WHAT TO DO AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH A VIOLENT CRIME

by Van Den Heuvel Law Office

Michigan takes accusations of violent crime very seriously, and those arrested and charged with violent criminal offenses run the risk of spending a significant amount of time behind bars if convicted. It is important that you know what to do if you or someone that you know is arrested and charged with a violent offense. The experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office protect the rights of people accused of violent criminal activity and are here to provide top-tier legal representation. To learn more, call or contact our office today.

Examples of Violent Crime in Michigan

There are many different criminal offenses that may fall under the umbrella of violent crime in Michigan. Common examples of criminal offenses labeled as violent crimes include the following:

• Aggravated assault
• Battery
• Robbery
• Domestic violence
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• False imprisonment
• Weapons offenses
• Kidnapping
• Resisting arrest

Depending on the type of criminal activity alleged, these crimes can either be charged as misdemeanor or felony offenses. Penalties can range from up to one year in jail to years in prison, with thousands of dollars in fines, and other consequences for conviction.

Steps to Take After Being Charged

After being arrested and charged with a violent crime in Michigan, there are steps that you can take to protect your rights and your freedom. The first and most important step is to contact an experienced attorney. This should be done prior to speaking a single word to law enforcement, and it is important to know that you have the legal right to representation when being interrogated by the police. A lawyer can ensure that your rights are not violated during questioning and can begin to determine what evidence has been collected in the case.

The second step after being charged is to provide your lawyer with any evidence helpful to your arraignment. This is the first court hearing after arrest, where a judge determines whether you should be awarded bond. If posted, bond allows a person to be released from jail pending their trial. Evidence like close ties to the community, employment, current schooling, or evidence that you did not commit the crime like an alibi for the time of the offense are all good evidence for your lawyer to present.

The third step and final step is to listen to your attorney at every step of the legal process. Your lawyer understands how the criminal justice process works and is doing everything to protect and maintain your freedom. They will talk with the state about the strength of their case and may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed based on the evidence. To learn more about how a lawyer can help, contact our office today.

Call or Contact Our Office Now

An arrest and charge for a violent crime is a serious issue, and you need a qualified criminal defense attorney by your side to protect your freedom. Call the office or contact us online at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office to learn more about your legal options.

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