Criminal Defense Attorney in Okemos, MI
Criminal charges in Michigan carry consequences that reach into every corner of your life, from your job and your housing to your relationships and your reputation in the community. If you are facing charges in the greater Lansing area, having a criminal defense lawyer in Lansing who knows the local courts and prosecutors is not something to gamble on. Our firm can help you start building your defense today.
Criminal Charges We Defend
No two criminal cases follow the same path, and the defense that works for one client may not apply to another. Our firm represents individuals throughout the Capital Region facing charges, including:
- DUI and OWI offenses
- Drug possession, distribution, and manufacturing
- Assault, battery, and domestic violence
- Theft, burglary, and robbery
- Weapons and firearms offenses
- White-collar crimes
- Probation and parole violations
- Sex crimes
- Disorderly conduct and public intoxication
Misdemeanor Penalties in Michigan
A misdemeanor may sound minor, but Michigan courts do not treat these charges lightly. Even a conviction at the lowest level can create a permanent record that follows you through every background check:
- Jail Time: Misdemeanors in Michigan can carry up to 93 days for a standard offense and up to two years for a high-court misdemeanor.
- Fines: Courts can impose fines ranging from $500 to $2,000.00 or three times the aggregate amount.
- Probation: A misdemeanor sentence often includes a period of supervised probation with conditions like drug testing, community service, and mandatory counseling.
Felony Penalties in Michigan
Felony charges in Michigan represent the most serious category of criminal offenses, and the penalties reflect that severity. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 769.34, sentencing for felonies follows a structured guidelines system that accounts for both the offense and prior record:
- Jail Time: Felony convictions carry terms ranging from one year to life in a Michigan state correctional facility.
- Fines: Financial penalties for felonies can reach $10,000, with some offenses carrying even steeper amounts.
- Restitution: Courts frequently order defendants to compensate victims for financial losses directly connected to the crime.
- Collateral Consequences: A felony conviction can permanently strip your right to vote while incarcerated, own firearms, hold certain professional licenses, and access public housing.
How Spickard Law Can Help
Our firm approaches every case by identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument and opportunities others might overlook. Spickard Law develops defense strategies tailored to the facts of your situation and the specific courts in Lansing, East Lansing, Mason, and the surrounding mid-Michigan communities:
- Challenging the legality of traffic stops, searches, and seizures
- Suppressing improperly obtained evidence or statements
- Questioning witness credibility and identification procedures
- Negotiating reduced charges or alternative sentencing arrangements
- Presenting mitigating circumstances to minimize penalties
- Taking your case to trial when the prosecution’s evidence falls short
Connect With a Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyer
Are criminal charges threatening your freedom, your career, or your family’s stability? The prosecution is already working to secure a conviction, and the longer you wait to respond, the fewer options you will have. Contact us online or call 517-908-0818 to schedule a consultation. We will examine every aspect of your case and build a defense strategy designed to protect your future.