Criminal Defense Lawyer Grand Rapids, MI
A person who finds themselves in trouble may need the kind of help that a criminal defense lawyer Grand Rapids, MI can provide. Whether it’s your first time in trouble or you’ve been through it before, navigating through the criminal process can be a difficult and scary process.
When do you need a criminal defense lawyer?
Investigation
Maybe you’ve received a call or a visit from a police officer. Or maybe you are aware that you will be accused of something and you are concerned that charges may result. Whatever the situation, you should consider getting a criminal defense lawyer involved before you are formally charged.
A criminal defense lawyer can help during the pre-charging investigation stage. A lawyer can inform the police that you are represented by counsel and that you do not wish to make any statements without an attorney present. A lawyer may be able to get reports or information about what you are being investigated for. A lawyer can take steps to avoid charges against you or mitigate the potential charges. It is a good idea to hire an attorney if you are being investigated before you make any statements to the police.
Warrant
Perhaps you’ve learned there is a warrant out for your arrest and you don’t know what the next steps are. If there is a warrant out for your arrest, it is a good idea to have an attorney. Turning yourself in may just mean going in front of the magistrate or judge and then getting fingerprinted, or it may mean being booked in the jail.
An attorney can help you navigate the process. The attorney may be able to tell you what your bond is or provide a general idea of what a likely bond may be so you can be prepared to post it. The attorney will be able to inform you about what the next steps will be and ease the inevitable anxiousness about the criminal process.
Arrest
In some cases, you may have already been arrested. For instance, if the officer witnessed the event, or came to the scene shortly after the event and effectuated a warrantless arrest, or there was a warrant out for your arrest that you were unaware of or did not turn yourself in on. Regardless of what category you fit in, you will want an attorney to assist you.
At some point after your arrest you will have your first appearance in front of a judge. Sometimes this occurs very soon after arrest, and sometimes the court provides a date to come back for your first court date. Either way, to the extent that it is achievable, it is important to have an attorney at the initial appearance, called the arraignment. An attorney can argue for a bond and can guide you when you appear in front of the judge.
Prosecution
Obviously, having an attorney at every stage of the criminal prosecution is important. Depending on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you will have a variety of court appearances, including a pretrial, probable cause conference, preliminary examination, status conference, trial, sentencing, and more. Having an attorney throughout the process is helpful in achieving the best result.
Whether you’re being investigated, there is a warrant out for your arrest, you’ve been arrested, or you are currently facing prosecution, you will want a criminal defense lawyer on your side.
No matter what stage you are in the process, contact the criminal defense lawyer Grand Rapids, MI trusts and respects. Call Blanchard Law at 616-773-2945 to speak with an attorney about your case.