If prosecutors charge you with a felony offense in Michigan, you could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. It’s essential that you understand the offense prosecutors are charging you with, the potential penalties, and the potential defenses available.
Crimes Charged as Felonies in Michigan
Various offenses can result in felony charges in Michigan, ranging from violent crimes like aggravated assault and murder to white-collar crimes like certain types of fraud. Some of the most common and severe felonies in Michigan include:
- Rape
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Armed robbery
- Arson
- Kidnapping
- Securities fraud
- Production of child pornography
- Aggravated assault
Even if prosecutors aren’t charging you with a felony as serious as the ones on the list above, a felony conviction can still significantly impact your life. It will result in a criminal record that could make it harder for you to seek higher education, land a job, or secure housing.
You should always take felony charges seriously and seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney will protect your rights and provide you with the best defense possible.
Felony Classifications and Penalties in Michigan
Michigan has nine felony classifications, ranging from M2 (murder in the second degree) and Class A at the top to Class H at the bottom. Most felony offenses in Michigan have specific penalties. However, in general, the penalties you could face if convicted of each are:
- M2 / Class A – Up to life in prison
- Class B – Up to 20 years in prison
- Class C – Up to 15 years in prison
- Class D – Up to ten years in prison
- Class E – Up to five years in prison
- Class F – Up to four years in prison
- Class G – Up to two years in prison
- Class H – A jail term or another intermediate sanction
Depending on the circumstances of the offense and your number of prior convictions, penalties may exceed these listed sentences. You may also have to pay restitution or a fine.
Defenses Against Felony Charges
In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce your charges or the penalties you could face. However, if a plea agreement isn’t available, or you’d rather fight the charges, defenses your attorney may use include:
- That you acted in self-defense if you’re facing charges for a violent felony such as aggravated assault, murder, or a gun offense
- That you have an alibi if you have proof that you weren’t at the scene of the crime or couldn’t have committed it
- That you are the victim of mistaken identity
- That the police used an unlawful search and seizure to collect evidence against you
- That you are the victim of entrapment and that you would not have committed the crime without law enforcement encouraging you to do so
Contact a Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing felony charges in Michigan, contact the Law Office of Jodi L. Hemingway, PLLC, for a consultation. During your initial consultation, Ms. Hemingway will review your case, explain the charges you’re facing, and work with you to determine what defenses are available.
