Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dearborn, MI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Dearborn, Michigan?

  Citizens of Dearborn can contact the local police station through the non-emergency telephone number (313) 943-2241.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Dearborn, Michigan?

  Copies of police reports can be obtained from the Dearborn Police Department Records Bureau, which is the central repository of all departmental and personnel records. The local police department is located at 16099 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126.

• Do you need a Dearborn lawyer if you are being investigated by the police?

  If you find yourself being investigated in Dearborn, it would be best to secure a lawyer who is familiar with the local criminal defense law. They can help ensure you don't provide the police with vague or incriminating statements that could be misinterpreted. If the evidence against you is insufficient, experienced attorneys could also negotiate with prosecutors to convince them not to file charges.

• What steps should be taken to prevent imprisonment in Dearborn?

  Going to jail is a complex issue that depends on the severity of your current offense, your previous criminal history, and any mitigating factors that could lead to amnesty from a prosecutor or judge. Working with a Dearborn criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid a conviction on your record. In some cases, they may even be able to get the charges dropped or have them reduced through plea bargains.

• Could having a criminal record in Dearborn negatively impact your life?

  Being accused of a criminal offense in Dearborn can have highly severe repercussions. It can stop you from obtaining the job, certification, license, or educational qualifications you need for a successful future. Fortunately, the Michigan Clean Slate law allows individuals to erase certain felonies or misdemeanors from their criminal record. With the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney, you may be able to receive a lesser sentence or possibly even get the charges dismissed.

• What kind of information is included in a Dearborn criminal record?

  A criminal history record in Dearborn includes pertinent details such as the person's age, gender, physical characteristics, and information on any misdemeanors or felonies they may have been convicted of or arrested for. In addition to the data in the record, fingerprint impressions and mug shots are also stored in the system. The Michigan Criminal Records Reporting Manual provides valuable insights into the disclosure process of criminal records.

• Do you need a lawyer if you're facing criminal charges in Dearborn?

  Yes. It's natural to feel inundated when confronted with criminal allegations, but you need not deal with it alone. A Dearborn criminal defense lawyer can assist you in managing the intricacies of a criminal trial while safeguarding your rights. They can answer all your inquiries and guide you through each stage of the legal system. Acquiring the services of a competent criminal lawyer can also alleviate the expenses linked to criminal allegations over time.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.