Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Detroit
In Detroit, a domestic violence charge means you are accused of assaulting someone you have a close or family relationship with, and even a first offense can put your freedom, record, and gun rights at risk. At White Law PLLC, our lawyers build criminal defense strategies for people charged in Detroit and across Michigan.
What Counts As Domestic Violence In Michigan?
The charge turns on your relationship with the other person. Michigan applies it when the accuser is your spouse, a former partner, someone you share a child with, or a household member. You can be charged even if no one was hurt, since an unwanted touch or threat can be enough.
What Punishment Does A Conviction Carry?
Penalties climb sharply with each prior offense, and a third charge stops being a misdemeanor altogether. Under Michigan Penal Code § 750.81, the punishment depends mostly on how many times you have been convicted before:
- First offense: a misdemeanor, up to 93 days in jail, and a $500 fine.
- Second offense: a misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, and a $1,000 fine.
- Third offense: a felony, up to 5 years in prison, and a $5,000 fine.
The sentence is only part of the cost. Even a first misdemeanor conviction bars you from owning or buying a firearm for 8 years under Michigan law, on top of a separate permanent federal gun ban.
How Can These Charges Be Fought?
Many domestic violence cases rest on one person’s word, which leaves room to push back. A close look can reveal gaps in the story or injuries that point to self-defense. Text messages, 911 calls, and medical records often tell a different version than the police report.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case
The decisions you make in the days immediately following an arrest can significantly affect the outcome of your case. The alleged victim can not drop the charges. In Detroit, the prosecutor, not the reporting party, decides whether a case proceeds. Missteps to avoid include:
- Contacting the accuser after a no-contact order
- Posting about the case online
- Talking to police without counsel
- Skipping a court date or a condition
Any one of these can add new charges or undo your bond. The safest move after an arrest is to stay quiet, follow every order to the letter, and let your defense team do the talking.
Reach Our Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Detroit Today
A domestic violence charge can reach arraignment within a day, often before you have had time to think, so early help changes what is possible. Our Detroit domestic violence defense lawyers bring more than 150 years of combined experience to protecting people accused statewide.
The sooner you act, the more room there is to protect your record, your freedom, and your future. Our domestic violence defense lawyer in Detroit offers consultations 24/7, so call White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 or contact us online to start building your defense without delay.
