A criminal charge can lead to invasive proceedings and serious consequences. At every level of the criminal justice process, we have a skilled Mt. Pleasant criminal attorney on your case to defend your rights to the fullest extent.
If you are found guilty of a crime, you may be subject to fines, jail time, and a permanent mark on your criminal record that potential employers can see. Some criminal convictions also result in the loss of driving privileges, the requirement to register as a sex offender, or a lifetime ban on firearm ownership.
It is strongly encouraged to speak with the Mt. Pleasant criminal defense attorney of White Law PLLC, who is well-versed in fighting criminal charges, in order to prevent or lessen the possibility of the mentioned consequences. Keep reading to learn how we can help you.
Types of Criminal Cases that We Handle
Regardless of the crime, having inexperienced legal counsel could lead to particularly harsh punishments that may have unfavorable effects on your future. Criminal offenses that our defense firm can assist with include:
- Offenses involving alcohol and drugs, from DUI to drug trafficking
- Offenses involving assault, such as assault involving domestic violence
- Property crimes like robbery, theft, and arson
- Violent offenses, such as manslaughter and murder
- Fraud offenses, including identity theft, embezzlement, and other white-collar offenses
Our Mount Pleasant criminal defense lawyers provide the formidable defense you need to fight any misdemeanor or felony accusation in Michigan thanks to our cutting-edge technology, tested courtroom expertise, and years of experience. We are adept at achieving success.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Timeline for Fighting a Criminal Charge
Criminal law cases can take a long time to resolve. Whether you are facing charges for a violent crime, a moving violation, or a misdemeanor, going to trial means you will have to deal with this matter for at least three months, if not longer.
A criminal defense lawyer in Mt. Pleasant, MI, can inform you of an adequate timeline for fighting a criminal charge according to the complexity of your case. Generally, the criminal justice process consists of:
Primary Appearance
After you have been accused of a felony or a misdemeanor, you will have a brief hearing during your initial appearance. Within the first 24 hours, a judge will preside over this hearing. Probable cause, bond, any probation violations, and representation are all reviewed at this proceeding.
Arraignment
You will return to the courtroom to determine if the court officially recognizes the accusations made against you and to enter your plea of “guilty” or “not guilty” to the charges. The prosecutor will determine whether or not to file criminal charges against you. They will either file a formal charge against you or continue with the citation you were given if they want to proceed.
Case Management
This phase is also referred to as the pretrial meeting. The goal is to update the court on the case’s progress. Additionally, this is the moment when the prosecution and defense lawyers will set the trial date.
At this point, the case may be postponed. By the time the pretrial meeting rolls around, the court will have all the information required for discovery in hand. Motions are submitted, a jury is selected, and discovery is taking place in the interim between the pretrial conference and the trial. Before a lawsuit goes to trial, many others are settled.
Trial
If you go to trial, the state will present its evidence against you while your criminal defense attorney works to persuade the jury that you are innocent. Trials often span a few days, and the jury’s deliberations before reaching a verdict may continue for a few hours up to a few days. The judge will sentence you in a separate hearing if you are found guilty.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Cost of a Criminal Defense Attorney
You have the right to legal counsel in criminal proceedings. The court will appoint a public defender to represent you if you are unable to pay for one to handle your case. In Mt. Pleasant, MI, the cost of a winning criminal defense attorney can be costly, but if you choose a public defender, it may cost you more in the long run.
Free public defenders are often spread thin over a wide variety of cases and may not be able to give yours the attention that it deserves. There are essentially three ways for a lawyer to bill their clients for legal services: hourly, flat fee, or contingency fee. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal trials in Michigan, but we can discuss your rate during our free consultation.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Schedule a Free Case Review with a Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing a criminal conviction, contact White Law PLLC today. We provide a free consultation to review the specifics of your case, assess your legal choices, and go over the price of hiring a criminal defense lawyer. Speak with a top-rated criminal defense attorney in Mount Pleasant, MI, to avoid serious repercussions.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
