvenile defense attorney will provide you and your adolescent child with a free consultation to discuss your best legal steps. We want to see every juvenile accused of a crime in Michigan have a bright future, and will work to ensure harsh criminal penalties do not hamper your child’s opportunities. Contact us now to start defending your Michigan criminal charges.