Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Wyoming, MI

FAQs

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

  The Wyoming Police Department accepts non-emergency calls at (616) 530-7300.

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

  The Wyoming Police Department Records Unit accepts calls at (616) 530-7314 and faxes at (616) 261-3527. The office is at 2300 DeHoop Avenue SW, Wyoming, MI 49509.

• Why must a criminal defendant obtain a lawyer in Wyoming upon arrest?

  A criminal defendant must get a lawyer once there has been an arrest or any attempt to secure a confession because of the risk of incriminating oneself. It is advisable to obtain an attorney and avoid speaking to police other than to identify one's self and specifically request a lawyer. Even exculpatory words can be misinterpreted to make a suspect look guilty.

• Can the police in Wyoming search a criminal defendant's house without a warrant if they are pursuing the latter?

  Yes, a police officer in Wyoming and the state may search a criminal defendant's house without a warrant if in hot pursuit. This exigent circumstance requires that the cops possess probable cause to suspect a person of committing a recent crime paired with a likely reason to believe that there is contraband in the property. The impossibility of going to court necessitates the exception.

• Will asking for an attorney in Wyoming be counted as an admission of guilt in a criminal defense matter?

  No, simply asking for an attorney in Wyoming will not be interpreted as an admission of guilt in a criminal defense proceeding. An arresting officer might scare the suspect by claiming that an innocent has nothing to hide and that getting an attorney looks fishy, but this is an intimidation tactic that must be steadfastly ignored.

• Is it possible for a criminal defense client in Wyoming to invoke the right to a speedy trial and demand a dismissal if there have been less than 18 months since arrest?

  It is not necessarily possible to seek a criminal case dismissal in Wyoming if the trial has not yet started close to 18 months since the arrest. Michigan laws and precedents require that the delay must cause prejudice to the accused, and this is not presumed if there has been less than 18 months' pause without going to trial.

• When can a criminal defendant in Wyoming seek remedies for ineffective counsel?

  Criminal defendants in Wyoming may seek remedies for ineffective counsel during three stages: appeal, trial, and plea. For appeal, an attorney is not required to raise every argument open only those that are relevant and have the best odds of success. For trials, a lawyer is incompetent if the suspect's conviction could have been averted had the former been a different person. And for the plea stage, an individual must not have pleaded guilty had the representative been diligent.

• 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.