CRIMINAL LAW

If you are charged with a criminal offense or are under investigation for a criminal act, please do not take any action until you have spoken with a lawyer. We can help make informed decisions and protect your rights.


After we have fully investigated your case and researched and background information, we will help you prepare a defense that may minimize your charges and penalties. We offer help with the following criminal charges:


  License Restoration


Our law office handles drunken driving cases on a personal level. There are always many questions when faced with this charge. We pledge that as your legal representation, you can always expect to be heard. This is why we answer calls from clients, and call clients back. Although this does not sound important, having someone there to answer your questions when you have them can lift your worries.


We always handle cases in the utmost professional, competent and respectful manner. Your case is always researched, studied, and researched again to ensure that all angles are being looked at, and that you will receive a fair trial. We will also be upfront with you. We will never lure you in with promises of "getting you off the hook," when those expectations are not true. You will receive an honest evaluation of your case.



  Drug Crimes


Drug related crimes are a very serious matter that can have very strong charges; the “war on drugs” occurs here just as it does everywhere else across the nation. This is why it is important that you speak with an experienced professional right away.


At Robert J. Dunn, PC, we know that each case is different which is why we make it a point to investigate each case in order to make sure none of your rights were violated and to come up with the best defense possible. We will help educate you about the different approaches you can take and if it is best to go to trial or not. Our attorneys have an extensive background in dealing with drug related charges and will make sure to provide you with specialized assistance.



  DUI/ DWI


We understand that most people charged with a DUI or DWI are not criminals; instead, they have just made a serious mistake in judgment. However, these mistakes can still carry great consequences: fines, jail time, probation, and driver’s license suspension. If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI, our attorneys can help.


We provide excellent services for inspection of the case in order to prepare the best possible defense for you. For example, we investigate whether the breath test was contaminated or whether there was another factor that may have given artificially high results. We also look to see whether a stop should have occurred in the first place; in many cases, police pull over drivers who have not committed any driving infraction when the police are simply going on “fishing expeditions” to look for drunk drivers.


  Minor in Possession


The minor in possession laws govern the consumption of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age. However, most MIPs given out are done so in violation of the person’s rights—most commonly, the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. You should know your rights so you may protect yourself against an unreasonable search. For example, did you know that a police officer cannot force you to take a preliminary breath test? In reality, the punishment for refusal of the breath test is a Civil Infraction (just like a speeding ticket) of $100. You can be arrested just for refusing one.


There are many issues that usually go along with an MIP charge. It is important to speak to a lawyer right away when you are facing this charge as it has many negative consequences—even if the prosecutor gives you a “deal.” Crimes charged to juveniles are dealt with very differently than those to adults. One main difference is that in a juvenile court, there is not a jury; the juvenile court judge makes the decision for charges.


While it can be very stressful to have your child charged with a MIP, we can help you with the legal side of it by investigating evidence and discussing options of probation or diversionary programs. We will look at all possible outcomes; we are ready to fight for your child.


  DUI / DWI Defense


Being arrested for Drunk Driving can be an embarrassing and costly situation. However, you have rights that you need to protect. This is why having a knowledgeable attorney is important. There are many things to consider when facing a drunken driving charge. There are many different charges in Michigan that are all related to Drunk Driving, and they can have a serious impact on your license.


In order to successfully represent our clients, we look at every possible angle on a drunken driving case. For example, we investigate to determine whether the breath test was contaminated, or whether there was another factor that may have given artificially high results. We also look to see whether a stop should have occurred in the first place. In many cases, police pull over drivers who have not committed any driving infraction, but are simply going on "fishing expeditions" looking for drunk drivers.


  Expungements


Having a criminal record, whether it is a long list of convictions, or for many citizens, one past mistake can haunt for a lifetime. It can prevent someone from getting a job or housing. This is why an Expungement is an important aspect of our Justice System. Because this process can be a daunting task, especially if you believe your application will be challenged, it may be best to hire an attorney. Usually, it costs just a few hundred to have your conviction set aside.


Expungement laws vary from state to state; the Michigan Statues that deal with Expungements are MCL 780.621, MCL 780.622 (7), MCL 780.772a, MCL780.827a, and MCL 257.732(20). In Michigan, a person may apply for an Expungement for any crime except 1) a conviction of a felony or an attempted felony punishable by life imprisonment; 2) a violation or attempted violation of criminal sexual conduct under MCL 750.520c, MCL 750.520d, or MCL 750.520g; and 3) a traffic offense.


For more information about if you qualify for an Expungement and to find out how we can help with your application process, please contact us at Robert J. Dunn, PC at 989.894.9100.


  Domestic Violence


Domestic violence charges involve any family members, spouses, or people living in the same house. One thing most people don’t know is that a person can be removed and accused of domestic violence without there ever being any physical violence: all it requires is that someone is fearful of being harmed or someone makes an official accusation. Whether convicted or not, it is a serious matter. Charges can include fines, jail time, restraining orders, or limited contact of family members or children. Domestic violence cases require a court case.


Our attorneys treat each case as the unique case it is; we fully research and investigate the case to make sure that you get the best defense possible. We will be with you every step of the way, from the conviction to the court room, to provide legal advice and assistance. Additionally, Brian H. Jean has experience in the Detroit courts, prosecuting many assaultive crimes. This gives him an edge over many other attorneys in the area to know what the prosecution is likely planning and how to defend against it successfully.


  Breaking & Entering


Breaking and entering is a charge that can face many years in prison. You need an experienced and aggressive attorney on your side to fight for your rights and defense. You can be charged with breaking and entering simply for entering a building with an intent to commit  a crime—residential or commercial.


The first part, breaking, occurs when you “break” the entry—which can be breaking a window, smashing down a door, or simply opening a door that has been left unlocked. Then, entry comes whenever you put any part of your body inside the building—even if it is just your finger and only for a minute. Because this is such a tricky case—relying mostly on witnesses and fingerprints (which may not prove anything if it is a place you are frequently at)—it is essential to have an attorney to help explore all evidence and intent to make the best possible defense for you.


  Firearms


Firearm charges involve very harsh penalties. You can receive a charge even if you posses the weapon legally. The most common charges are carrying a concealed weapon, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal discharge.


However, each case is unique, and we treat each one as such. If you have been involved in firearm offense, please contact a lawyer immediately and do not talk to the police without one there to represent you. Please contact us right away so that we can help minimize or rid your charges.


  Murder


If you have been arrested for murder or are being investigated as part of a murder case, you should immediately contact an attorney and refuse to be interviewed by a police officer.


At Robert J. Dunn, PC, we have experienced attorneys that know how to investigate and build a strong defense. As the crime with the highest charges and most serious consequences, this crime must be dealt with attorneys that fully investigate the case and prepare the best defense—something we are sure to provide.


  Assualt & Battery


While they are two different acts, crimes associated with assault or battery are charged as “assault and battery” in the state of Michigan. Assault involves an attempt ability to commit a violent injury to a person, and battery is the actual act of touching the person in a violent way. So battery requires contact while assault only requires intent.


The most common charges for this crime are simple assault, aggravated assault, felonious assault, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, and assault with intent to commit murder. The most common defense is claiming self-defense; therefore, it is important for you to have an attorney on your side that can make a strong argument for such. At Robert J. Dunn, PC, our combined experience will be able to assess the situation to come up with defense for your particular case.


  Grand Theft Auto


Grand Theft Auto involves stealing an automobile that is worth $400 or more. Because it is “grand theft” and not “petty theft,” it involves a lot of serious consequences as a felony offense: time in state prison, fines, restitution, and more.


It is essential to have an attorney on your side that can fully investigate the case down to the fine details. At Robert J. Dunn, PC, we will work with your individual case with attention to every aspect of the case—how evidence was collected and analyzed, whether there was a valid search warrant, and if there were any violations of your rights—to ensure the best possible defense for you.


  Criminal Sexual Conduct


Because sex crime offenses are amongst the most serious crimes with charges second only to homicide and because of the stigma it carries even after the case is closed, it is essential that you have an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney and that you contact one right away. The offenses often result in lengthy jail or prison sentences and may cause you to register as part of the Sex Offender Registration Act in some cases. This is a very serious cause, but our dedication and experience can help you through the process.


Other firms won’t take criminal sexual conduct cases: we do. Unlike other firms, we believe that everyone has the right to a fair trial, regardless of the circumstances, and the right to be presumed innocent. When you’re told by other attorneys that they won’t take your case because it involves sexual misconduct, it’s hard to feel like you can ever find an attorney you can trust. We work hard for all clients and fight for their rights. Because of the embarrassment and stress it can have with your family, we make sure to deal with each case with great respect and discretion.





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