Our Approach to Juvenile Defense in Lansing

Juvenile crime is unfortunate in every case. Whether a mistake, misguided ideas, or poor judgment a minor charged with a crime only holds society back. Despite the differences between juvenile court and adult court, the same legal ideas apply. Wrongful accusations and harsh consequences can put restrictive conditions on a young person, hindering their progress throughout life. Do not let your child fall victim to a vindictive court sentence in Lansing. Regardless of the charge or the age of the minor, you need to contact an attorney who is experienced with juvenile court cases.

Grabel & Associates has over 100 years of experience amongst its professional legal team. We have handled dozens of cases protecting minors from harsh punishment. If you or a family member is facing juvenile charges, contact us now at 1-800-342-7896. Our process for defending our clients starts at that first phone call.

If you believe you are going to be arrested in Lansing soon, your best course of action is to politely refuse to answer any questions the police ask you. Respectfully decline to answer and wait to call your attorney. Juvenile cases can be tricky and rely on a few small details. Anything you say to the police can be evidence for the prosecution. They are very experienced and capable, and you need someone who is just as experienced. This is why you must contact legal help as soon as possible.

The state of Michigan is dedicated to eradicating drug and violence problems across the state. However, sometimes innocent people are caught in its efforts to get the real bad guys off the street. The most dangerous charges for your son or daughter are if they are accused of crimes related to violence, theft, or drugs.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes in Lansing include assault, breaking and entering, and murder. These are the direst charges one can face and will garner the least sympathy from the judge. By Michigan state law, anyone 17 and younger is eligible to be tried in juvenile court. However, the Michigan Juvenile Waiver Law of 1997 gives the court authority to try a minor as an adult if they find the charges to be serious enough. This means your minor could be facing full adult charges and jail times.

Drugs

Lansing is particularly intent on annihilating drug use, possession, dealing, and transportation within the state. They have passed an array of laws over the recent years meant to crack down on drugs everywhere. Obviously, drug charges are quite serious. The courts will likely only move to try your child as an adult if there are mass quantities of drugs involved. That doesn’t change the fact that they will still face severe fines and possibly long jail times.

There is one factor of Michigan drug laws that put minors in a uniquely dangerous situation. When these types of crimes are committed on or near school premises, such as near Okemos High School, Eastern High School or Everett High School, they are more serious than if they were not. This is meant to weed out criminals who deal to kids near school grounds. However, if a minor is caught with drugs on school property, they are also subject to this condition during sentencing and trial.

Theft

This can be anything from retail fraud (shoplifting) to grand theft auto. Of these categories, this one varies the most in punishment from crime to crime. For example, third degree retail fraud is punishable with a maximum of a $500 fine and 93 days in jail. Grand theft auto can possibly lead to life in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

If your son or daughter is being charged with any sort of theft-related crime in Lansing, legal representation is absolutely necessary. The charges can take twists and turns that you need veteran experience to navigate.

The greatest danger for minors is the ability of Michigan courts to waive a juvenile’s protective status in juvenile courts. This is usually only used in the most extreme of cases, but a misguided court can be led to believe your child is a criminal threat. The same Michigan Juvenile Waiver Law mentioned earlier can be used to try your child as an adult. In the most extreme instance, an 11 year old can be tried for adult murder charges.

When the motion is made to take the case out of juvenile court in Lansing, the judge will weigh several factors. First, what is the offender’s criminal record? If the child has had multiple run-ins with the law, they might believe it is time the child learned a strong lesson. In the interest of leaving an impression on the child, they may try him in an adult court.

Secondly, what was the nature of the crime? If the offender stole a video game, worth sixty dollars or so, then it is unlikely that the courts would have any interest at all in pursing an adult punishment. If the minor shot and killed several of his peers and evidence of planning was found, the court would be a bit more pressed to move the case to adult court. In the latter example, the individual was fully in his right mind and may pose a future threat to others.

Juvenile court is part of family court. In Lansing, juveniles who need to make appearances at court will need to go to Ingham County Family Court. There are two locations:

Grady Porter Building
303 W. Kalamazoo Street, 2nd Fl.
Lansing, MI 48933

Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933

Hours: Monday - Friday
8:00 - 12:00 p.m. (closed for lunch) 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Phone Number:
(517) 483-6105

Fax:
(517) 483-6158

Do not let a criminal charge mar your child’s life. The attorneys at Grabel & Associates have decades of experience defending minors from over-reaching courts. Call right now for a free trial consultation at 1-800-342-7896. We can begin building your case right now. Do not give the prosecution in Lansing time to form a plan. Call us now.