Troy, MI Criminal Defense Attorney

If convicted or arrested for a crime, the value of a Troy, MI criminal defense attorney can ensure that your rights are protected while giving you a strong, capable defense. At Grabel & Associates, one of Troy’s most trusted criminal defense firms, we uphold the constitutional right of “innocent until proven guilty,” and from the arrest stages to trial, we’ll use the full extent of state and federal law to give you a rigorous, comprehensive defense, effectively leveling the playing field. Whether misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile crimes, the experienced defense attorneys at Grabel & Associates will stand between you and the vast resources of the government.

The moments following an arrest can be both frightening and overwhelming. What’s more, the negative real-life effects that come from a criminal charge, as well as the complex system of law in the U.S., makes fighting a criminal charge intimidating. Fortunately, crime rates in Troy, MI, are fairly low with around 1,614 total crimes in 2013. Within this statistic, a significantly higher percentage consisted of theft crimes (77%), with the next most common crimes including burglary, auto theft, assault, and rape. Occasionally, there are a few murders in Troy, such as the two in 2012, one in 2010, and two in 2008. Even in a relatively low crime area, such as Troy, the state uses a near limitless amount of resources to convict you of the crime charged.

Constitution Protections For Troy, MI Defendants

Most crimes fall into the definition of common law crimes, and these include murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, theft, battery, and rape. In Troy, the Oakland County Circuit Court hears both civil and criminal cases. If accused of committing a federal crime, such as mail fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, racketeering, or drug trafficking, among others, the case is often taken to a federal court.

Immediately following an arrest, whether for state or federal crime, it is critically important to remember your constitutionally granted rights. Some of these fundamental rights include:

• The right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures. Fourth Amendment.
• The right to a trial by jury. Sixth Amendment.
• The right to a speedy trial. Sixth Amendment.
• The right to due process of the law. Fifth Amendment.
• The privilege against self-incrimination and coerced confession. Fifth Amendment.
• The right to have an attorney. Sixth Amendment.
• The right to have an attorney provided to the accused in felony cases. Sixth Amendment.
• The right to confront witnesses against you. Sixth Amendment.
• The right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. Eighth Amendment.

These rights ensure a fair and just trial and/or criminal proceedings, and they provide immeasurable empowerment against unjust police or prosecutor action. By calling the Troy, MI criminal defense attorneys at Grabel & Associates, we will diligently scrub through every detail related to the arrest and the case, ensuring a fair trial.

How Can a Troy, MI Criminal Defense Attorney Help You

Knowledge is the most useful tool that you have working for you when under arrest, and this includes understanding the legal proceedings at the Oakland County Civil Court, which caters to those accused of crimes in Troy, MI. In short, if you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor, you have a right to trial within 28 days of arrest. If you’ve been accused of a felony, you have a right to trial within six months. The criminal proceedings typically follow the following format:

• Investigation: This includes police talking to witnesses, gathering evidence, and building a case against a suspect.
• Arrest: Police can arrest the accused in several circumstances, such as with an arrest warrant, when the police witness the accused committing the crime, and when there is probable cause that the accused committed the crime. Following an arrest, the defendant is booked and incarcerated, except in minor crimes.
• Bail: Shortly after arrest, a bailing hearing determines the amount of bail depending on the crime and the accused. If the judge denies bail for various reasons, trial is generally held within 90 days from the denial of bail.
• Arraignment: Usually within 24 to 48 hours after arrest, an arraignment before a judge is held, where the judge informs the accused of the charges against him or her. At this stage, the judge also asks the defendant how to plead.
• Pre-trial motions: Before trial, the prosecution and defense file various motions to determine the admissibility of evidence and other issues.
• Trial: In most cases, the defendant has a right to trial by jury, who determines the verdict based on witness testimony as well as opening and closing statements and other factors.
• Sentencing: If found guilty, the defendant is sentenced in court. Sentencing could be immediate, or in more serious cases, sentencing is conducted in a separate hearing.

Through each step in the criminal proceedings, the criminal defense attorneys at Grabel & Associates can provide the necessary guidance needed to help you build the strongest defense possible. Depending on the accused criminal offense, you could be facing potentially serious consequences, ranging from jail or prison sentences to hefty fines.

Contact Grabel & Associates Today

It is important to note that Grabel & Associates cannot promise a not guilty sentence or even a decreased sentence; what we can promise, however, is a diligent defense that uncovers every detail leading up to the arrest as well as comprehensive legal strategies that ensure the accused’s rights are protected along every step, whether the accused is under investigation, under arrest, or already has a conviction on record.

With over 13 years of experience, we have provided trusted, ethical, and aggressive representation in Troy, MI, and throughout the state. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, don’t hesitate! Contact us today for a free confidential consultation or call us at (800) 342-7896.