Criminal Defense

Metro Detroit Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you or a family member has been arrested or charged with a crime, you may not know where to turn. You are understandably concerned about the future. The prospect of fines and jail time can be frightening and intimidating for both you and your family. You will need a compassionate, yet aggressive legal advocate who can clearly explain your rights, your options and the consequences of your decisions throughout the entire process of arraignment, negotiation, trial and appeal.

You may be trying to tell yourself that an attorney isn't necessary or that an attorney will cost too much money. It will cost you nothing to schedule your free consultation with a criminal defense attorney at Stearns & Coppins, PLLC. Whether you are under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for the sale of narcotics or you have been arrested for assault and battery, you can probably benefit from sound legal advice.

In any criminal case, our goal is always to obtain the best possible outcome. A strong defense may help you to:

• Have your charges dismissed or reduced
• Obtain acquittal at trial by a "not guilty" verdict
• Avoid or minimize exposure to jail
• Negotiate a favorable plea bargain agreement
• Obtain alternative sentencing such as drug or alcohol treatment programs
• Make probation as minimally intrusive as possible
• Protect future interests by preventing a permanent criminal record

Not every Michigan criminal defense attorney is an experienced trial lawyer, capable of negotiating AND litigating your case at all levels of the state courts. The criminal trial attorneys at Stearns & Coppins, PLLC are your first line of defense against overzealous law enforcement and prosecution. From offices in Warren and Mount Clemens, we defend clients in the Detroit metro area and across Michigan against a wide range of criminal charges, including:

Drunk driving (OWI/DUI) - If you are facing drunk driving charges of OWI (operating while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence), we will investigate all of the facts surrounding your arrest and traffic stop. We will challenge whether there was probable cause for the stop, whether field sobriety tests and blood or breath tests were properly administered and all evidence obtained by the police and prosecutor.

Assault and battery - If you are convicted of simple assault or aggravated assault, you could face jail time and fines. For felonious assault involving the use of a weapon or resisting and obstructing an arrest, the penalties are even more severe. We provide a vigorous defense against all types of assault and battery charges, including domestic assaults and domestic violence.

Weapons charges - If you are facing charges of felony gun possession, illegal discharge of a firearm, possession of a concealed weapon or other illegal weapon charges, we can help you identify options for your defense.

Drug crimes - If you have been charged with a drug crime, you face potentially tough penalties if you are convicted. We defend people in the Detroit metro area and throughout Michigan who have been arrested for drug possession, possession with intent to sell, drug manufacture, drug trafficking and other charges related to narcotics, controlled substances and illegal drugs.

Fraud and embezzlement - If you think you may be under investigation for fraud, embezzlement or another white collar crime, early intervention by a criminal defense lawyer may help to prevent charges from being filed against you. If you have been arrested or indicted for Medicare, Medicaid or health care fraud, credit card fraud, mortgage fraud or another financial crime, you can't afford to be without experienced defense representation.

Sex crimes - If you are facing charges of rape, sexual assault, child molestation, statutory rape or another sexual offense, you may feel that you are presumed guilty until proven innocent. If convicted of a sex crime, you could have to be on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry for the rest of your life, in addition to jail or prison time, fines and other sentencing. When the stakes are this high, hire a defense attorney you can trust to do the right thing.

Internet sex crimes - Computer sex crimes and Internet-related child pornography charges can involve complicated and technical evidence. If your computer has been seized or you have been charged with online solicitation of a minor or another computer sex crime, contact our defense firm to discuss your options.

Clearing your criminal record - If you qualify to have your conviction set aside, we can help you clear your criminal record through the process of expungement.

CONTACT US: FREE CONSULTATION 800-452-1761

You will have many questions after a Michigan criminal arrest, especially with regard to cost. Contact a metro Detroit criminal defense trial lawyer at Stearns & Coppins, PLLC today for a free consultation and a clear explanation of what will be involved with your defense, with no further obligation. Your initial phone call will be returned promptly, and we are available to meet with clients outside the office.