A criminal conviction can drastically change your life overnight. Whether you’re charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, your job, freedom, and future are at stake. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, all hope is not lost — a criminal defense lawyer in Livonia, MI, can help you make the best of a bad situation.
Our attorneys care about your side of the story. We have over 60+ years of experience in the courtroom, and we are ready to come to your defense. If you’ve been searching for the right criminal defense attorneys to represent your criminal case, look no further.
When you work with White Law PLLC, your fight is our fight. Don’t put off contacting us any longer. Call us during your time of need, day or night, and take advantage of a free consultation to discuss your options with a Livonia criminal defense lawyer.
Why Should I Hire a Livonia Criminal Defense Attorney?
When you are arrested and charged with a crime, you may experience a range of emotions as you come to terms with your situation. You may feel angry, depressed, scared, or even traumatized. We believe that, whether you are innocent or guilty, everyone deserves the right to a fair trial before sentencing and the final verdict in court.
There are numerous reasons why clients facing criminal charges choose to work with us. We offer many benefits, even before an attorney has been assigned to your case, that can significantly improve your chances of receiving reduced or dropped charges. We understand that our help has the potential to change your life for the better.
Some of the benefits of working with us include:
- Free consultations
- 24/7 support, day or night
- Over 60+ years of experience
- Cutting-edge technology — we are Clio® Product Pro Certified
- We have been named among the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 in Michigan
Your Fight Is Our Fight
What Types of Criminal Cases Do We Defend in Livonia, Michigan?
Whatever type of charges you are facing, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can reduce the chances of a negative outcome at the end of your criminal trial. Whether you have been charged with driving under the influence, possession of drugs, or assault, we are ready to represent you in court.
We handle numerous types of criminal cases in Livonia, Michigan, including but not limited to the following:
- Drunk driving
- Possession of drugs
- Sex crimes
- Robbery or theft
- Assault
- Domestic violence
- Disturbing the peace
- Vandalism
- Homicide
- Internet crimes
- White collar crimes
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
What Is the Criminal Defense Trial Process?
The steps leading up to trial for criminal cases can be intimidating, especially if you are unaware of the process. One of the best ways to prepare yourself for trial after being arrested is to learn about the trial process and what you should expect along the way. By doing so, you are aware of what is happening and how each stage can affect your case.
There are 10 stages during a criminal defense trial. Each of these stages has a specific purpose that will influence your criminal charges and final sentencing. The stages of the criminal defense trial process include the following:
- Investigation
- Charging
- Initial hearing/arraignment
- Discovery
- Plea bargaining
- Preliminary hearing
- Pre-trial motions
- Trial
- Post-trial motions
- Sentencing
Investigation
Before you can be arrested, investigators must find evidence linking you to a crime. Investigators will gather evidence to help understand unsolved details of a criminal case. This evidence will later be used in court to connect the dots between the crime and how it was committed.
There is usually only one agency investigating a crime, likely the local police, however for severe crimes, other agencies may also be involved, including:
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- United States Secret Service (USSS)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
- Homeland Security Investigations (DHS/HSI)
Charging
After all of the essential evidence has been collected and reviewed, the prosecutor will decide what types of charges the crime may warrant. During this stage, they also decide whether or not the case is a felony or misdemeanor and whether or not it needs to be presented to a grand jury. If prosecutors opt to call in a jury, 16-23 members will be selected for the case.
Initial Hearing/Arraignment
After you have been arrested and charged, you will be brought before a magistrate judge for an initial hearing. During this hearing, you will learn more about your legal rights and what charges have been filed against you. The judge will also decide during this hearing whether you will be held in prison or released pending your trial.
Discovery
Before a case, the prosecutor must learn everything there is to know about your alleged crime. To gain insight into the case, prosecutors may speak to witnesses, study and review evidence, anticipate the defense strategy, and come up with a strategy that works for them as well.
Plea Bargaining
If the defendant is guilty, they may have the opportunity to accept a plea bargain versus going to trial. Plea bargains help defendants and attorneys avoid long criminal trials and may reduce the sentencing for the defendant. Defendants may only accept a plea bargain if they are guilty.
Preliminary Hearing
Once you have decided whether to plead guilty or not guilty, the preliminary hearing will begin. During this hearing, the prosecutor must prove that they have enough substantial evidence to charge the defendant with the crime. However, preliminary hearings are not always necessary — you may choose to skip this step if your attorney advises.
Pre-Trial Motions
Before the trial begins, one of the last things a prosecutor will do is respond to any pre-trial motions that have been filed. A pre-trial motion is a motion submitted to the court requesting a decision be made about certain factors before trial.
Trial
At your trial, your Livonia criminal defense lawyer will argue your case in court. They will present the defense they have crafted on your behalf and attempt to counter any arguments put forth by the prosecution.
Post-Trial Motions
If the jury comes back with a guilty verdict, your criminal defense lawyers may file a variety of motions, including a motion for a new trial, a motion for judgment of acquittal, or a motion to vacate, set aside, or correct a sentence.
The potential for success of any of these motions will vary from case to case, and how an approved motion will affect your future can differ greatly.
Sentencing
If a guilty verdict is reached, the defendant will later return to the court for sentencing. For most crimes, there are the minimum and maximum sentencing guidelines. A judge will consider these and other factors, including the severity of the crime, to determine the punishment for the defendant.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Speak With a Criminal Defense Attorney in Livonia, MI, Today
When facing criminal charges, hiring an attorney with experience handling cases like yours is critical. At White Law PLLC, we have helped defendants accused of a wide variety of crimes. We will work to help you avoid a guilty verdict if possible. If not, we will attempt to get you a plea deal that will be in your best interest.
Contact us today by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with a Livonia criminal defense attorney.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
