Charlotte, MI Criminal Defense Attorney

With a crime rate that is nearly 32 points higher than the national average, including markedly higher incidences of theft, burglary, and rape, Charlotte needs experienced and aggressive lawyers that are unafraid to expose every detail of your case, including details that others have overlooked or chosen to ignore.

Aggressive & Experienced Representation for Charlotte, MI

If you've been accused of a crime, don't let Charlotte's reputation sway the jury's view of your situation when the best representation can bring its true nature to light. We encourage you to contact us with the details today at 1-800-342-7896.

Your Case Is Our Specialty

We specialize in all forms of criminal defense, and have successfully represented clients charged with:

• Assault and Violent Crimes
  • Firearm possession
  • Murder/homicide
  • Domestic violence
  • Gang-related crimes
  • Arson
  • Assault
• Sex Crime Charges
  • Internet sex crimes
  • Criminal sexual conduct
  • Prostitution
  • Child molestation
  • Statutory rape
  • Indecent exposure
  • Stalking
  • Date rape
  • Sexting
• Drug Charges
  • Drug distribution and sale
  • Medical marijuana charges
  • Possession of drugs
  • Prescription drug charges
• DUI Defense
  • Blood, breath, and field sobriety tests
  • Child endangerment
  • Felony drunk driving
  • Vehicular manslaughter
• Theft and Property Crimes
  • Auto theft and joy riding
  • Armed or unarmed robbery
  • White collar crime
  • Home invasion
  • Larceny
  • Identity theft
• Juvenile Offenses

Important Areas of Representation in Charlotte

In Charlotte, theft and burglary cases are especially common, with theft constituting two-thirds of all crimes committed in 2012, and burglary making up over one-fifth. If you've been charged with theft, burglary, or a related crime, such as criminal trespassing or home invasion, both your freedom and your bank account may be at risk.

Theft in Charlotte

To be convicted of theft, the prosecution must prove that you not only took someone's property, but you took it without their consent or by deceit and that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of that same property. They don't, however, have to prove that you intended to keep the item at the time you took it – if they can persuade the jury that you decided to keep it after you borrowed it, such an offense also counts as theft, which is one reason why you need an experienced attorney at your side.

Another reason to seek out the best representation is the stiff penalties you can receive without someone fighting for your best interests. The penalties upon conviction depend on the value of the items stolen, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and your prior record. If you stole property worth $1,500, for example, you could receive the maximum sentence of up to 5 years in jail plus a $10,000 fine. With a prior conviction, this could be increased to 10 years in jail and a $15,000 fine. However, the courts also have within their power to grant you a lesser sentence at their discretion. A skilled attorney can not only mitigate your sentence, but in some circumstances can even get the charges reduced or dropped.

Burglary

Burglary, unlike theft, does not necessarily have to involve taking property (although it often does). Anytime you break into a structure (residential or commercial) with the intent to commit a felony, you can be convicted of burglary. However, the prosecution must prove both aspects to be true beyond a shadow of a doubt – that you broke in (entering with permission, then hiding or staying beyond the appointed time does not count as a “break-in”) and that you did so with the intent to commit a felony. If your defense attorney can shed doubt on either of these aspects, you may be convicted of a lesser crime, such as theft or trespassing, but not burglary.

Such a distinction is important because burglary is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and home invasion burglaries by up to 20 years plus a $5,000 under the most egregious circumstances. However, with the right representation, you may be able to see your charges mitigated or even dropped. For example:

• One of our clients was charged with home invasion 2nd degree and conspiracy to commit. Under our aggressive attorneys, all charges were dismissed at the trial.
• Another client was charged with home invasion 2nd degree (15-year felony). Under the guidance of our team of lawyers, the charges were reduced to misdemeanor illegal entry, fines, and court costs. A potential 15-year prison sentence ended with not one day in jail.

Charlotte Criminal Courts

If you are charged with a misdemeanor (a crime carrying a maximum sentence of one year in jail), your case will be heard at the Eaton County District Court. Felony arraignments and preliminary examinations are also held here.

For high court misdemeanors and felonies, you will be tried in the Eaton County Circuit Court.

Both courts are located at the Eaton County Courthouse:

1045 Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, MI 48813

We are committed to offering you the best and most dedicated legal defense. Call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-342-7896 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.