Criminal Law
We offer a variety of services. For more information, click the plus and minus signs below to open and close each section.
As a Former Prosecuting Attorney for two large municipalities, I know that it is crucial for someone charged with a crime to have an experienced attorney representing them from the very beginning of the case. I highly recommended that if you are charged with a crime, you immediately consult with an experienced criminal attorney. I have been successfully representing Defendants in criminal cases since entering private practice 25 years ago.
- Arraignment – The District Court Judge or Magistrate will advise you of your constitutional rights and will do a formal reading of the charge(s) against you and the possible maximum fine and jail time. Always plead “Not Guilty” at this stage, especially if you do not have an attorney representing you. Conditions and posting of bond will also be addressed. The court will then schedule a Pre-Trial.
- Pre-Trial – A conference is held with the Prosecutor to see if a settlement agreement to resolve the case can be achieved. There may be several Pre-Trials involved. Usually the parties will either resolve the case with a Plea Agreement or schedule the case for Trial. After a Plea Agreement, there will be a Sentencing hearing.
- Sentencing – If the case is resolved with a Plea Agreement, the Judge will outline the length, terms and conditions of probation. The Judge can impose fines and costs, classes, community service, court work programs, etc.
- Arraignment – The District Court Judge will advise you of your Constitutional Rights and will do a Formal reading of the charge(s) against you and the possible maximum fine and jail/prison time. Conditions and posting of Bond will also be addressed. The court will then schedule a Probable Cause Conference within 7 to 14 days.
- Probable Cause Conference – A probable cause or pre-exam conference is like a pretrial conference. This is where the parties will decide if they are going to hold a Preliminary Exam (the case will automatically proceed to the County Circuit Court if the Preliminary Exam is waived.) Often times the parties can agree to settle the case at the District Court with a misdemeanor plea and keep the Sentencing there.
- Preliminary Exam – This is a hearing held at the District Court where the Prosecutor must establish by witnesses and evidence that there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and probable cause exists to show Defendant committed a crime. The next proceeding is an Arraignment on the Information (AOI) which is held in Circuit Court 14 days after the Exam.
4.Arraignment on the Information – This is a hearing held at the Circuit Court where the case will remain until concluded. The AOI Judge will see if the parties can resolve the case or if a Trial Judge must be obtained.
5.Trial
The following are just some of the types of criminal matters for which we can provide legal counsel and representation:
Theft Offenses:
• Retail Fraud (Shoplifting)
Drug Crimes:
• Marijuana Possession or Marijuana Use
• Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine, heroin)
Drunk Driving and Alcohol Related Offenses:
• OWI
• OWI 2nd Offense
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP)
• Driver’s License Restoration and Appeals
• Implied Consent Hearings (breath test refusal)
Driving Offenses:
• Driving While License Suspended (DWLS)
• Reckless Driving
• Driving Without Insurance
• No Operator’s License
Other:
• Probation Violations
• Expungements
• Juvenile Crimes