Legal Resources & Guides
Practical information about Michigan criminal law, written in plain language. Knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting them.
What to Do Immediately After a Michigan Arrest
The first hours after an arrest are the most critical window in your defense. What you say to police, whether you consent to searches, and when you contact an attorney can determine the outcome of your entire case. This guide walks through each step, from the moment of arrest through arraignment, in plain language.
- Invoke your right to silence immediately and completely
- Do not consent to any search, even if you have nothing to hide
- Request an attorney before answering any question
- Write down everything you remember as soon as you can
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If you or a loved one is in custody or facing charges, the priority is getting an attorney involved immediately. Don't wait.
(734) 887-6200Michigan Criminal Defense: Know the Law
Guides written by experienced defense counsel. Not a substitute for legal advice, each situation is unique. Call us for a confidential case review.
Michigan OWI Penalties: A Complete 2026 Guide
First offense, second offense, Super Drunk, and felony OWI. Licence suspensions, jail terms, fines, and ignition interlock requirements broken down by charge level.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Drug Charges in Michigan
Whether a drug charge is a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the substance, the quantity, and the alleged conduct. Understanding the threshold can determine your defense strategy and your sentencing exposure.
Michigan's Clean Slate Act: Who Qualifies for Expungement?
The 2021 Clean Slate Act expanded expungement eligibility dramatically, including first-offense OWI convictions. Waiting periods, excluded offenses, and the petition process explained.
Understanding Your Miranda Rights in Michigan
Police must advise you of Miranda rights before a custodial interrogation, but there are significant exceptions. Learn what "you have the right to remain silent" actually means in practice and when it applies.
Domestic Violence Charges in Michigan: What Happens Next
A domestic violence arrest in Michigan triggers immediate consequences including no-contact orders and potential loss of firearms rights, even before conviction. Here is what to expect from arrest through trial.
Michigan Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges: Degrees and Defenses
CSC charges in Michigan range from misdemeanor to first-degree felony carrying potential life sentences. The difference between degrees, what the prosecution must prove, and how defenses are built.
These Guides Are a Starting Point, Not a Substitute
Criminal law is highly fact-specific. The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Two people charged with the same offense can face radically different outcomes based on the details of their arrest, their prior record, the jurisdiction, and the evidence available. The only way to understand your specific situation is to speak with an attorney who will actually read your police report and listen to your account of events.
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