Lansing Criminal Defense Attorneys

Lansing Criminal Defense Attorneys

Helping Clients Navigate the Criminal Justice System

Criminal charges can be life-changing, especially if you end up convicted of a felony in a Michigan court. Depending on the specific charge, you could be sentenced to years in prison, expensive fines, and the loss of certain legal rights. This is why it’s so important to fight your charges with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

When you contact Manley & Manley for legal representation, you’ll get personal attention from a Lansing criminal defense attorney who truly cares about achieving the best possible outcome for your criminal case. Our team is committed to defending your freedom and reputation after your arrest, so call our Lansing, MI, criminal law firm to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable Lansing, Michigan criminal defense attorney.

What Charges Can We Fight for Our Criminal Defense Clients?

Our Lansing criminal law firm has represented Michigan clients accused of various criminal offenses, including felonies and misdemeanors. No matter what charges you’re facing and whether you’ve been charged in state or federal court, our skilled Lansing, criminal lawyers are here to help you fight the accusations.

Some of the charges we’ve fought for clients include:

  • Drug offenses
  • DUI charges
  • Gun crimes
  • Theft
  • Traffic violations
  • Violent crimes
  • White-collar crimes

We can also guide you through the process of getting previous crimes on your criminal record expunged if you’re eligible. Our criminal defense attorneys understand how damaging criminal convictions can be, so we’ll work hard to keep your criminal record clear of them when possible. Whether you’re accused of criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, or another serious offense, we’ll fight the charges on your behalf.

If you want to learn how our legal experience can benefit you during your case, we urge you to contact our Lansing, MI law office today. Our Michigan criminal defense attorneys will work tirelessly to get your case dismissed, charges reduced, or a not-guilty verdict. Call today to schedule a consultation with a skilled Lansing, criminal defense lawyer.

What Happens When You’re Charged with a Misdemeanor in Michigan?

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that could lead to fines, jail time, community service, and other consequences. While it’s not considered as serious as a felony, it’s still recommended that you hire a Lansing, Michigan criminal defense lawyer to fight this charge so you can avoid jail time and keep your criminal record free of convictions. Whether you’re facing drug charges, domestic violence accusations, or criminal traffic violations, you can rely on our Michigan criminal law firm to provide the legal assistance you need for your case.

Michigan criminal law divides misdemeanors into three categories, each resulting in a different amount of jail time. The potential penalties include:

  • Up to 93 days in jail and up to $500 in fines
  • Up to 1 year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines
  • Up to 2 years in prison and up to $2,000 in fines

Your specific punishment will depend on the severity of the misdemeanor and your criminal history, among other factors. Some examples of misdemeanor charges in Michigan include:

  • First DUI
  • Second DUI
  • Drug possession
  • Shoplifting
  • Simple assault
  • Embezzlement of under $1,000
  • First domestic violence offense
  • Reckless driving

You should immediately contact a skilled Michigan criminal defense attorney for legal advice if you were arrested for these or similar offenses. Otherwise, you risk getting the harshest possible outcome for your case, which could include fines, jail time, the loss of professional licenses, driver’s license suspension, and more. Call our Lansing, MI, criminal law firm today if you’re ready to discuss your criminal defense options with an experienced attorney.

What Do Felony Charges Mean in Lansing, MI?

Felony charges are more serious than misdemeanors because they can result in anywhere from a year in prison to life imprisonment. For this reason, it’s essential to call a Lansing criminal defense lawyer immediately after your arrest so your legal team can begin creating a criminal defense strategy and collecting evidence to support it.

For many people, the most worrisome part of a criminal conviction for a felony offense is prison time. After all, spending even a year in prison can cause you to lose your job, damage relationships with friends and family, and get behind on your bills. So, if you’re concerned about a possible prison sentence and want to avoid it at all costs, you should hire a dedicated attorney in Lansing, MI.

Our team has successfully defended countless clients from serious accusations, such as drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, repeat DUI offenses, and more. Such charges could lead to severe penalties upon conviction, depending on your criminal history and the specific offense. 

Consider the typical penalties for the eight felony classes in Michigan:

  • Class A Felony: Up to life in prison for violent crimes that include armed robbery, first-degree murder, or first-degree criminal sexual conduct
  • Class B Felony: Up to 20 years in prison for the production of child pornography, arson, or second-degree child abuse
  • Class C Felony: Up to 15 years in prison for offenses that include robbery, manslaughter, or human trafficking resulting in injury
  • Class D Felony: Up to 10 years in prison for crimes like embezzlement or larceny over $20,000, or breaking and entering
  • Class E Felony: Up to 5 years in prison for charges like aggravated stalking, carrying a concealed weapon, or shoplifting
  • Class F Felony: Up to 4 years in prison for offenses like falsely reporting a felony, selling marijuana, or failing to register as a sex offender
  • Class G Felony: Up to 2 years in prison for offenses like ethnic intimidation, interfering with electronic communications, or aggravated indecent exposure
  • Class H: Jail time, electronic monitoring, or probation for criminal offenses like joyriding, lewd surveillance, or using a stolen credit card

If you were arrested on suspicion of committing these or similar serious offenses in or around Lansing, MI, you should contact a skilled attorney for legal insight on the next steps to take in your case. Our team has taken on criminal cases of all kinds, from DUI defense to criminal sexual conduct cases, so we know how to argue every criminal charge in court. Whether you’re accused of sexual assault, resisting a police officer, shoplifting, or other serious offenses, we’ll work hard to get you favorable results for your case. Call our Lansing, MI, law firm today to learn more about how we can help you. 

Are You Ready to Seek Legal Representation from Skilled Lansing Criminal Defense Attorneys?

If you’re facing felony or misdemeanor charges in Michigan, it’s time to contact Manley & Manley for the quality legal representation you deserve. Our team can carefully review your criminal case to determine the most effective criminal defense strategy for you. Whether it turns out the police officer who arrested you violated your right to remain silent, you acted in self-defense, or you’re dealing with false allegations, a knowledgeable attorney can make all the difference in your case.

We know how to find evidence to support our chosen criminal defense angles and defend each client’s rights, regardless of the specific charges. As a result, you can expect the best possible results when you hire our team to fight for you in court. We’ll work hard to get the case dismissed, a not-guilty verdict, or other favorable outcomes, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. Call our Lansing, MI, law office today at 810-374-0240 to speak with a caring attorney about your legal options.