Criminal Defense in Grand Rapids, MI
What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
A criminal conviction can lead to serious consequences, which is why having an experienced , attorney on your side is essential.
Criminal defense attorneys thoroughly investigate the facts of your case, giving you peace of mind and a stronger defense. Their efforts can improve your chances of negotiating favorable terms with prosecutors, such as reduced charges, lower bail, lighter sentencing, or even dismissed charges. Simply put, hiring a defense lawyer in , is the most effective way to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, the Michigan criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time, and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel.
As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence, and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Grand Rapids criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Grand Rapids professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers who are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.
What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?
If you are facing criminal charges in Grand Rapids you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.
Probation
Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times when a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.
Because of this, Michigan laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.
When you receive probation, a judge usually will allow you to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.
Probation offers an alternative to jail time but carries conditions similar to those of incarceration. These often include attending mandated rehabilitation programs, adhering to a strict curfew, and submitting to routine drug testing to ensure compliance.
In , , probation may also require paying restitution, court fees, fines, and other expenses tied to your case. The duration of probation depends on the severity of the offense and your criminal history, with terms varying widely based on individual circumstances.
In most cases, Grand Rapids probations are limited to 2 years for misdemeanors and 5 years for felonies. However, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections, lifetime probation is authorized for certain drug offenses. The judge will take both your current offense and any prior criminal history into consideration when determining your probation length.
Probation Revoked
If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.
Under Michigan law, Grand Rapids judges have wide discretion in setting the terms of probation. Some probations will require substance abuse treatment, community service, or paying restitution to victims.
In addition, you could be required to maintain steady employment or wear an electronic monitoring device. An officer with the Michigan Department of Corrections for Kent County will typically supervise your probation.
If you violate the terms of your probation, the judge can impose stricter terms or even send you to jail. You are entitled to representation during a probation violation hearing and to present evidence in your defense. Having a Grand Rapids attorney represent you can give you the best possible outcome in your case.
Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Grand Rapids, Michigan criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.
Parole
Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer will outline any expectations you are to meet. In addition to the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.
Parole is a term to refers to the period that comes after a release from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole.
Once you have served your minimum jail sentence, the Michigan Parole Board assumes jurisdiction of your case. If you are released on parole in Grand Rapids, you will be supervised by the Department of Corrections Kent County Office. The terms of your parole can include maintaining steady employment, random drug and alcohol testing, and counseling. Parole violations can result in additional restrictions, placement in residential treatment, or re-incarceration. In most cases, the Michigan code permits you to have an attorney present at a parole violation hearing. There are some restrictions, however, and a Grand Rapids attorney can help you determine your rights in this situation.
If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Grand Rapids, MI criminal defense attorney.
Work With an Experienced Local Grand Rapids, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Grand Rapids, MI criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Michigan state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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