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Office Locations

Main Office
24460 Telegraph Rd.
Southfield, MI 48034
Toll Free - (877) 353-3600
Office - (248) 353-3600
FAX - (248) 353-3547
Map and Directions

Westland Office
6149 N. Wayne Rd.
Westland, MI 48185
(734) 722-2044
Map and Directions

Your Champion In The Courtroom

Michigan Criminal Law Attorneys

Criminal Defense Lawyers – Serving suburban Detroit including Dearborn, Livonia, Sterling Heights, Warren, Southfield and Westland MI

The Michigan Legal Team offers aggressive criminal defense in state and federal courts for Michigan clients facing criminal charges, whether involving a felony or misdemeanor. It is never too soon to begin preparing your defense in a criminal case. By engaging an attorney early on – even before charges have been filed or warrants have been issued – you increase your chances of lessening charges, suppressing evidence or having your case dismissed. You also allow your criminal defense lawyer the time to pursue all legal avenues in devising an effective strategy. Our attorneys will carefully examine whether any violation of constitutional rights has occurred, such as the right to due process and other freedoms guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment.

Dedicated to skillfully serving our clients, our lawyers prepare for litigation through to verdict and will only consider a plea bargain, if it is in your best interests. Whatever the charge, we understand that your liberty is at risk and the grave nature of the charges you face. A criminal conviction of any kind impacts the lives of not just the accused, but also of family and friends.

Felony or Misdemeanor?

Implied punishment is usually the deciding factor as to whether a crime is categorized as a felony or misdemeanor. Sentencing that calls for a year or more in prison is reserved for felony charges and jail time consisting of a year or less defines a misdemeanor. Some crimes may be charged as either felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime or whether the crime was a repeated offense.

Felony

A felony is tried in state or federal court based on which justice system has jurisdiction. Felonies fall under both state and federal laws; a felony is a serious offense, carrying heavy penalties involving imprisonment. In Michigan there is no death penalty, and the maximum sentence for a felony is life in prison. Examples of crimes that are generally categorized as felonies include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Kidnapping
  • Armed Robbery
  • Grand Theft
  • Child Pornography
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Weapons
  • Sex Crimes
  • Vehicular Manslaughter
  • DUI/OWI Felony
  • Voluntary/Involuntary Manslaughter
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Homicide
  • Receiving Stolen Property

Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor may fall under federal or state jurisdiction. An example of a federal misdemeanor would be speeding in a national park. Disturbing the peace would be an example of a state misdemeanor. Crimes generally considered misdemeanors include, but are not limited to the following:

  • First Offense DUI/OWI
  • Shoplifting
  • Simple Battery
  • Simple Assault
  • Sexual Assault
  • Drug Possession
  • Petty Theft
  • Prostitution
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
  • Disorderly Conduct

Misdemeanor convictions may result in repercussions beyond the immediate jail term, such as:

  • Limited employment opportunities
  • Denial of professional license
  • Deportation or denial of citizenship for non-citizens

Our attorneys at The Michigan Legal Team are knowledgeable, experienced and successful in criminal defense representation. To speak with a lawyer regarding criminal charges, please call our office at 248-353-6300.