Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Okemos, MI
A domestic violence charge in Lansing can have consequences that extend well beyond the legal process. Allegations alone may force you out of your home, limit contact with your children, and disrupt your daily life, while also harming your personal and professional reputation.
Whether your case is being heard at the 54A District Court or the Ingham County Circuit Court, having a dedicated defense attorney on your side makes a real difference in how your case unfolds. When you need a compassionate domestic violence lawyer in Lansing who will listen to your side of the story, Spickard Law is here to help.
Domestic Violence in Michigan
Michigan law defines domestic violence as an act of assault or battery committed against someone with whom you share a specific type of relationship. The charge can arise from a wide range of situations involving the following connections:
- Spouse or former spouse
- Someone you share a child with
- A current or former dating partner
- A current or former household member
- A person related by blood or marriage
Penalties for Domestic Violence in Michigan
The consequences of a domestic violence conviction escalate sharply with each offense, and even a first charge can result in jail time. Michigan courts treat these cases aggressively, and the penalties reflect that approach:
- First Offense: A misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, fines up to $500, and up to 2 years of probation that may include counseling and community service.
- Second Offense: A misdemeanor carrying up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and mandatory participation in a batterer intervention program.
- Third or Subsequent Offenses: Under MCL 750.81, a third domestic violence conviction becomes a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines reaching $5,000, fundamentally changing the trajectory of your life.
False Allegations of Domestic Violence
Not every allegation reflects what happened. Domestic violence charges can arise from heated disputes that are overstated, misunderstandings that escalate, or situations where someone uses the legal system to gain an advantage in a custody matter.
Our firm takes the time to investigate what happened, gather evidence that supports your version of events, and challenge the credibility of claims that do not hold up under scrutiny.
Alternatives to Jail Time
Depending on the circumstances of your case and your prior record, there may be options available that keep you out of jail while still satisfying the court. Our firm explores every alternative that could apply to your situation:
- Deferred sentencing agreements
- Anger management or counseling programs
- Batterer intervention programs
- Community service arrangements
- Probation with conditions tailored to your case
- Diversion programs for first-time offenders
Are You Facing Charges? Contact Us Today
Waiting to address a domestic violence charge only allows the prosecution to build a stronger case while your options grow smaller. Protective orders, custody implications, and court deadlines are already in motion the moment charges are filed. Contact us online or call 517-908-0818 to schedule a consultation with a domestic violence lawyer in Lansing who will start working to protect your freedom and your family.