Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Grand Rapids

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  The Grand Rapids Police Department can be reached at (616) 456-3400.

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

  To obtain police records from the Grand Rapids Police Department, visit this link and then choose the Main Office at Grand Rapids option to schedule your appointment: https://www.accesskent.com/Sheriff/records.htm. You can also call them at (616) 632-6200 for more information.

• Who is qualified to have an expungement in Grand Rapids?

  Anyone in Grand Rapids who has one conviction on their criminal record that is five years old and who has not been convicted a second time may be eligible to have their conviction erased. This does not include convictions for assaultive offenses, serious misdemeanors, offenses punishable by 10 years of imprisonment or more, human trafficking, and any crime involving minors, vulnerable adults, or the serious impairment and death of a person.

• What are the consequences of getting caught driving drunk in Grand Rapids?

  A first-time DUI offender in Grand Rapids may be looking at a license suspension for six months, a jail sentence of up to 93 days, six points being put on their license, and paying a fine of up to $500. If this is a second offense within seven years, the DUI charge will get them longer jail time and license suspension, and higher fines. Getting caught a third time will result in a felony drunk driving conviction.

• Can you still get charged with DUI in Grand Rapids even if you were just passing through the area and the state of Michigan?

  Yes, you can. It doesn't matter where you are from, you must abide by the laws of the state you are in. Out-of-state traffic violation charges can get your home driver's license suspended or revoked. It may even warrant you facing additional penalties because of information sharing between US states with regard to drunk driving arrests.

• Is there hope for first-time and repentant criminal offenders for their conviction to not show permanently on their records in Grand Rapids?

  Yes, there is. Michigan legislators passed a bill called the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA), which keeps certain charges from showing permanently on the state record of an offender between the ages of 17 and 26. This must be brought up with a criminal defense attorney in Grand Rapids for them to check the client's eligibility and secure consent from either the complainant or the prosecutor.

• Is solicitation considered a felony in Grand Rapids?

  No. A first-offense solicitation in Grand Rapids, on its own, is only considered a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of $500 and up to 93 days in jail. It only becomes a felony crime if it involves more than two people and has an additional element to it, such as pimping and pandering, forcing minors into prostitution, or operating a brothel.