Assaults and theft charges are among the most common criminal charges in the state of Michigan. Matthew L. Norwood has experience defending clients from these charges and more.
Assault
In Michigan, simple assault, domestic assault and aggravated assault are examples of misdemeanor cases, and are handled by the district court. More serious assaults are felonies. These charges include felonious assault (assault with a deadly weapon), assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder (assault GBH) and assault with intent to commit murder.
Being convicted of an assault charge can have far reaching effects on your daily life. If convicted, you can face jail and prison sentences from 93 days for a simple assault misdemeanor to life in prison for assault with intent to commit murder. Many penalties for assault do not end with jail time. Judges routinely give heavy fines, costs and probation for charges of assault. A felony conviction for assault often results in the inability to be bonded, which can immediately disqualify you from some jobs.
Michigan law separates minor misdemeanor assault charges, like simple assault, domestic assault, and aggravated assault from felony assaults that are more dangerous like felonious assault, assault to commit great bodily harm less than murder, and assault with intent to commit murder. The charge you face will determine how much jail or prison time you face if convicted, with simple assault resulting in 93 days, to deadly felonious assaults up to life in prison. Any assault involving the use of a firearm is potentially more serious. The prosecutor can add the charge of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (Felony Firearm), which will add a mandatory two years in prison to any sentence.
However, all assault charges carry serious consequences for the person convicted, including fines, probation, publication in local newspapers, and the inability to be bonded.
Theft
Property and theft crimes in Michigan can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the dollar amount involved. It is the duty of the prosecution to prove that property or money was taken with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of property. A conviction can carry heavy fines as well as incarceration.
Matthew L. Norwood is an experienced criminal defense attorney. He will examine your case and build an aggressive defense that best meets your needs and will guide you through the legal process toward the best possible outcome. Some of the most common crimes Attorney Norwood defends clients from are sex crimes, assault crimes, and theft charges. Information on these charges is below.
Theft charges can be considered misdemeanors or felonies, usually determined by the dollar amount involved. Misdemeanor theft charges can involve heavy fines, and jail time up to a year. Felony theft charges have even steeper fines and prison time up to five years.
Learn more about the practice areas of Attorney Matthew L. Norwood.