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Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense

Most people can never imagine themselves in a position where they’re being arrested or face criminal charges. The idea can seem unfeasible and you may even feel as if you’re impenetrable from the justice system. Unfortunately, that thought evaporates once the handcuffs click behind you or you receive a summons in the mail. Many normal everyday people with working jobs who are active in their communities face criminal charges for a variety of reasons.

If you’ve recently been accused of a crime, it’s likely you have a thousand questions running through your head. What are the possible penalties? Will I be able to go out on bond? Will these charges affect my career or personal life? What happens next? All these questions are incredibly important and should be answered by an experienced criminal defense attorney.

A defense lawyer can assess your charges and begin building a strong defense for you. They can then provide you legal counsel and aggressively fight for your rights in court. For these reasons and more, we highly suggest you secure legal representation as soon as possible if you’ve had charges filed against you in the state of Michigan.

Oakland County Criminal Defense Attorney, Michigan

Armed with Ample Resources and Ready to Fight? Let the Black Belt Attorney Take it From Here

Are you willing to direct your resources toward a premium criminal defense attorney who knows what it takes to be effective? If so, Attorney J. Dallo of Dallo Law would be honored to be your personal legal representative, warrior, and scholar.

From DUI and gun charges to manslaughter and first-degree murder, Dallo Law has seen it all and will not rest until you receive a favorable outcome that you can live with. That outcome may just mean a well-crafted negotiation to a reduced charge. And, if we do not receive a favorable offer by the prosecutor, we will use our resources to build a powerful case in defense of the allegations and prepare for battle in the courtroom.

In addition, attorney Dallo is like no other attorney as he is a fighter in and out of the courtroom. J. Dallo has competed in boxing, kickboxing and no-holds-barred tournaments and competed on the MMA, collegiate and golden gloves level. He converts that passion for defending the physical self to defending his client’s rights in the courtroom. Just like he would to an opponent in the ring, attorney Dallo is sure to not back down before the judge or prosecution. He will aggressively and passionately defend his client by commanding the courtroom’s attention when needed.

You can get in contact with attorney J. Dallo at (248) 283-7000 to set up your first consultation for free. During the consultation, J. Dallo will review your case and disclose to you all your legal options. Dallo Law, P.C. is located in Bloomfield Hills but accepts clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area including Pontiac, Troy, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Rochester, Novi, Sterling Heights, Mount Clemens, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, and Utica.

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Remain Silent with Law Enforcement

One commonly overlooked step, but one of the most important to your criminal case, is to remain silent when arrested or with law enforcement in general. All U.S. citizens are given the legal right to not incriminate themselves due to the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Every statement to police can and likely will be used against you, so it’s highly recommended you never say a word to police other than to identify yourself and to ask for a lawyer.

You may think that saying a sentence or two to law enforcement couldn’t hurt your case, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Even a word said in passing or the way your tone was conveyed could be used in the prosecutor’s case. Plus, during interrogations law enforcement will sometimes use confusing tactics to draw out false confessions. These linguistic and interrogation techniques could cause you to make an incriminating statement(s).

Avoid this situation altogether by never speaking to law enforcement and instead get in contact with an experienced defense attorney. A defense lawyer has extensive knowledge on the criminal justice process and can advise speak on your behalf to police. After you inform police you want a lawyer they are obligated to refrain from interrogations completely.

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How Do Bail and Bonds Work in Michigan?

The state of Michigan offers bonds to people who have been arrested so they can make bail. A bond is essentially a type of collateral to the court to ensure you come to all upcoming court dates. The price of your bond will depend on certain factors such as your current financial situation, the seriousness of the crime, and if you have a history of being a flight risk.

During your first appearance, a judge will set your bond required to make bail. Some Michigan courts will have already set bonds for particular offenses, so you don’t have to wait until your first appearance. The state of Michigan allows offenders to post bond in a variety of ways, but one of the most common methods is to obtain a “surety bond” through a bail bondsman.

You can obtain a surety bond by paying a fee to a bails bondsman who will then issue a guarantee to the court that if the defendant fails to show up, they will have the funds to pay their full bail. A surety bond fee is typically around 10 % of your full bail amount. The fee is non-refundable, even if your case is later dismissed. Often, a bail bondsmen will require the defendant or their family to put up some type of collateral as insurance. Failure to show up to your court dates after you’ve obtained a surety bond will result in you losing said collateral.

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Crime Classifications and Penalties in Michigan

The state of Michigan divides crimes into one of two classifications: misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies and the penalties include time in jail rather than prison (other than a high court misdemeanor). Felonies, on the other hand, tend to be reserved for more serious crimes that may include injury or death. Often the exact penalties for an individual case depends on the seriousness of the offense and your criminal history.

Listed below are some possible penalties you may face if you’re convicted of a crime in Michigan.

 

Level of Offense Fine Jail or Prison Time
 

Misdemeanor Punishable by up to 93 Days in Jail

  

$500

  

Up to 93 days in jail
 

Misdemeanors Punishable by Up to One Year in Jail

  

$1,000

  

Up to 12 months in jail
 

High Court Misdemeanor

  

$2,000

  

Up to 2 years in prison
 

 

Class H Felony

  

Varies under Michigan Law

  

Jail or other intermediate sanction. Varies based on Michigan laws.

 
 

Class G Felony

  

Fine determined by the court

  

Up to 2 years in prison
 

Class E Felony

  

Fine determined by the court

  

Up to 5 years in prison
 

Class D Felony

  

Fine determined by the court

  

Up to 10 years in prison
 

Class C Felony

  

Fine determined by the court

  

Up to 15 years in prison
 

Class B Felony

  

Fine determined by the court

  

Up to 20 years in prison
 

Class A Felony

  

Fine determined by the court

  

Punishable by up to life in prison

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OWI Offenses in Michigan

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the state of Michigan recorded 2,912 drunk driving related deaths during the years 2003-2012. These shocking numbers have caused Michigan legislators to implement harsh laws to punish inebriated drivers. This is why it’s highly recommended you secure legal representation if you’ve been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI).

A first-time OWI conviction will result in a misdemeanor punishable by up 93 days in jail as well as a fine between $100 – $500. If you don’t have an extensive criminal record, it’s unlikely you’ll be sentenced to jail and will instead receive probation. However, the court is likely to impose additional conditions to your sentencing such as community service, possible vehicle immobilization, or the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Multiple OWI offenders should expect to face harsher penalties. A second OWI conviction will mean required jail time of at least 5 days to one year. You will still be expected to pay a fine of between $200 and $1,000. Having more than one OWI conviction on your record will mean there’s a much higher chance of you facing incarceration. Additionally, the judge may enhance the penalties if any individual was injured or lost their life because of your OWI.

Dallo Law, P.C. defends people accused of OWI in all aspects including:

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Drug Crimes in Michigan

Possessing, manufacturing or selling controlled substances in the state of Michigan is illegal. Depending on the type of drug and the amount possessed, you could be facing a felony. Not only this, but a drug-related conviction in Michigan will result in an automatic license suspension. The duration of the suspension will depend on your criminal history and if you drive while under suspension you could face additional charges.

Some drug crimes Dallo Law, P.C. defend include:

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Violent Crimes in Michigan

Michigan legislators have implemented stringent laws as punishment for violent offenders. Often offenders charged with violent crimes will be denied bail and are sentenced harshly because of their actions. In addition to these penalties, many people convicted of violent crimes are also served with a Personal Protection Order (PPO) from the alleged victim. A personal protection order, otherwise known as a restraining order, is a court order that restricts the offender’s movements so they are nowhere near the alleged victim.

Dallo Law, P.C. defends people accused of violent crimes including:

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Other Practices

The crimes listed above are not the only charges Dallo Law, P.C. defends people from. We also defend clients from other offenses, which include but are not limited to:

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Additional Resources

Michigan Penal Code – Visit the official website for the Michigan Penal Code to learn about specific crimes and their penalties. Access the site to research into assaultive crimes, sex crimes, OWI cases, crimes pertaining to children, white collar crimes, and other relevant information.

Oakland County Criminal Court – Visit the official website for Oakland County, Michigan to learn more about their district court’s criminal division. Access the site to learn more about the procedures for the criminal division, possible forms you may need before you enter the courtroom, common felonies & misdemeanors, and the court’s contact information.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Michigan – Use the Lawyer Legion online attorney directory to find the top criminal defense attorneys in the State of Michigan. The system of ranking lawyers focused on objective criteria such as membership and leadership in not-for-profit specialty bar associations including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan CDAM.

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Oakland County Defense Lawyer in MI

It’s tempting to bury your head in the sand and pretend everything will be ok at trial after you’ve had criminal charges filed against you. However, you will regret it immensely if you hear the judge utter those dreaded words “I’m guilty.” Don’t take any chances when it comes to your freedom and instead get in contact with the aggressive and effective legal team at Dallo Law, P.C..

Dallo and his staff have years of experience that he can utilize to craft a sturdy defense for your case. If you hire Dallo Law, P.C., you can rest assured that everything that can be done for your case will be. Attorney Dallo is sure that every stone is uncovered when formulating a strong defense for his clients and he can also do it for you. You can get in contact with Dallo Law, P.C. by calling (248) 283-7000 and from there you can set up your first consultation for free.

Dallo Law, P.C. accepts clients throughout the Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, and Oakland County area as well as surrounding counties including Macomb County and Wayne County.

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This article was last updated on Friday, March 5, 2021.