Oakland County Criminal Defense Attorney
Providing Aggressive Legal Representation to Protect Your Rights and Freedom
Most people can never imagine themselves in a position where they are being arrested or facing criminal charges. The idea of being charged with a criminal offense involved with the criminal justice system is often a shock to many defendants who never imagined themselves in this position.
Unfortunately, that thought quickly evaporates once you hear the handcuffs click behind you or receive a summons in the mail. Many ordinarily law-abiding citizens with active jobs in their communities may face criminal charges for various reasons.
If you have recently been accused of a crime, you likely have a thousand questions running through your mind. 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 fundamental and should be answered by an experienced criminal defense attorney.
A defense lawyer can assess your charges and build a solid defense to help you fight the charges. They can also provide skilled legal counsel and aggressively fight for your rights in court. Due to the severe penalties that may result from a criminal conviction, we highly suggest you secure legal representation immediately if you have had charges filed against you in Michigan.
Contact our Oakland County law firm to schedule your initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Office visits are by appointment only; consultations are also available over the phone or via video conference.
Why is it Important to Remain Silent When Being Questioned by Law Enforcement?
One commonly overlooked legal right many criminal defendants ignore is to remain silent when arrested or with law enforcement. Under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, all U.S. citizens have the legal right not to incriminate themselves.
If you have been arrested, you must remember that every statement you make to the police will likely be used against you. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you do not speak to the police other than to identify yourself and ask for a lawyer.
You may mistakenly believe that saying a sentence or two to law enforcement cannot hurt your case. Sadly, that could not be further from the truth. Even a word said in passing or how your tone was conveyed could be used against you in the prosecutor’s case. Additionally, during interrogations, law enforcement will sometimes try to use confusing tactics to draw out false confessions. These deceitful linguistic and interrogation techniques could cause you to make an incriminating statement(s).
The easiest way to avoid this situation is never to speak to law enforcement. Instead, contacting an experienced defense attorney who can advise you of your rights is always best. A defense lawyer has extensive knowledge of the criminal justice process and will speak on your behalf to the police. After you inform the police you want a lawyer, they must refrain from interrogations entirely.
How Do Bail and Bonds Work in Michigan?
The state of Michigan offers bonds to people arrested so they can make bail. A bond is collateral to the court to ensure you attend 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 the bond amount required to make bail. Some Michigan courts will have pre-set bonds for particular offenses, so defendants do not have to wait until their first appearance to try and bail out of jail. The state of Michigan allows offenders to post bond in various 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 bail bondsman who will then guarantee 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 bondsman will require the defendant or their family to put up some collateral as insurance. Failure to show up to your court dates after you have obtained a surety bond will result in you losing said collateral.
What are the Crime Classifications and Penalties in Michigan?
The state of Michigan divides crimes into one of two classifications: misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less severe 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 depend on the seriousness of the offense and your criminal history.
Listed below are some possible penalties you may face if you are convicted of a crime in Michigan:
- Misdemeanor Punishable by up to 93 Days in Jail: 93 days in jail and a $500 fine
- Misdemeanors Punishable by Up to One Year in Jail: Up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine
- High Court Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to two years in prison and a $2,000
- Class H Felony: Penalties vary under Michigan law but could result in jail or intermediate sanction
- Class G Felony: Punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine determined by the court
- Class E Felony: Punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine determined by the court
- Class D Felony: Punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine determined by the court
- Class C Felony: Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine determined by the court
- Class B Felony: Punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine determined by the court
- Class A Felony: Punishable by up to life in prison and a fine determined by the court
What are the Criminal Penalties for OWI/DUI Offenses in Michigan?
The Centers 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 statistics have caused Michigan legislators to implement harsh laws to punish drunk drivers. Due to the potential penalties involved in a conviction, it is highly recommended you secure legal representation if you have been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI/DUI).
A first-time OWI/DUI conviction will result in a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a fine between $100 and $500. If you do not have an extensive criminal record, it is unlikely that you will be sentenced to jail; instead, you will receive probation. However, the court will likely impose additional conditions on your sentencing, such as community service, possible vehicle immobilization, or installing an ignition interlock device.
Multiple OWI/DUI offenders should expect to face harsher penalties. A second OWI/DUI conviction will mean required jail time of at least five days to one year. You will still be expected to pay a fine of between $200 and $1,000. Having more than one OWI/DUI conviction on your record will mean there is 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/DUI.
Dallo Law defends people accused of OWI/DUI in all aspects, including:
- First OWI/DUI
- Second OWI/DUI
- Third OWI/DUI
- OWPD
- OWVI
- Drugged Driving
- Zero Tolerance Laws
- Super Drunk Laws
- Implied Consent Laws
- High BAC OWI/DUI
- OWI/DUI Penalties for CDL Drivers
- OWI/DUI Tests
- Field Sobriety Tests
Are All Drug Crimes in Michigan Charged as Felonies?
Possessing, manufacturing, or selling controlled substances in the state of Michigan is illegal. However, not all drug offenses are charged the same. For example, possession of drug paraphernalia is typically charged as a misdemeanor punishable by time in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
However, depending on the type of drug and the amount possessed, you could be facing a felony. A felony drug conviction can not only result in you being sentenced to jail or prison time and steep fines but also brand you a convicted felon. Furthermore, if you have been charged with drug trafficking or moving drugs across state lines, you can be charged with a federal crime. Federal courts deal with crimes that generally impose stiffer sentences than state courts.
Any drug-related conviction in Michigan will also 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 defends include:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Distribution or Sale
- Drug Cultivation and Manufacture
- Prescription Drug Crimes
- Repeat Drug Offenders
- Reinstating Your License After a Drug Conviction
- Cocaine Possession
- Heroin Possession
- Possession of Methamphetamines
Our criminal defense attorney at Dallo Law has extensive experience defending those charged with drug crimes in state and federal courts. Do not risk your freedom and future by hiring a defense attorney who will not fight to win your case. Contact our Oakland County criminal defense lawyer today to schedule a consultation so we may determine what legal strategies suit your needs.
What Can Happen if I Am Charged With a Violent Crime in Michigan?
Michigan legislators have implemented stringent laws to punish violent offenders. Often, defendants, even first-time offenders, who have been charged with violent crimes will be denied bail and, if convicted, are subject to harsh sentences because of their actions.
Although most of the general public associate violent crimes as those related to domestic violence, they can also include child abuse, assault and battery, sexual assault, or other sex crimes.
For individuals who are granted bail, many individuals accused of violent crimes are also served with a Personal Protection Order (PPO) from the alleged victim. A personal protection order, or a restraining order, is a court order that restricts the offender’s movements and prohibits them from being anywhere near the alleged victim. Other legal actions taken against defendants accused of violent crimes include the loss of their right to own a firearm or losing child custody or visitation rights.
Dallo Law defends people accused of violent crimes, including:
- Assault and Battery
- Aggravated Assault
- Felonious Assault
- Kidnapping
- Human Trafficking
- Unlawful Imprisonment
- Stalking
- Manslaughter
- Murder
What are Other Criminal Charges That Your Law Firm Handles?
The crimes listed above are not the only charges Dallo Law defends people from. We also defend clients from other offenses, which include but are not limited to:
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Credit Card Abuse
- Possession of a Fake or Altered Card
- Check Forgery
- Identity Theft
- First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
- Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
- Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
- Fourth-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
- Prostitution and Solicitation
- Computer Crimes
- Expungements
- Illegal Possession of a Firearm
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Leaving the Scene
- Domestic Violence
- Domestic Assault
- Violation of PPO
- Larceny
- Robbery
- Retail Fraud
Regardless of what charges you may be facing; our defense attorney has in-depth experience handling misdemeanor and felony cases. Our years of practicing criminal law allow us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and we will fight to have your charges dropped or reduced.
What Makes Your Oakland County Law Firm Stand Out Over the Others?
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 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 will benefit you and not the prosecution. A favorable outcome may sometimes mean a well-crafted negotiation to a reduced charge. However, we may not receive a favorable offer from the prosecutor. In that case, we will use our resources to build a robust case to defend you against 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 on the MMA, collegiate, and golden gloves levels. He converts that passion for defending the physical self to defending his client’s rights in the courtroom. Like he would to an opponent in the ring, attorney Dallo never backs down before the judge or prosecution. Attorney Dallo aggressively defends his clients by commanding the courtroom’s attention through his years of experience and legal skills.
You can contact our attorney, J. Dallo, at our Oakland County law office to schedule your initial consultation. During the consultation, he will review your case and disclose all your legal options. Dallo Law 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.
Why Should I Choose Your Oakland County Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It is tempting to bury your head in the sand and pretend everything will work itself out at trial after you have had criminal charges filed against you. However, you will regret not having quality legal representation if you hear the judge utter the dreaded words “guilty.” Please do not take any chances regarding your freedom; instead, contact the aggressive and effective legal team at Dallo Law today to learn more about our legal services.
Attorney J. Dallo and his staff have years of experience that he can utilize to craft a robust defense for your case. If you hire Dallo Law, you can rest assured that we will create innovative legal strategies on your behalf.
Attorney Dallo ensures that no stone is left unturned when formulating a strong defense for his clients, and he can also do it for you. Call Dallo Law at 248-290-9962 to set up your first consultation.
Dallo Law accepts clients throughout the Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, and Oakland County areas, as well as surrounding counties, including Macomb County and Wayne County.
