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Criminal Defense in Saginaw, MI

What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want a criminal lawyer in Saginaw, MI on your side.

These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time, and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Saginaw, MI 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 Saginaw criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.

Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Saginaw, Michigan

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Saginaw 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 Saginaw, 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 Saginaw 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.

Under law, individuals on probation may be subject to warrantless searches without probable cause as part of their probation terms.

Probation is often granted as an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to rehabilitation instead of serving a direct prison sentence. However, securing this alternative typically requires a strong legal defense. Seeking immediate legal advice can greatly improve your chances of avoiding incarceration.

While probation allows you to avoid jail, it often comes with strict requirements similar to those imposed during incarceration. These may include attending rehabilitation programs, following a curfew, and submitting to regular drug testing.

In , , probation may also require you to pay restitution, court costs, fines, and additional fees. The duration of your probation can vary significantly based on the severity of your offense and your prior criminal history.

The term of your probation depends on the sentence delivered by a judge. A court in Saginaw can order up to 2 years for misdemeanors and 5 years for felonies.

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.

The Code of Criminal Procedure governs the conditions of probation the court can hand down after a guilty conviction. The details depend on your criminal history, but the following are common responsibilities:

  • Random searches at home or work
  • Intermittent drug testing
  • Travel restrictions
  • A prohibition from owning firearms or explosives

Probation officers investigate potential violations and can arrest you at any time. The revocation hearing that follows may send you to prison and result in new criminal charges. If you have any questions about your obligations as a probationer, contact your probation officer in Saginaw or a lawyer.

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 Saginaw, 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.

First, you may have regular visits scheduled with your parole officer at the Saginaw County Probation office. In addition to these regular meetings, there are supervision fees and restitution to pay. Failure to make these payments on time alone can lead to the revocation of your parole privileges. It’s also possible that you’ll have strict limitations on your travel, like always remaining within state or county limits.

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 Saginaw, MI criminal defense attorney.

Work With an Experienced Criminal Lawyer in Saginaw, MI

A Saginaw 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 Saginaw, 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 criminal lawyer in Saginaw, MI!

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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