Criminal Defense| gRAND rAPIDS Criminal defense lawyers

The Dunn Law Office PLC has been defending clients against allegations of all types of state and federal criminal offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies, for over 20 years. As a state and federal criminal lawyer in Grand Rapids, Michael Dunn has significant experience and skill defending clients in courtrooms in Grand Rapids and throughout Western Michigan.

State & Federal Criminal Defense

At the Dunn Law Office PLC, we provide diligent and aggressive defense for clients who have been accused of all types of state and federal crimes, including the following:

State Crimes

• Drug Crimes
• Assault & Domestic Violence
• Breaking & Entering
• Life Offense Felonies
• Arson
• Drivers' License Restorations
• Juvenile Delinquency

Federal Crimes

• Drug Crimes
• White Collar Crimes
• Computer & Internet Crimes
• Securities Crimes

If you are accused of a crime, you may face serious penalties such as mandatory rehabilitation, license suspension, probation, fines, and years - or even a lifetime - of imprisonment. These penalties depend on what crime the conviction is for, such as a misdemeanor, felony, or life offense, as well as the aggravating or mitigating circumstances of your case, such as whether you are a first time or repeat offender. For example, a first time domestic violence conviction under the Michigan Penal Code may result in imprisonment for up to 93 days and/or a fine of up to $500, whereas if the person has a previous domestic violence conviction, the penalty may be enhanced to up to one year of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

At the Dunn Law Office PLC, our Grand Rapids criminal lawyers have an in-depth understanding of both federal and state criminal laws and can help guide you through the process to help you minimize the penalties you may face. We conduct a detailed investigation into the facts of your case to see if your constitutional rights were violated at any time, such as during your detention, arrest, post-arrest interrogation, or during the trial itself. In addition, we fight diligently against overzealous prosecutors, and we know how to effectively argue your case, including the mitigating circumstances, in front of a judge and jury.

OWIs & Michigan's "Super Drunk" Law

Our firm has extensive experience handling drunk driving cases, including those falling under the new "Super Drunk" law. In general, to be charged with drunk driving, which is called operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan, and also known as driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI), a driver must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08. As of October 31, 2010, a new law, known as the "Super Drunk" law, also went into effect which applies to drivers with an increased BAC of 0.17 who are first time offenders. Drivers convicted under this law may be subject to enhanced misdemeanor penalties, including the following:

• Fines of between $200 to $700;
• Imprisonment from 93 to 180 days; and
• 1 year alcohol rehabilitation.

Drivers may also be subject to license suspension for one year, with restricted driving privileges allowed only after 45 days and only if an ignition interlock device is place on the driver's car at the driver's expense. Once an ignition interlock device is installed, a driver found operating or attempting to operate their vehicle with a BAC of 0.025 or more will face additional penalties.

To learn more about Michigan's "Super Drunk" law, please see attorney Michael Dunn's article from the Michigan Bar Journal entitled "Legislative History and Practice Resources for the New Super Drunk Law."

OWVIs and OWIDs

Along with representing clients charged with drunk driving, the Dunn Law Office PLC also defends drivers charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence of other drugs, or "drugged driving." An allegation of drugged driving may be labeled as operating while intoxicated (OWI), operating while visually impaired (OWVI), or operating while under the influence of drugs (OWID). Michigan law enforcement uses a very broad definition of "drug" when it comes to OWID charges, which includes over-the-counter drugs as well as controlled substances like marijuana and cocaine. Therefore, it is important to retain an attorney who can protect your rights.

Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you should seek the advice of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney immediately. An aggressive criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between years of imprisonment and a reduced sentence or even acquittal. For over 20 years, the Grand Rapids-based Dunn Law Office PLC has provided aggressive defense services to clients facing state and federal criminal allegations. For personalized service in your criminal matter, contact attorney Michael Dunn today for a free initial consultation. For emergency after-hours assistance, call us at (616) 446-0609.