In Michigan, arrest warrants are generally issued by courts in connection with criminal cases. They help the case move forward, as the person being arrested is needed in court to answer for a crime. An arrest warrant issued by a Michigan court gives the police the authority to arrest the individual named in the warrant at any time. How do you get rid of the warrant and avoid arrest at home, work, or a traffic stop?
Read More"Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield" is a term used in the military that defines the methodology used to reduce uncertainties concerning the enemy, environment, and terrain. Battlefield preparation is an ongoing process that is used throughout all military operations. A criminal trial is analogous to a battlefield. By design, the trial is an adversarial proceeding. It is a battle for your freedom, to clear your name, to avoid a conviction, and to win. The prosecutor, police, prosecution witnesses, sometimes the judge, and the alleged complainant iare on the offensive to convict you. The defense attorneys are the defenders of your rights, the constitution, and work to raise reasonable doubt. Intense trial preparation is the key to courtroom “preparation of the battlefield.”
Read MoreA plea deal is an agreement, after a negotiation between the prosecutor and defense attorney, that settles a case without a trial. Unlike a trial, the client understands clearly what the outcome of the case will be. Plea negotiations can be time-consuming and go on for months or they can be done quickly at the first pretrial conference between the attorneys. Based on the criminal defense investigative work discussed in Part 1 of this series, a defense attorney can strengthen his or her bargaining position.
Read MoreWhen you are looking to hire a criminal lawyer you should first find one that is familiar with the jurisdiction or court where your case is being heard. Most Michigan criminal lawyers practice in multiple counties. For example, because our law firm is centrally located in Macomb County, we are intimately familiar with courts located in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and Saint Clair Counties. You have to ask if your potential lawyer has done several cases in the particular court where your case is located. This is extremely important. Familiarity provides a criminal lawyer with the necessary information. Procedures vary from one courthouse to another. For example, the prosecutor in one county may have a different policy from that of another prosecutor. For example, Bloomfield Hills District Court handles drunk driving cases much differently than Chesterfield Township. Criminal defense attorneys must also know how the prosecutors operate. Some prosecutors are willing to negotiate cases while others do not. Some will go to trial while others prefer to settle the case. A criminal defense attorney should be familiar with the police departments and their officers. An attorney familiar with the police may be able to quickly handle the matter with the officer’s input with the prosecutor. Basically, you want an attorney who operates with a “home field” advantage.
Read More