When Should You Contact a Washtenaw County Criminal Defense Attorney?

Aerial view of Chelsea, a city in Washtenaw County, Michigan, on a clear, sunny day in Fall.

Being charged with a crime can be a scary and intimidating experience. If this is your first time dealing with the criminal legal system, you likely have questions and may not know where to turn for answers. If you have prior criminal charges on your record, the consequences of a conviction could be even more severe.

Many people mistakenly believe they do not need to hire a criminal defense attorney if they are innocent. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Even if you believe you are Not Guilty, a good criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate your situation and the charges against you, answer your questions, identify your best defenses, and help you navigate the criminal legal system. In many cases, a criminal defense attorney can get the charges against you reduced or even have your case dismissed.

Robert Elmen is an experienced and highly sought-after criminal defense attorney who proudly defends people facing criminal charges in Washtenaw County, Michigan. He will work diligently to protect your rights and insulate you from the most severe penalties. To put his expertise to work for you, contact Elmen Legal today to schedule a free and confidential appointment to discuss your situation and how he can help.

Contact a Washtenaw County Criminal Attorney for Defense Against Felony or Misdemeanor Charges

In Washtenaw County, Michigan, and across the country, crimes are broken down into felonies and misdemeanors. Felony crimes are punishable by more than one year in prison, while the punishment for a misdemeanor crime is less than a year in jail.

Many factors influence the full nature and extent of the penalties you face, including the type of offense you are charged with committing, whether you have a prior criminal record, whether anyone was injured or killed as a result of the alleged offense, the value of any goods or property that was damaged or stolen, and the intent behind the alleged crime.

Regardless of the specific charges you face, a criminal conviction can have long-term and far-reaching effects. A criminal conviction can affect your eligibility for certain jobs and your ability to find or maintain employment in general, where you can live, whether you qualify for a loan, and even your decision to pursue higher education.

If you were charged with a crime in Washtenaw County Circuit Court, an experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate your circumstances, identify potential defenses, and work to have the charges reduced or the case dismissed.

When Should I Hire a Washtenaw County Criminal Defense Attorney?

You should hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as you believe you are under investigation or as soon as possible after you have been charged with a crime. A Washtenaw County criminal defense attorney can help you understand the legal process and protect your legal rights. Getting an attorney involved as soon as possible can influence the direction of the investigation and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome in your case.

You should have an attorney with you while you are being questioned by law enforcement officers. If you have been placed under arrest, politely but firmly tell the police that you are asserting your right to remain silent and that you wish to speak to a lawyer.

After you have been charged with a crime, an attorney can represent you at every stage of the legal process, including the arraignment, any pre-trial conferences, and at trial, if necessary.

Why Choose a Washtenaw County, MI, Criminal Defense Attorney

When you hire a Washtenaw County criminal defense attorney, you are hiring an expert whose job is to represent your best interests and defend you against the criminal charges you face. Every court has unique qualities and features that vary from county to county. If you are facing criminal charges in Washtenaw County Circuit Court, you want an attorney who understands the nuances of the local court and is likely to know many of the people who will be working on your case. Elmen Legal is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan,and Attorney Elmen appears in Washtenaw County courthouses every week.

Contact Elmen Legal for Aggressive Defense Against Criminal Charges in Washtenaw County, Michigan

Robert Elmen has extensive experience defending people facing criminal charges in Washtenaw County, Michigan. He knows local laws and customs and the preferences of Washtenaw County judges. He can help you evaluate the charges you are facing, explain the potential penalties if you are convicted, and mount a vigorous defense designed to win at trial, lead to a significant reduction in the charges or penalties you face, or result in the dismissal of your case. He will carefully investigate the charges against you, identify and raise viable defenses, and work to obtain optimal results in your case.

To learn more and schedule a free, confidential, and no-obligation appointment to discuss your case, call (734) 707-8915 or contact Elmen Legal today.