Have you been accused of a crime in Michigan? Are you facing criminal charges and you do not know where to turn for help? At Freedman Law Group, you get an attorney who is tireless in his fight for the best interests of his clients. Who you choose to protect your rights and best interests could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. We offer a free case evaluation so that you can decide whether we are the right choice for you. Look through our frequently asked questions for information which could be helpful in your case, or contact a Michigan criminal defense attorney today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalties of arson?

According to Chapter X, Section 750.71-750.80 of the Michigan Penal Code, the penalties of arson differ depending on what degree of arson you have been charged with. First degree arson occurs when someone purposefully sets fire to a mine or to a building where someone was injured. This is charged as a felony and could result in a $20,000 fine and life imprisonment. These charges range down to fifth degree arson which is a misdemeanor that can be punished with one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

How is a federal crime different from regular charges?

In most criminal cases, the state will have jurisdiction over the case and they will be responsible for trying the case. When the crime occurred on government property, involved crossing state lines or country borders, or involved kidnapping, it could be a federal offense. If this is the case, government agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Agency will be responsible for investigating the case. As these agencies have considerably more manpower and resources, it is important that you have a skilled defense attorney on your side who understands how these cases work.

What happens if I have to register as a sex offender?

Under Michigan law, if you are accused of a sex crime, one of the results is that you have to file as a sex offender. This is a database that is open to the public and contains information regarding the sex offender. The registry will contain the individual's name, address, photograph, the details of the crime they were convicted of, and more. Being placed on this registry is permanent and it is important that you do everything in your power to avoid this from happening by fighting the charges against you.

How can I challenge my DUI?

DUI charges are one of the more common offenses in Michigan. Driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or above is considered drunk driving and you could be arrested if you fail a breath test, blood test, or field sobriety test. As these will most likely be the key areas of evidence against you, we could be able to challenge your DUI charges by challenging the validity of these tests. Not only that, but we could look into your traffic stop. If it was an illegal traffic stop or search and seizure that violated your constitutional rights, you should contact us to see how we could help you.

What is considered domestic violence?

Domestic violence is the abusive treatment of a family member, boyfriend, girlfriend, roommate, or spouse. Examples of different crimes which are considered domestic violence include domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, stalking, and aggravated stalking. As even the mere hint of a domestic violence charge could damage your reputation, it is important that you do everything possible to protect your rights. In many cases, these situations come down to one person's word against the others. Allow our lawyer to help you if you have found yourself in this type of situation.

Is it worth it to challenge my traffic ticket?

What many people fail to realize is that by paying a traffic ticket, they are pleading guilty to the offense. If you believe that you were falsely accused of a crime you did not commit or believe that you were treated too harshly, we could help you fight your ticket. Many people choose not to fight their ticket because they do not think that it is worth it. In order to avoid heavy fines or even misdemeanor and criminal charges, it may be in your best interests to fight your ticket.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

In Michigan, offenses are divided into two major categories: misdemeanors and felonies. A felony is the more serious of the two charges and could result in years in prison. Misdemeanors are usually punished by a fine and months in jail. If have been accused of a felony, it is important that you do everything possible to get your charges dropped. Having a felony on your record could restrict where you can live and work.

What is the definition of a hate crime?

The difference between a hate crime and any other type of crime is the motivation behind the crime. It could be any offense, assault, arson, murder, or a sex crime, but if it was committed out of hate for the individual's religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or nationality, it is a hate crime. In these cases, the prosecution will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime was indeed a hate crime.

What should I do if I was arrested for drug possession?

Drug possession is a very common drug crime but it can still result in serious penalties if you are convicted. The penalties you could be facing following a drug possession conviction will vary depending on the amount of drugs that was found in your possession as well as which type of drug it was. If you have been accused of drug possession, please do not make any decisions until you have contacted a member of our firm to discuss your case.

Do I need a criminal defense lawyer?

After being accused of a crime, one question you may have is whether or not you really need an attorney handing your case. As your future and freedom is on the line, we highly encourage you to have a legal advocate fighting for your rights. This could be the most important decision you make regarding your case and it is imperative that you are confident in your choice. We offer a free case evaluation so that we can let us know the details of your case and determine whether or not we are the right choice for you.

Contact a Michigan criminal defense attorney from our firm!

Since being established in 2004, Freedman Law Group has been fighting tirelessly for the rights of those who have been arrested throughout Michigan. No matter how complex the case against you appears to be, you will be able to have peace of mind knowing that a strong legal advocate will be fighting for you every step of the way. Contact a Michigan criminal defense lawyer today to learn more!