Detroit Violent Crimes Lawyer
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Facing charges for a violent crime is scary. Michigan punishes these offenses harshly. The stigma surrounding a conviction can hurt you years after you complete your sentence.
When facing a misdemeanor or felony charge for a violent crime, the best thing to do is hire a Detroit criminal defense lawyer. You have a right to legal representation and should use that right.
Davis Law Group can help. Call us at (313) 818-3238 or use our online form to set up an initial consultation. Our talk will be free and confidential.
Why Davis Law Group is the Right Firm for You
You have options when it comes to criminal defense attorneys. One choice is to work with a public defender. These are passionate, hardworking attorneys, but they’re overworked. They have far less time to focus on your case compared to a private defense attorney. You can be confident Maurice Davis will give your case his full attention.
Experience on Both Sides of the Courtroom
Maurice Davis brings unique experience to his criminal defense practice. While working as an assistant state’s attorney in Macon County, Illinois, he honed his skills. He learned the court rules and processes and the culture and dynamic between prosecutors and defense attorneys. He knows how prosecutors think, giving him a leg up when building your defense. With over 20 years of experience he will bring the strategic and personalized approach you need to your case.
Impressive Results
You need someone who knows how to win. You need a lawyer who routinely gets the best possible outcomes for their clients. Maurice Davis has helped many people avoid charges for violent crimes by getting their cases dismissed. He’s also helped others avoid a conviction at trial.
Industry Recognition
Davis Law Group has received recognition from many respected legal organizations, including:
- The National Black Lawyers
- American Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Lead Counsel Rated
- Expert Network – Distinguished Lawyer.
How Our Local Violent Crime Attorneys Can Help
When you hire Maurice Davis, he’ll begin by taking an in-depth look into your case. He’ll gather and evaluate the evidence immediately available, which includes listening to your story. He wants to know the details, whether you think they’re good or bad. With the truth, he can start building your defense.
Negotiating With the Prosecutor
One of the many benefits of hiring an experienced violent crimes defense lawyer is the possibility of getting the charges reduced. Maurice Davis will review the charges and whether the prosecutor is reaching further than they should. The facts might support a lesser charge. A reduction can make a big difference in what you’re up against.
Demanding a Dismissal
It’s possible you shouldn’t face charges at all. It wouldn’t be the first time Maurice Davis has represented someone wrongfully accused of a violent crime. If you’re facing false accusations, he’ll strive to get your case dismissed.
Negotiating Plea Deals
It isn’t always possible to have a violent crime case dismissed. Unfortunately, sometimes the prosecutor has a strong enough case that a conviction is likely. Under these circumstances, Maurice Davis offers his candid opinion on the next best steps. He may find he can mitigate the consequences of a conviction through a plea bargain.
Preparing for Trial
Criminal cases don’t always go through to trial. But rest assured, Davis Law Group is prepared to defend you before a jury. Attorney Davis has years of litigation experience and isn’t afraid to go head-to-head with a prosecutor.
Common Violent Crime Charges in Michigan
Davis Law Group can defend you against charges of:
- Assault & Battery: In Michigan, assault and battery are two separate crimes. Assault encompasses threatening someone with harm, while battery involves intentionally violently or offensively touching someone. The victim doesn’t have to prove they were hurt, though serious injuries can lead to harsher charges. There are many degrees of assault and battery offenses, which is why it’s essential to talk with a violent crimes defense attorney right away.
- Child Abuse: A prosecutor can charge you with a misdemeanor or felony if you harm a child in several ways. Child abuse encompasses knowingly or intentionally causing serious physical or mental harm.
- Domestic Violence: A prosecutor could charge you with domestic violence if you allegedly committed an assault and battery or other violent crime against a current or former spouse, romantic partner, co-parent, or someone who lives with you. Domestic violence can be a misdemeanor or felony.
- Gang Violence: A prosecutor can charge you with criminal gang activity if they suspect you committed a crime as part of a group of five or more unified people. Being charged with a violent crime as part of a gang is serious. You face enhanced penalties, which is why you should hire a Detroit violent crimes defense lawyer immediately.
- Kidnapping: A prosecutor could charge you with felony kidnapping if you allegedly restrain someone in demand ransom, use them as a hostage, commit a sex crime, transport them across stateliness, or force them into servitude.
- Manslaughter: A prosecutor could charge you with felony manslaughter if you allegedly caused another person’s death, but it was not premeditated.
- Murder: A prosecutor will charge you with murder if they believe you intentionally took another person’s life or a person’s death occurred while you committed a serious crime.
- Stalking: A prosecutor will charge you with stalking – a misdemeanor – if someone alleges you’re harassing and terrorizing them.
We Create an Aggressive Defense to Violent Offenses
When you face years in prison, you have to mount a strong defense. Never accept that you’ll be convicted or receive a harsh sentence. Instead, work with someone who will fight hard to win the best possible outcome in your case.
Davis Law Group understands the gravity of your situation. It’s essential to avoid a permanent criminal record. If you have previous convictions, you must avoid adding another to your history. It’ll only increase the stigma you face in society. We also realize the damage incarceration does to families. You should be with your loved ones, not isolated from them.
Given the importance of fighting the charges, attorney Davis strives to build a comprehensive, aggressive defense. He evaluates all of the facts and looks for the best stance to get your charges reduced or dropped or win an acquittal.
He’ll review:
- Your interactions with the police. Did they violate any of your constitutional rights?
- The witnesses’ credibility. Did anyone see you commit the crime? Can they prove it?
- The accusers’ credibility. Just because someone says you did something doesn’t make it true.
- The likelihood of mistaken identity. Have you been charged because you look like a generic description?
- Your alibi. Can you prove you were somewhere else at the time of the offense?
- Racial profiling. Have you been accused of a crime based on your race?
- The admissibility of the evidence. Is the prosecutor trying to use irrelevant, prejudicial, or illegally obtained evidence?
Maurice Davis will scrutinize your case from every possible angle. He’ll be candid about your case and the best way to move forward.
Facing Violent Crime Charges? Call Us Today
Whether you’ve been formally charged or are under investigation, it’s never too early to get legal help. Davis Law Group is ready and willing to step in and defend you. Use our online form or call (313) 818-3238 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Violent Crime FAQS
What Should I Do If I’m Charged with a Violent Crime?
If you are charged with a violent crime in Michigan your first and most critical action is to immediately stop talking to the police and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer any questions or provide any statements without legal counsel present. Your second action must be to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney near you who can immediately begin investigating the case, challenging the legality of the arrest or search, filing motions to suppress evidence (like unlawfully obtained statements), and building a defense strategy, such as self-defense or challenging witness credibility, to seek a dismissal or a reduction of the charge.
What Evidence is Used in Violent Crime Cases?
Evidence in violent crime cases is focused on proving the assailant’s identity and the cause of injury. Key evidence includes physical and forensic evidence (such as DNA, fingerprints, and weapons), medical evidence (like autopsy reports or hospital records to detail the victim’s injuries), eyewitness testimony, and digital evidence (such as cell phone location data or surveillance footage). The goal is to use this evidence to establish a link between the defendant and the crime.
Do Violent Crimes Require Jail or Prison Time?
A conviction for a violent crime in Michigan often results in mandatory jail or prison time, but not always, as the penalty depends heavily on the specific charge and your criminal history. Felony violent crimes are subject to sentencing guidelines which calculate a mandatory minimum prison range based on the severity of the offense and your Prior Record Variables (PRV) score. Less severe violent misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of up to 93 days in jail, but often result in a sentence of probation, fines, and community service instead of incarceration. Repeat offenses are subject to Habitual Offender laws, which significantly enhance the prison sentence length.
Can I Go to Trial or Should I Consider a Plea Deal?
This is one of the most crucial strategic decisions in any criminal case. While you always have the constitutional right to go to trial, accepting a plea deal offers certainty and mitigation. Going to trial is best if the prosecution’s evidence is weak, but if you lose, the judge can impose the maximum sentence. A plea deal is often advisable when the evidence is strong, as it guarantees a conviction but limits your risk by securing reduced charges or a sentence cap. This choice must be made only after consulting extensively with your attorney, who will assess the evidence and the potential outcomes.
Will a Violent Crime Conviction Affect My Employment or Rights?
Yes, absolutely. A conviction for a violent crime, especially a felony, creates significant and permanent obstacles in Michigan. The conviction will appear on background checks, severely limiting employment opportunities and potentially leading to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses (like those in healthcare or education). Furthermore, a felony conviction results in the permanent loss of your right to possess or own a firearm under both state and federal law.
Charged with a Violent Crime in Detroit, MI? Contact us today.
Your initial consultation will always be free and confidential. Call (313) 818-3238 today or fill out the form below and we will help you.
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