Michigan Defense Attorneys Preparing Clients for Court

For more than 20 years, the law office of Larin and Leonard has practiced exclusively in criminal defense. Our law firm's legal roots include defending clients accused of drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs. We are well-prepared to protect your constitutional rights.

The attorneys at our law firm have authored books and articles, and led seminars for other lawyers to understand the most effective defense strategies. We are well-prepared to help you. Contact us today to schedule a convenient consultation.

Protecting Clients Facing Serious Allegations

Our law firm's attorneys take pride in clearly explaining to clients their rights and the penalties they face if convicted. We have a no-nonsense, simple approach to make sure clients feel prepared for court. Our role is to vigorously defend your rights, while keeping you informed of legal processes, such as:

• Arrangement – An arraignment is the initial judicial proceeding in any criminal case. At an arraignment the defendant enters a plea of guilty, no contest, or not guilty. At this point the magistrate or judge will set a bond to assure your appearance at court for future proceedings. The court may require a cash bond to be posted or may order a “personal bond” which does not require any money to be posted for your release. The court may also place restrictions on your bond such as requiring substance abuse treatment. You are not permitted to leave the state without the court’s approval while you are on bond. In many courts an attorney can waive the arraignment and avoid the actual appearance of his or her client.
• Pre-trial – The next step in the court process is a pre-trial conference. The defendant and counsel must appear. At this juncture, the prosecutor and defense attorney meet to discuss the merits of the case. Cases are often resolved at pre-trial by plea bargaining. If not the pre-trial conference is generally adjourned to allow counsel time to file any motions which may be needed such as motion for suppression of evidence or dismissal. Unless the motion resolve the case, the case moves to trial.
• Trial – Cases are tried either before a jury or, if all parties agree, before the judge as the tryer of fact without a jury. The trial can end in a guilty verdict, conviction on a lesser offense, or an acquittal. If the defendant is acquitted the case is over and any bond is refunded. If the defendant is convicted he or she will generally be required to report to the probation department for a pre-sentence interview and sentence recommendation. Sentencing is usually set for a later date.

Sentencing – At the sentencing the court will allow the defendant and counsel to review the probation officer’s report and recommendations and offer any corrections or other observations as they think appropriate as to sentencing. The court will then impose its sentence.

Contact Us Today

Make sure to dress appropriately for appearance in court. We recommend wearing the nicest clothes you feel comfortable in — make sure you look comfortable so you present yourself in the best light possible.

We are dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights and protecting your future in court. Contact us today to meet with one of our experienced attorneys.