Crimes that involve violence are heavily punished in the state of Michigan. In many instances, violent crimes result in felony charges, and prosecutors are likely to seek the maximum penalties because the alleged victim may have been injured or killed—even when the injury or death was never the defendant’s intention. These penalties may include expensive fines, possible time in prison, and having a permanent felony record. All these sentencing conditions could have a major impact on your future employment and housing.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a violent crime, we urge you to get in contact with an experienced criminal defense attorney. A skilled Michigan violent crimes attorney can assess the facts of your case, collect pertinent evidence, and poke holes in the prosecution’s case by casting reasonable doubt. Don’t wait another moment to protect your rights and future. Gain legal representation today by calling J. Dallo of Dallo Law, P.C..
Violent Crime Defense Attorney in Oakland County, MI
When you are convicted of a violent crime in Michigan, the repercussions could haunt you for the rest of your life and cost you your job, family, and even your freedom. If you or someone you know has been charged with a violent crime, contact Dallo Law, P.C.. J. Dallo of Dallo Law, P.C. understands the gravity of the situation you are facing and will work tirelessly to develop a strong defense plan to fight your charge and protect your future.
At Dallo Law, P.C., you can trust J. Dallo and his legal team will be committed to representing you every step of the way from arrest to trial. You can set up your first free consultation with Dallo Law, P.C. by calling our office at (248) 283-7000. Dallo Law, P.C. accepts clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area including St. Clair Shores, Roseville, Sterling Heights, Eastpointe, New Baltimore, Utica, Fraser, Pontiac, Waterford Township, Rochester Hills, Wet Bloomfield Township, Madison Heights and Auburn Hills.
Information Center:
- Definition of Violent Crimes Under VAWA
- Common Violent Crime Charges in Michigan
- Possible Penalties for Violent Crimes in MI
- Additional Resources
Definition of Violent Crimes Under VAWA
Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 18 USC 2261 et seq., the definition of a crime of violence includes:
- Any offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another; or
- Any other offense that is a felony and that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense.
Common Violent Crime Charges in Michigan
- Assault and Battery – Assault and battery are two separate crimes; however, they are often charged together. The act of assault is when a person threatens another with harm while battery under Michigan law involves touching someone intentionally in a violent, forceful, or offensive manner. Assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the crime.
- Child Abuse – Under Michigan law, child abuse is a complicated offense that includes several different types of neglectful/harmful actions that could jeopardize or injure a child. Severe acts of child abuse may result in felony charges depending on the circumstances of the offense.
- Domestic Violence Crimes – Assaulting or committing battery on a family member, dating or romantic partner, household member, ex-spouse, or person you share a child with is considered domestic violence. In some cases, a domestic assault or battery charge can be enhanced to a felony if certain factors are proven to be true in court.
- Kidnapping – Knowingly restraining another person for ransom, to use as a hostage, engage in criminal sexual conduct, make them cross state lines, force them into servitude, or to engage in child sexual abuse is kidnapping under Michigan law. Kidnapping is an incredibly serious charge that could result in life in prison.
- Stalking – Following another person, messaging them repeatedly, threatening their family, and intentionally doing actions to harass, humiliate, threaten, or frighten a person can result in a stalking charge. Stalking is a misdemeanor offense and can result in serious criminal penalties including time in jail.
- Manslaughter – The state of Michigan does not specifically define the crime of manslaughter or murder. However, relevant statutes provide recommended sentences. The Michigan Penal Code Section 750.321 provides that killing another person in the heat of passion or by your reckless/negligent actions is a felony that can result in 15 years imprisonment and serious fines.
- Murder – The most serious criminal offense you can be charged with in the state of Michigan is murder. A conviction for murder in the first-degree will result in a life sentence without any possibility for parole.
Possible Penalties for Violent Crimes in Michigan
The consequences associated with violent crimes are exceedingly harsh as the state of Michigan is looking for retribution for the victims. These penalties could rob you of everything you’ve ever worked for including your career, professional license, family, and freedom. Listed below are some possible consequences of a violent crime conviction in the state of Michigan.
- You could be sentenced to up to life in prison, depending on the severity of the crime
- You may be required to pay expensive criminal fines out-of-pocket
- You will have a permanent felony record branding you as a violent offender
- You could have difficulty renting or finding employment because of your record
- You may lose your professional license if you have one
- If you’re not a U.S. citizen, then you could have your immigration visa or green card revoked, citizenship application denied, and you could even be deported
Additional Resources
Violent Crime Laws in Michigan – Visit the official website for the Michigan Legislature to read up on their Penal Code chapter for assaults. Access the site to learn the various penalties for these violent crimes, aggravating and mitigating factors, and other relevant information.
Violent Crime Data and Statistics in Michigan | MSP – Visit the official website for the Michigan State Police (MSP) to research their crime and data statistics collected from police precincts across the state. Access the site to read statistics and data related to murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, hate crimes, and other various violent crimes in the state of Michigan.
Oakland County Attorney for Violent Crimes in Michigan
Most violent crimes are serious felonies and facing the penalties for that charge can be an extremely stressful and frightening experience. You could be sentenced to years in prison, and in some cases life behind bars. For these reasons and more, it’s incredibly important you have an experienced violent crimes attorney to represent you in court.
Dallo of Dallo Law, P.C. has years of experience representing those charged with violent crimes. He will work aggressively to get you the best possible outcome in the circumstances of your case. Set up your first consultation with Dallo Law, P.C. by calling us at (248) 283-7000. Dallo Law, P.C. is based in Bloomfield Hills, but we accept clients throughout the greater Macomb County and Oakland County, Michigan area.