Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Farmington Hills

FAQs

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

  The Farmington Hills Police can be reached at 248-871-2600 for non-life-threatening concerns.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, download and fill out the Request for Public Records (FOIA) Form here: https://www.fhgov.com/departments-services/city-clerk/request-for-public-records-(foia) Submit the completed form to the Farmington Hills Police FOIA Coordinator. By mail: 31655 W. 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336 By email: FOIA-PD@fhgov.com By fax: (248) 871-2721

• Can you still fight an OWI/DUI charge in Farmington Hills if your BAC was over 0.08%?

  Yes. Don’t plead guilty simply because there’s one piece of evidence against you. Alcohol and breath tests are governed by strict regulations, and if the Farmington Hills police failed to follow them, the test results may become inadmissible as evidence. Also, a significant portion of OWI/DUI arrests is successfully contested on the grounds that the officer lacked sufficient justification to conduct a traffic stop in the first place.

• Can non-U.S. citizens be deported if convicted of a crime in Farmington Hills, MI?

  Yes. Under U.S. immigration laws, non-citizens convicted of crimes of moral turpitude or aggravated felonies may be deported. These crimes include domestic violence, immigration fraud, and charges related to firearms and controlled substances. The conviction may also negatively impact the defendant’s current immigration status and future eligibility for U.S. citizenship. A Farmington Hills criminal defense attorney can evaluate your immigration risks.

• Do you have to pay the full bond amount set by the judge to get out of Farmington Hills jail?

  It depends on the type of bond. If it’s a surety or cash bond, yes, you have to pay the full amount to get out of Farmington Hills jail. If the bond has a 10% provision, you just need to post 10% of the amount to be released; however, if you fail to appear in court as scheduled, you will owe the court the remaining 90%. Another type of bond, the personal recognizance bond, does not require any payment, only a personal promise to return to court.

• Are juveniles convicted of child molestation in Farmington Hills required to enter the sex offender registry?

  Yes. In Michigan, any individual, including juveniles, convicted of criminal sexual conduct or child molestation must register as a sex offender. Once the individual has been entered into the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, it may be challenging to remedy the situation. There are of course exceptional circumstances when a juvenile sex offender’s criminal record can be expunged and their name removed from the registry. Speak with a criminal defense attorney in Farmington Hills to learn more about this.

• Will the Farmington Hills police go to your house to arrest you?

  It depends on the charge. If you are being charged with a felony, the police will come to your residence and arrest you. You can avoid this by having your criminal defense attorney set up a walk-in arraignment. If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Farmington Hills, you will receive a notice to appear in court in the mail. You will probably not be arrested before the court date indicated in the mail.

• 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.