Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
A knock from detectives in Lansing, a late-night stop on I-496, or a call that someone you love has been arrested can quickly change the tone of a day. Suddenly, you are thinking about bond, work, family, and whether one conversation with the police made things worse.
A Michigan criminal defense lawyer can step in before the case starts, controlling what happens next. Coontz Law helps people understand the charge, protect their rights, test the evidence, and decide what comes next. If police want your statement or a court date is set, early legal advice can matter.
The Charge Tells Us Where to Start, Not Who You Are
The evidence in an OWI case looks very different from the evidence in a homicide investigation or an embezzlement allegation. Coontz Law handles serious misdemeanor and felony matters, including:
- Sex crimes—criminal sexual conduct, internet offenses, and related allegations;
- Homicide charges—murder, manslaughter, and cases involving intent, causation, self-defense, or degree;
- Assault crimes—misdemeanor and felony allegations, including cases involving self-defense or conflicting accounts;
- White-collar crimes—fraud, embezzlement, false pretenses, and other financial allegations involving records and intent;
- OWI/DUI—alcohol- or drug-related driving charges involving stops, chemical testing, field sobriety evidence, and license consequences;
- Drug charges—possession, delivery, trafficking, manufacturing, and related allegations involving searches, quantity, or alleged control; and
- Weapon charges—unlawful possession, carrying, or use allegations where the search, prior record, or claimed possession may matter.
The charge gives the case a label. A defense starts by getting underneath it and finding out what the prosecution can actually prove.
Important Decisions Happen Long Before a Michigan Criminal Trial
Michigan law distinguishes between felonies and misdemeanors, and that affects where a case goes.
Misdemeanor cases generally stay in district court. Felony cases usually start there and can move to circuit court after preliminary stages.
Not every case follows the same path, and many never reach trial. The usual path may include:
- Investigation and charging—police investigate, and a prosecutor decides whether to authorize charges;
- Arraignment and bond—the court states the charge, addresses rights, and sets release conditions when applicable;
- Felony probable cause proceedings—a probable cause conference comes first. If the preliminary examination is not waived, the prosecution must establish probable cause before the case can be bound over to circuit court;
- Pretrial litigation—lawyers review discovery, investigate, negotiate, and file motions when the facts and law support them; and
- Trial or another resolution—a case may end through dismissal, a negotiated plea, or trial. If there is a conviction, sentencing follows.
Michigan’s Constitution protects the right to counsel in criminal prosecutions. At arraignment, the court must advise a defendant of the right to a lawyer’s assistance at all court proceedings and of the right to appointed counsel when the defendant wants a lawyer but is financially unable to retain one.
That right matters because decisions about statements, bond, discovery, preliminary examinations, motions, and plea offers can affect the case well before anyone talks seriously about trial.
The Defense Starts Where the Police Report Stops
A police report is the government’s first version of the case. It is not the final word.
A Michigan criminal defense attorney can compare that version with body-camera footage, 911 calls, witness accounts, search-warrant materials, lab results, phone data, financial records, and other relevant evidence.
The defense may also examine whether police conducted a lawful search, whether a statement can be used, whether identification evidence is reliable, or whether the prosecution can prove intent.
That work can shape bond arguments, motions, plea negotiations, charging discussions, and whether the prosecution has a case worth taking to trial.
Coontz Law Builds Your Case Around the Whole Story
Coontz Law does not assume the police report tells us who you are or exactly what happened. We start by listening. Then we give you an honest assessment of what matters, what can be challenged, and what probably cannot. You deserve a defense strategy built around the actual case, not false confidence or fear.
Our work can include preserving evidence, reviewing discovery, preparing for bond or evidentiary hearings, identifying motions worth filing, negotiating with the evidence rather than fear, and preparing for trial when that is where the case needs to go.
We also keep the practical side practical. Coontz Law uses technology to reduce unnecessary paperwork, communicates regularly, limits its caseload so cases get focused attention, and uses a clear, no-surprise fee structure. Our office is in Lansing, and we represent people facing criminal charges across Michigan.
Your worst moment, or the worst thing someone has alleged about you, should not be the only thing anyone sees or hears. The defense should account for the law, the evidence, and you, the person who has to live with the result.
Before Your Next Court Date, Protect What You Still Control
You cannot control what has already been written in a police report. You can control what happens next.
While the case is pending, a few practical steps can prevent avoidable problems:
- Do not try to explain the case to the police on your own. You should decline to discuss the facts and ask for counsel.
- Preserve evidence. Keep texts, photos, videos, receipts, location information, and court papers. Do not delete or alter material.
- Follow every bond and court order. A missed appearance or violation can create another problem on top of the existing case.
Then get the case in front of a lawyer who can separate what feels urgent from what actually requires action.
Know What You Are Facing Before You Decide What Comes Next
A criminal charge can force decisions quickly. Coontz Law helps you understand the evidence, the legal exposure, and the realistic options before you make a decision that is difficult to undo.
If you are facing a criminal charge or believe one may be coming, contact Coontz Law to schedule a consultation. Come with what you have. We can help identify what is missing and what deserves attention first.
At Coontz Law, we proudly serve clients in the following areas within Michigan County:
Overcome With Coontz Law.
Michigan Criminal Defense FAQs
Can Coontz Law Help Before Criminal Charges Are Filed?
Yes. If a detective wants to interview you, police are executing warrants, or you believe you are under investigation, counsel may be able to communicate with law enforcement, preserve evidence, and advise you before a charging decision is made. No Michigan criminal defense lawyer can promise that charges will not be filed.
What If the Prosecutor Has Already Offered Me a Plea?
You can still have a lawyer review the evidence, the charge, sentencing exposure, and consequences before deciding whether to accept an offer. Once you enter a plea, withdrawing it can become much harder.
What Should I Bring to a Criminal Defense Consultation?
Bring any citation, warrant, bond paperwork, charging document, court notice, police contact information, and relevant messages or media you already have. If you do not have everything, start with what is available and do not delete anything that may relate to the case.
Legal References Used to Inform This Page:
To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal and other resources during the content development process:
- MCL § 761.1, Definitions
- Ingham County Public Defender, Steps in a MI Felony Criminal Case
- Michigan Court Rules, MCR 6.005, Right to Assistance of Lawyer
- Michigan Constitution, Article I § 20, Rights of Accused in Criminal Prosecutions
- Ingham County Public Defender, Steps in a MI Misdemeanor Criminal Case