If someone you know was arrested for a misdemeanor crime in Lansing, MI and you are looking to become more informed on what will happen following their arrest, read on below as we are providing you with some useful information pertaining to this topic.

After a person is arrested for a misdemeanor crime, there are a number of things you can expect to happen. To be clear, a misdemeanor case is initiated when a police officer issues a Uniform Law Citation to an individual they believe has violated a state law or local ordinance and the penalty for the violation includes a jail sentence of 93 days or less [Source: Michigan Courts]. Once an individual is arrested for allegedly committing a crime as they are considered innocent until proven guilty, they are now referred to as the defendant in the case.

Some common misdemeanor crimes the state of Michigan prosecutes against include:

• Assault and battery
• Vandalism
• Shoplifting
• Trespassing
• Prostitution
• Disorderly conduct
• Reckless driving
• First or second drunk driving offenses

If your friend or relative was charged with any of the crimes listed above, they are encouraged to hire a Lansing, MI criminal defense attorney to ensure their case is handled fairly. In the event they aren’t able to retain a lawyer as they are still in police custody, someone close to them is urged to contact a lawyer on their behalf as it is never recommended that a defendant go without legal representation from an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer.

What happens after the arrest?

After an individual is arrested on a misdemeanor charge in Michigan, you can expect the following to occur:

1. They will be taken to the district court where an arraignment will be held. Arraignments are an initial hearing before a magistrate judge and are usually held the same day or the day after a defendant is arrested and charged. During this initial hearing, the individual will learn “more about his rights and the charges against him” and arrangements will be made so that he/she is able to retain a lawyer. As mentioned, friends or family are encouraged to seek legal counsel from a reputable lawyer when a person is detained as they are limited in who they can contact. The arraignment is also the time when the judge hearing the case will decide if he/she should be released on bond as well as when the defendant will have the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or remain silent until a lawyer is present.

2. If the judge grants the individual permission to be released on bond, he/she will set the bail amount. Sometimes, a defendant will have to pay the entire bail amount before they can be released, however, many judges will often allow an individual to be released if they pay a percentage of their bail amount.

3. When the trial date approaches, the case will be presented before a judge and sometimes a jury. During the trial, a determination will be made as to whether the individual is guilty or not guilty. Now, the defendant must be represented by a MI criminal defense lawyer before this date approaches so they have ample time to gather evidence that proves the defendant is innocent or should be charged with a crime of a lesser degree.

Connect with a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lansing, MI Now

When a person is charged with a criminal offense, they need someone who is going to dedicate the time their case requires and will be there for them each step of the way serving as the support system they need. At the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C, we provide this and more and encourage your friend or relative to contact us today to find out how we can help them fight their charges and defend their rights. Not only does our firm provide legal aid to those who have been charged in Lansing, but also East Lansing, Okemos, DeWitt, St. Johns, Grand Ledge, and Charlotte as well.

Contact us today at 517-487-6603 to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how we defend those facing criminal charges of all degrees.

You can reach the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. at:

1223 Turner Street, #333

Lansing, MI 48906

517-487-6603

Website: www.stushafer.com