What to Expect When Hiring a Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges can be confusing, stressful–even frightening. Criminal charges can have an enormous impact on your life. This guide explains, from your point of view, what typically happens after you contact a criminal defense attorney—what you should do, what to expect, and how to help your own case.

1. Your First Meeting With the Attorney

What Happens at the Initial Consultation

Your first meeting sets the tone for your entire defense. You might meet in the attorney’s office, over a phone call, or even in a public place. If it’s public, your lawyer will take steps to protect your privacy. At this meeting, your attorney will:

• Introduce themself and take a few moments to get to know you. They will ask for your contact information and basic background.
• Ask you for a brief description of the events leading up to the charges.
• Find out where your case stands—whether you’ve been charged, need to turn yourself in, or have a court date.
• Remind you not to discuss your case with police, investigators, or anyone else until you’ve received legal advice.

If a parent, spouse, or friend joins you, your lawyer may clarify what role (if any) they will have in the process—especially if you’re a juvenile or dependent adult.

What You Should Expect

• The attorney may ask about your criminal history, driver’s license status, or prior lawyers.
• You’ll sign a written fee agreement explaining costs and clarifying that no results are guaranteed.
• If you struggle with mental health or substance use, be honest—this can affect how your case is handled and what help is available.

When There Are Delays

Sometimes there’s a long gap between being investigated and actually charged—often due to lab testing or police backlogs. During these times:

• Stay in touch with your attorney.
• Understand that delays can sometimes help your defense (witnesses forget details, evidence gets misplaced).
• Expect your attorney to keep requesting records and tracking your case’s progress.

2. Understanding Your Charges and Possible Consequences

Breaking Down the Charges

Your attorney will explain each charge using jury instructions—these outline exactly what the prosecutor must prove.
For example:

• Assault doesn’t always mean hitting someone—it can mean putting them in fear of being hit.

What You’ll Learn

• Courts handle arraignments and hearings differently. Your lawyer’s experience with local judges and prosecutors helps them anticipate what to expect.
• You’ll talk about bond—how much it costs, how to get released, and how to avoid violations.

Important Discussions

• If money is tight, be open about it—sometimes the cost of bond affects how you pay for legal help.
• Talk early about collateral consequences, such as effects on your job, driver’s license, or professional license.
• If you have mental health or substance use issues, get into treatment right away. Courts look favorably on people who take responsibility before being ordered to do so.

In short: your defense strategy starts long before trial—it starts with honesty and communication.

3. Legal Fees and Financial Assistance

Fee Agreements

Your lawyer will explain how payment works. Most defense attorneys use a flat fee or an hourly rate. Ask what’s covered:

• Does the fee include trial?
• Does it cover only pretrial work and plea negotiations?

You’ll likely get:

• A written agreement showing how much you’ll pay and when.
• Regular updates or receipts showing what work has been done.

Paying for Your Defense

Even if you hire your own attorney, you might still qualify for public defense resources like:

• Investigators or expert witnesses
• Drug testing or treatment programs
• Financial help with tether monitoring

If family members are helping you pay for your lawyer, that’s fine—your own financial status determines eligibility for public assistance, not theirs.

4. How Your Lawyer Builds the Case

Gathering Evidence

Your attorney will review the police reports and talk to you about what really happened.
They may:

• File Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests
• Hire an investigator
• Visit the crime scene
  If you know of videos, witnesses, or messages that could help, tell your lawyer immediately before that evidence disappears.

Protecting Confidential Information

Be careful with what you share in writing or online.
Your attorney’s private notes and certain communications are protected by privilege, but not everything you tell others will be.

Filing Motions

“Motions” are legal arguments filed before trial—for example, asking a judge to throw out evidence obtained in an illegal search.
Your attorney will only file motions when there’s a valid legal reason.
This part of the case can be crucial—it’s where violations of your rights are challenged and preserved for appeal.

5. Plea Negotiations: Weighing Your Options

Understanding Pleas

At some point, you may have to choose between pleading guilty or going to trial. That choice is yours alone, but your attorney will explain:

• The evidence for and against you.
• What kind of sentence you might face under each option.

What to Consider

• Hidden consequences—such as effects on immigration, professional licenses, or gun rights.
• What matters most to you—for example, avoiding jail, keeping your record clean, or protecting your job.
• Special sentencing options, such as:
  • Cobbs plea (where a judge gives a sentence estimate in advance)
  • Deferred sentencing or diversion programs (for first-time offenders)
  • Drug or mental health courts, which focus on treatment instead of punishment.

How to Prepare

Your attorney will approach negotiations with a plan that fits your goals. Prosecutors often have some flexibility—but you’ll need to show commitment to change and compliance with bond or treatment conditions.

6. Trial and Sentencing: What to Expect

When the Case Goes to Trial

If there’s no plea deal worth accepting, your case may go to trial.
Your attorney will:

• Explain your right to a jury trial and your right to testify or remain silent.
• Help you prepare for testimony, including how to stay calm and answer honestly.
• Be organized and ready—using a clear theme, strong exhibits, and consistent storytelling.

You’ll need to be ready for the emotional stress of trial. It’s demanding, but preparation helps.

Sentencing

If you plead or are found guilty, your attorney’s job is to present your story:

• How you’ve taken responsibility.
• Steps you’ve taken to improve (employment, treatment, community support).
• Reasons you deserve probation or a reduced sentence.

Judges look for progress and a plan to prevent reoffending. The better your preparation, the stronger your attorney’s argument for leniency.

Final Thoughts

Working with a defense attorney is a team effort. Your honesty, cooperation, and follow-through can directly affect your outcome.

Remember:

• Stay in touch with your lawyer.
• Follow bond and court orders carefully.
• Complete treatment or counseling programs early.
• Keep records of your progress.

Facing criminal charges is difficult—but with clear communication, preparation, and a strong partnership with your attorney, you can move through the process with confidence and dignity.

At Van Den Heuvel Law, our experienced West Michigan attorneys work alongside clients to aggressively navigate the legal system. Their knowledge and skilled defense will get you the help you need and the best possible resolution of a difficult situation. They know the prosecutors and the judges, while simultaneously understanding the impact criminal charges can have on your life.  You do not have to face the system alone. Contact Van Den Heuvel Law Office, located in Grand Rapids, for tough, experienced representation that’s on your side.