Why You Need a Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Even minor charges can have serious consequences. Jail time, a permanent criminal record, loss of employment, and even the suspension of your driver’s license are just a few of the risks. Having the right lawyer by your side can be the difference between a conviction and a second chance.
As your criminal defense attorneys, we will:
- Protect your rights from the moment of arrest or investigation
- Challenge unlawful police actions or faulty evidence and seek dismissal of your case
- Negotiate for reduced charges
- Prepare a strong argument for the court to give you the most lenient sentence possible
Our goals are to make things better for you and protect your future. The first priority in every case is to get the charge(s) dismissed. If the evidence is strong enough to withstand a legal challenge, we will focus on minimizing as many legal penalties and negative consequences as possible.
We live by the motto that success in a criminal case is best measured by what does not happen to you. We help good people out of bad situations.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
We represent clients in a wide range of Michigan criminal charges, including:
- Assault and battery
- Criminal sexual conduct
- Domestic violence
- DUI/OWI and drugged driving offenses
- Drug charges
- Embezzlement
- Financial crimes
- Indecent and aggravated indecent exposure offenses
- Probation violations
- Suspended and revoked license charges (DWLS/DWLR)
- Theft and property crimes
- Weapons and firearm offenses
- White-collar crimes
We only take cases within our core areas of experience and in the courts where we appear regularly, so you’ll benefit from our familiarity with local judges and prosecutors.
What to Expect in a Michigan Criminal Case
Understanding what happens next can reduce uncertainty and help you prepare. Most criminal cases in Michigan follow these basic steps:
- Investigation and Arrest: Police gather evidence and make an arrest if they believe there’s probable cause.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge or magistrate, hear your charges, and may be released on bond. Sometimes this can be waived or skipped.
- Pretrial Proceedings: Your lawyer reviews the evidence, challenges improper procedures, and meets with the prosecutor for discussions and negotiations.
- Trial: Although most cases (fortunately) don’t go to trial, if your case does, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Plea: The majority of cases are resolved through some kind of agreement. This means you’ll go before the judge and enter a plea, often to a reduced (lesser) charge, and/or consent to some kind of sentence agreement.
- Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI): Required in all felony and many misdemeanor cases, you’ll meet with a probation officer who will gather information about your background (this may include you completing a substance use assessment or screening), the circumstances surrounding the offense, and use all that to make a sentencing recommendation to the court. Being thoroughly prepared for this can make the difference between a tough recommendation and a lenient one.
- Sentencing: This is when the judge determines penalties such as probation, fines, counseling, treatment, and/or incarceration. In any case where a PSI has been completed, most judges are inclined to follow it, if not exactly, then at least in large part.
At every stage, we stay focused on minimizing what happens to you. As noted, success in a criminal case is often measured by what doesn’t happen—charges dismissed or reduced, no jail, record kept clean, and short, easy probation instead of a longer term with more conditions.
How We Build Your Defense
No two criminal cases are alike. We take the time to put together and understand the full picture so we can build a defense that fits your specific situation. Our approach includes:
- Investigating the facts: Reviewing all relevant reports, videos, and witness statements to uncover favorable evidence.
- Challenging evidence: Identifying violations of your constitutional rights, unlawful searches, or flawed evidence collection and/or testing.
- Developing a defense theory: Whether it’s self-defense, mistaken identity, or lack of evidence, we’ll craft a narrative that exposes any flaws in the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiating outcomes: Many cases are resolved through plea negotiations that reduce penalties and/or avoid a conviction. Precisely because we’re so thorough, nobody does that better than us.
- Making sure that you get the best result: When all is said and done, we’ll make sure to present the best defense so that you either beat the charge or at least avoid as many of the legal penalties and negative consequences as possible.
Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Attorney
Hiring a lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. We believe a good defense attorney should offer:
- Experience: We have decades of Michigan criminal law experience in district and circuit courts of Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, and the surrounding counties.
- Trust: We’re honest people who will give you honest advice, not empty promises.
- Transparency: Clear pricing and open communication from day one.
At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we built our reputation on being straightforward with our clients. We won’t just tell you what you want to hear—we’ll tell you what you need to know.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped or Dismissed?
In many cases, charges can be reduced or dismissed. Common reasons include:
- Lack of probable cause
- Errors in police procedure
- Unreliable or missing evidence
- Violations of your constitutional rights
The sooner we get involved, the more opportunities we have to uncover these issues and pursue a dismissal.
How a Conviction Can Affect Your Life
A criminal conviction can have far-reaching effects beyond fines or jail. It can:
- Limit job opportunities
- Affect any professional licensing
- Impact child custody arrangements
- Limit housing options
- Impact your immigration status
- Restrict travel
- Damage your personal and professional reputation
We work to protect you not only in court but also from the long-term impact of a criminal record.
Clearing Your Record Through Expungement
Michigan now allows many individuals to have past convictions set aside. The process can be lengthy and technical, but expungement can give you a fresh start. We assist with every step, from reviewing eligibility to filing and attending your hearing in order to persuade the judge to clear your record so that you can move forward with confidence.
Contact an Experienced Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’re facing criminal charges or are under investigation in the Detroit area, don’t wait to get legal help. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we’ll make sure to protect you, your freedom, and your record.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We are very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions, explain your options, and start working on your defense right away.