Are You Facing Criminal Charges?

If you’re facing criminal charges in Michigan, you may be under police scrutiny, face searches, or even be asked to speak to detectives or other officials. Anything you say or do can be used against you in a criminal case. This is why it is so important to contact one of our experienced at Gordon & Hess, PLC. If you’re being charged with a crime, it is important to understand that you have the right to speak to a criminal defense lawyer. You also have the right to remain silent and seek qualified counsel. Under the law, you are innocent until proven guilty. At Gordon & Hess, PLC, our criminal defense lawyers will study your case and help build the strongest possible defense under the law. Contact us right way for help any of the following areas:

Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed a crime. We’ll evaluate the circumstances of your arrest, the evidence against you, and offer guidance on the best path forward. A criminal conviction can have an immense impact on your life. When your freedom and your reputation are on the line, you’ll want to choose an experienced criminal legal team who is willing to FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS! Call now to set up your free consultation with us at 616-369-7452.

Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Will Protect Your Rights

If you are arrested or facing potential criminal charges, you need a criminal defense attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial. An attorney can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your case by ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process. The very moment that you are arrested or contacted by the police for an interview, you need the help of a criminal defense law firm in Grand Rapids like Gordon & Hess, PLC.

When you are a suspect in an investigation, the police are not on your side. The police are investigating a crime and anything you say can and will be used against you. This is nothing personal. It is their job. You need to understand this fact and protect yourself by contacting our attorneys to defend your rights immediately. Individuals are not always aware that the police can lie while questioning you and may use different tactics to get you to admit to a crime you may not have committed. For instance, the police may use the Reid technique, a rather effective method that can result in confessions.

Police may isolate you, tell you that you are guilty even if the evidence doesn’t prove it, or offer a lesser charge in exchange for a confession. A criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights, make sure officers use proper tactics when interviewing you, and ensure that any plea deal is valid under the law. In other instances, officers may question you informally either at your home, your office or the scene of a crime. In all circumstances, you have the right to legal representation. Most times, before an arrest is made, the police want to interview all potential suspects. If you are a suspect and the police want to interview you, they may be “fishing for a confession.” The police are not required by law to be honest with you and they can appear very friendly to obtain the evidence they need to make the arrest and help the prosecutor get a conviction. Police officers are highly trained at questioning and interrogating people suspected of a crime and you are at a major disadvantage. Do not speak with the police without an experienced criminal defense team to help level the playing field and make sure you are protected.

For more detailed information on what to do if the police arrest or investigate you and for answers to common questions, refer to our frequently asked questions section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I was charged with a crime. Now what?

If the authorities charge you with a crime, the first steps you should take are to talk to and hire a lawyer. It is crucial that you do not speak to the police or prosecutors without a lawyer present to protect your rights and ensure proper representation.

Q: Will I lose my job?

It is possible. Whether you will lose your job depends on your employer and the specifics of your situation. Michigan is an at-will employment state, meaning that as long as the employer does not violate your rights, they may be able to terminate your employment if they find out about your criminal charges.

Q: Will I lose my CDL?

Some felonies will disqualify individuals from holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL). A current suspension, revocation, denial or cancellation of your driver’s license will disqualify you from obtaining a CDL. Additionally, a history of certain criminal convictions, especially those related to traffic violations, can impact your eligibility for a CDL. It is important to consult with an attorney to understand how your specific charges may affect your CDL status.

Q: How much jail time will I get?

The amount of jail time you may face depends on the specific charges and the sentencing guidelines a judge will follow. Our attorneys can provide more details on potential jail time based on the crime you have been charged with and the circumstances of your case.

Q: Can I hire a lawyer for my child?

Yes, you can hire a lawyer for your child. In such cases, the client will be the defendant (your child), but as parents, you can pay for the attorney fees to ensure your child receives knowledgeable, experienced legal representation.

What To Do If You Are Arrested Or Being Investigated

First and foremost, remain polite and avoid arguing with law enforcement officers. Negative behavior can escalate the situation and harm your case. Officers will document your behavior in police reports and may capture it on body cameras, which could serve as evidence in court. By staying calm and cooperative, you can avoid additional charges such as resisting arrest or obstruction of justice.

Every word you say and every action you take can influence the prosecutor’s decision-making and the judge’s perception of your case. Therefore, be aware of your conduct during these interactions.

Most importantly, do not talk to the police without an attorney present. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. Politely decline to answer any questions without your attorney by stating, “I am invoking my right to remain silent, and I would like to speak with my attorney.” This ensures that you do not inadvertently incriminate yourself.

Get An Experienced Defense Team On Your Side

At Gordon & Hess, PLC, you can trust our attorneys to do the following no matter what:

Inform you of all of your legal rights and options
Advocate aggressively and persuasively in Court
Protect your rights throughout the entire process
Allow you to choose between a plea bargain or jury trial

Our criminal defense team believes that fighting criminal charges is a lot more than just keeping you out of jail or prison. As a citizen, you are afforded rights to due process and against illegal search and seizure. You have a right against self-incrimination and to confront your accuser. Your freedom cannot be taken away unless you are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Our criminal defense attorneys are here to make sure that your rights are recognized by law enforcement, the prosecution and the court. Criminal convictions can significantly affect your life, your rights, and your reputation. We understand what is at stake and fight diligently to protect you. Contact Gordon & Hess, PLC, today to learn more about what options you may have under the law. We’ll review the facts and develop a plan to help you move forward while also protecting your freedoms.

We Serve All Of West Michigan. Call Us Now: 616-369-7452.

Our team has successfully defended clients throughout West Michigan. Our attorneys are knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorneys who will aggressively defend you in the criminal justice system. We will work to protect your constitutional rights and liberties from beginning to end. You may also schedule a consultation by emailing our attorneys in Grand Rapids.