Tafelski

practice areas

Criminal Defense Lawyers: Detroit, Wayne County, Oakland County and throughout Michigan

• Misdemeanors & Felonies
  Felonies are serious crimes and can result in years of jail time, while misdemeanors are "lesser" crimes with sentences ranging from 90 days or up to one year in jail. Both can have lasting impact on your freedom, reputation and employment.
  
  
• Drunk Driving
  There are many different alcohol-related offenses in Michigan – (OWI), Operating While Intoxicated (Blood Alcohol Content above .08), driving with an unlawful bodily alcohol level/content (UBAL, UBAC), and (OWI) operating while impaired (lesser penalties than operating while intoxicated). "Combination" DUI cases involve alcohol and other drugs, often prescription or over-the-counter medications, and are becoming increasingly common.
  
  
• Domestic Violence
  Domestic violence usually involves people who have an intimate relationship, are married, couples who live or have lived together, and couples with a common child. Often the police are called by one or both angry parties. Sometimes they don't know who to believe so they simply arrest someone, usually the man.
  
  
• Drug Possession
  Federal and state drug possession laws make it a crime to willfully possess illegal controlled substances such as marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, "club drugs," and heroin. Drug crimes may include trafficking, possession, possession with intent to sell, and being under the influence of a controlled or illicit substance. The most frequent strength in cases against clients is the physical evidence, such as drugs seized in the arrest, or the results of tests conducted by law enforcement.
  
  
• Traffic Matters
  An estimated 34 million people nationwide receive driving citations each year, yet only 4% - 10% of all tickets are contested. These are surprising statistics in light of the fact that the majority of people who hire a traffic ticket attorney and fight their tickets either win their case, or are offered a deal to reduce fines and/or points. Many people receive traffic citations for legitimately violating the law, however there is a large percentage who receive tickets for other reasons. Faulty speed-measuring devices or aggressive law enforcement officers are just two of the reasons that the blameless are cited.
  
  
• License Restoration
  License restoration can take two forms. In the first case, a person who has lost their license can challenge the loss by filing an action in the circuit court. In the second situation (where most license restoration cases fall), a person appeals the revocation of their license by petitioning the Secretary of State drivers' license appeal division (DLAD) and by appearing before an administrative law judge to make their case for having their license restored.
  
  
• Criminal Sexual Conduct & Internet Crimes
  Under Michigan law, there are four degrees of criminal sexual conduct. These degrees are based on levels of force or intimidation. The first three degrees are felonies while the fourth degree is a high misdemeanor, although many in law enforcement still view it as a felony.
  
  
• Violations of Probation
  Probation, an alternative to imprisonment, is granted when the circumstances and severity of the crime indicate that imprisoning the person is not a suitable punishment. Because the person does not pose any threat to society, he or she is allowed to live in the general population.
  
  
• Expungement
  Is your criminal record holding you back? If so, you may want to ask the court to expunge your record. Expunging your record means that your prior conviction is set aside. If you successfully expunge your record, you are considered to not have been convicted for most purposes. As a result it may be easier for you to get a job, housing or credit.
  
  
• Assault With a Dangerous Weapon
  One of the most common crimes in the state of Michigan is assault with a dangerous weapon. Also known as felonious assault, the crime of assault with a dangerous weapon is a serious one and, therefore, is treated as a felony. The available defenses to a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon include mistaken identity, an inability to prove intent, self-defense, consent, and certain mitigating circumstances.
  
  
• Retail Fraud
  Retail Fraud is commonly referred to as shoplifting. It can occur where an accused person either physically removes the merchandise or alters or changes a price tag.  In addition, a retail fraud or embezzlement can occur where someone worked in concert with an employee to steal merchandise. Retail Fraud is a serious crime and can have long term repercussions for a person’s employment and eligibility for student loans. 

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