Kalamazoo Criminal Defense Lawyers

Skilled Defense Against A Wide Range Of Criminal Charges

Our Kalamazoo criminal defense lawyers vigorously defend people accused of a wide range of criminal charges, including felony and misdemeanor cases. We are prepared to defend your rights if you were arrested for:

Drunk Driving: We provide strong, knowledgeable defense against all types of intoxicated driving charges, including operating while intoxicated (OWI), operating under the influence of drugs (OUID), and related charges.

Traffic Violations: We fight traffic violation charges and work hard to restore the driver’s licenses of our clients.

Drug Crimes: We tenaciously defend people charged with possession, trafficking, and related charges. You can count on our firm to assist with crimes involving marijuana, medical marijuana, methamphetamines, prescription drugs, and other controlled substances.

Violent Crimes: It is important to defend against violent crime charges aggressively. We provide a strategic defense against violent crime charges ranging from murder and manslaughter to domestic violence and assault.

Sex Crimes: Criminal charges involving sex crimes, including criminal sexual conduct, can have lasting impact on a person’s life. Whether you have been charged with sexual assault, possession of child pornography, or another sex crime, we can defend you.

Theft Crimes: Our defense focuses on results in these cases, whether we are assisting with charges for petit theft, armed robbery, burglary, or other theft offenses.

Weapons Offenses: We create a solid defense against weapons charges, including carrying a concealed weapon, armed robbery, and other weapons charges. We also seek the restoration of our clients’ weapons rights.

White Collar Crimes: Charges involving fraud, embezzlement, and other white collar crimes have serious consequences. We will aggressively defend you.

Juvenile Crimes: Do not let a mistake ruin your child’s future. We help young people fight juvenile crime charges and avoid lasting consequences.

Polygraphs: Because David Moore was a District Attorney, he knows how the state can use polygraph results against you. Our team will advocate on your behalf during a lie detector test.

Search Warrants: As a former prosecutor, Mr. Moore understands the rules regarding search warrants and how to challenge evidence found during search warrants.

Probation Violations: We protect clients accused of violating the terms of probation, helping you avoid harsh penalties.

Criminal Appeals: A criminal conviction might not be the final word. Depending on the details of the trial, an appeal might reverse a conviction. We handle all types of criminal appeals.

Call A Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

When you retain a skilled criminal defense law firm, you benefit from the legal skills, intelligence, and experience that increase the chances for the most favorable result. David G. Moore, Attorney at Law, is dedicated to serving the legal needs of those arrested for a wide array of criminal charges in Kalamazoo.

If you need a criminal defense or DUI attorney to fight the charges against you, please contact our office. You can speak to a member of our team to schedule a free initial consultation.

Understanding the Criminal Defense Process in Kalamazoo

When facing criminal charges, reviewing the legal process can alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty. In Kalamazoo, criminal proceedings typically unfold in several stages, and state and federal courts each carry strict procedures and potential outcomes.

Arrest and Investigation

It all begins with an arrest or investigation by law enforcement. If you are arrested, it’s crucial to remember your rights and refrain from making any statements without the presence of an attorney. During the investigation phase, police gather evidence and conduct interviews to build their case.

Arraignment and Charges

Following the arrest, you will be brought before a judge for arraignment, where you will be formally charged with the alleged offense(s). It’s at this stage that you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest to criminal charges. Your attorney can advise you on the best course of action based on the circumstances of your case.

Pretrial Proceedings

Pretrial proceedings involve various legal motions, hearings, and negotiations between the prosecution and defense. Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the legality of the arrest. Plea negotiations may also take place during this stage, with the goal of resolving the case without going to trial.

Trial Preparation

If the case proceeds to trial, extensive preparation is necessary. Your attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a strategic defense strategy tailored to your case. This may involve hiring expert witnesses, conducting thorough investigations, and crafting compelling arguments to present to the jury.

Trial and Verdict

During the trial, both sides present their case before a judge and jury. The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while your defense attorney works to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case. After deliberation, the jury delivers a verdict of guilty or not guilty. If found guilty, sentencing proceedings follow.

Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief

In some cases, a conviction may be appealed based on errors or misconduct that occurred by trial lawyers during the trial. Appeals can be complex and time-consuming, requiring skilled legal representation. Additionally, post-conviction relief options such as expungement or sentence modification may be available.

By understanding each stage of the criminal defense process, you can better navigate the complexities of your case and make informed decisions about your legal strategy.

Protecting Your Rights During Police Interrogation

Police interrogation is a critical stage of the criminal investigation process, and it’s essential to understand your rights and how to protect them.

Right to Remain Silent

The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants individuals the right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination. If you’re being questioned by law enforcement, you have the legal right to decline to answer any questions without the presence of an attorney.

Right to Legal Representation

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal representation during police interrogation. If you’re arrested or taken into custody in Kalamazoo, MI, you have the right to request an attorney, and law enforcement must cease questioning until your lawyer is present.

Exercising Your Rights

If you’re subjected to police interrogation, it’s crucial to assert your rights firmly and clearly. You can simply state, “I am invoking my right to remain silent and request an attorney.” Refrain from providing any information or making statements until you’ve consulted with your legal counsel.

Importance of Legal Counsel

Having an attorney present during police interrogation is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring that you don’t inadvertently say or do anything that could harm your case. Your attorney can advise you on how to respond to questioning and intervene if law enforcement attempts to violate your rights.

By knowing and asserting your rights during police interrogation, you can safeguard your interests and avoid potential pitfalls in the criminal justice system.

Understanding Plea Bargaining in Kalamazoo Criminal Cases

Plea bargaining is a common practice in the criminal justice system, including in Kalamazoo. It involves negotiations between the prosecution and the defense to reach a mutually acceptable resolution to a criminal case without going to trial. Here’s what you need to know about plea bargaining:

How Plea Bargaining Works: In a plea bargain, the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to one or more charges in exchange for certain concessions from the prosecution. These concessions may include reducing the severity of the charges, dropping some charges altogether, recommending a lighter sentence, or allowing the defendant to plead to a lesser offense.

Benefits of Plea Bargaining: Plea bargaining can have several benefits for both the defendant and the prosecution. For the defendant, it may result in a more lenient outcome than what might be obtained at trial, such as reduced charges or a lighter jail sentence. For the prosecution, plea bargaining saves time and resources by avoiding the need for a lengthy trial and ensuring a guaranteed conviction.

Risks of Plea Bargaining: While plea bargaining can offer benefits, it’s important to weigh the risks as well. By pleading guilty or no contest, the defendant waives their right to a trial and admits to the charges. Doing so can have long-term consequences, such as a criminal record and restrictions on certain rights. Additionally, the terms of the plea bargain must be carefully negotiated to ensure they are fair and favorable to the defendant.

The Role of Your Defense Attorney: Your Kalamazoo criminal defense lawyer plays a crucial role in plea bargaining negotiations. They will assess the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case, advise you on the potential risks and benefits of accepting a plea deal, and advocate for terms that are in your best interests. Experience and negotiation skills can make a significant difference in the outcome of plea bargaining discussions, so trust a criminal lawyer to assist.

By realizing how plea bargaining works and the potential implications for your case, you can make informed decisions about whether to pursue a plea deal in your Kalamazoo criminal case.