Your Marquette MI Criminal Defense Lawyer: Andriacchi Law
Looking for a Marquette criminal defense lawyer? Andriacchi Law’s criminal defense attorneys help clients with all types of criminal charges including DUI, drug offenses, and violent crimes.
This article will brief you on their areas of expertise, insight into the legal process, and how to select a skilled lawyer to ensure your rights are effectively protected.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re charged with a crime, you need an experienced Marquette criminal defense lawyer to protect your constitutional rights and work to achieve the best possible trial outcome.
- Marquette defense attorneys handle various criminal cases including drug offenses, DUIs and traffic offenses, and violent crimes, providing tailored defense strategies to minimize penalties and protect your legal rights.
- When hiring a Marquette criminal defense attorney, it is crucial to consider their experience, communication style, case management, and legal fees to ensure you select the right legal representation for your case.
Why Hire Andriacchi Law as Your Marquette Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Criminal defense is a complex field that requires expertise. Criminal defense lawyers help people accused of committing crimes, ensuring their constitutional rights are upheld and they get a fair trial.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a big difference in your case, particularly in Marquette, MI. Why?
Andriacchi Law’s Marquette MI criminal defense lawyer will help you understand the full consequences of your charges. They are experienced MI lawyers with over 30 years of experience in criminal defense. They’ll work to reduce the potential penalties throughout the legal process.
They also have handled all types of criminal charges in jury trials and bench trials. They have represented clients in everything from drunk and disorderly to murder. They have also represented clients throughout Michigan’s court system, including in district courts, circuit courts, the Court of Appeals, and even the Michigan Supreme Court.
Types of Criminal Cases Handled by Andriacchi Law’s Marquette Defense Attorneys
Andriacchi Law’s Marquette defense attorneys have represented clients in all types of criminal cases, ensuring robust defense regardless of the charges you face. Let’s examine the specific types of cases they typically handle, including drug offenses, DUIs, and violent crimes, and comprehend their approach to each one.
Drug Offenses
Drug offenses are a prevalent issue in Marquette County, with common charges including:
- possession of cocaine
- possession of ecstasy
- possession of heroin
- drug distribution and sale
- cultivation and manufacture of drugs
- possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
These offenses can lead to severe consequences.
If you’re charged with one of these crimes, you need a seasoned criminal defense attorney who plays a vital role in understanding these complex drug laws.
You need a lawyer who will do comprehensive interviews with you, gather case facts, and devise a defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of the offense. This strategic approach is essential to mitigate potential penalties and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
DUI and Traffic Offenses
Operating while intoxicated (OWI), commonly called driving under the influence (DUI), and traffic offenses are another area where Andriacchi Law’s Marquette defense attorneys provide extensive support. We have also successfully achieved not-guilty verdicts for clients facing these charges.
The typical legal consequences for a first-time DUI offense may involve up to 93 days of incarceration, probation, community service, financial penalties, and a restricted driver’s license. For repeat offenders, the penalties can be harsher, with extended imprisonment, heightened fines, a suspended or revoked driver’s license, mandatory substance abuse evaluation, and more.
A well-versed Marquette defense attorney can help lessen these severe consequences. They offer professional legal representation, champion the client’s rights, and aim to minimize the charges’ impact, including preventing driver’s license suspension and reducing fines. Their extensive knowledge of DUI and traffic laws helps safeguard your driving privileges while you await trial.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes, which encompass offenses such as:
- assault and battery
- aggravated assault
- felonious assault
- assault with intent to do great bodily harm
- murder
- domestic violence
- robbery
- carjacking
Violent crimes carry significant penalties in Marquette, Michigan. For instance, a simple assault can lead to a maximum of 93 days in jail, while more severe crimes such as felonious assault with a dangerous weapon can result in up to 4 years in prison and fines.
A committed defense lawyer is invaluable in violent crime cases. They offer:
- Exhaustive legal representation
- Devise a strong defense strategy
- Assess evidence
- Champion the client’s rights throughout the legal process to secure an optimal result
- Utilize viable defenses, such as self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property, to counter violent crime charges.
Andriacchi Law has represented clients who have faced every single one of the above violent crimes.
The Legal Process: What to Expect When Facing Criminal Charges in Marquette
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and confusing. Understanding the legal process, from the pre-arrest investigation to the trial, can help demystify the journey and ensure you are prepared for each step.
Let’s explore the stages that you can anticipate when facing criminal charges in Marquette, located in the Upper Peninsula.
Pre-Arrest Investigation
The pre-arrest investigation is the first step in the legal process. This stage involves law enforcement gathering evidence to establish a connection between a suspect and a crime. This can happen in a matter of moments (like during a DUI traffic stop) or multiple months (like investigating embezzlement).
Suspects are entitled to exercise their right to remain silent and refrain from providing any oral statements to law enforcement during this stage. This is your Fifth Amendment right under Miranda and its related cases.
A defense attorney can be of great significance during this phase. They can:
- Facilitate comprehensive discussions with the client to understand their situation and the reasons behind the investigation.
- Liaise with law enforcement on the client’s behalf to pursue avenues to prevent an arrest.
- Provide proactive involvement that can significantly influence the outcome of your case.
Arraignment and Bail Hearings
After the pre-arrest investigation comes the arraignment and bail hearings.
During the arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges against them, and they are advised of their constitutional rights. A lawyer at this stage can help with the client’s bond, including working to get the client out of jail.
During a bail hearing, the court considers various factors when determining the bail amount, such as:
- the seriousness of the offense
- the defendant’s prior criminal record
- the risk of flight
- community connections
- financial means
The bail amount is established, and any funds submitted to the Court as bail are retained to ensure the defendant’s presence in Court for all legal proceedings until the case is resolved.
Probable Cause Conferences and Pre-Trial Conferences
Up to and during pretrial conferences, a criminal defense lawyer can support the defendant by engaging in discussions with the prosecutor regarding potential plea options, including a possible plea agreement, and negotiating on behalf of the defendant.
Preliminary Examination
If you’re facing felony criminal charges, you’re entitled to a preliminary examination in Michigan. During the preliminary examination, the prosecutor must prove the elements of the felony charges you’re facing to a probable cause standard.
During the preliminary examination, your attorney can cross-examine witnesses, call defense witnesses, and argue on your behalf. You can also have another attempt at reducing or modifying your bond.
Trial Preparation and Strategy
Trial preparation and strategy form the cornerstone of a successful defense. The defense attorney and the accused collaborate to devise a thorough trial strategy, encompassing decisions on the proof order, key emphasis points, and theme selection.
A criminal defense attorney carefully examines the state’s evidence before the trial to identify any weaknesses that may benefit the defense or indicate misconduct. They utilize various strategies to safeguard the constitutional rights of the accused and counter the prosecutor’s arguments by presenting counterarguments, challenging evidence and witnesses, and identifying any legal issues or violations.
You need a lawyer who has taken multiple criminal cases to trial. Andriacchi Law’s criminal defense lawyers have over 30 years of experience and multiple jury trials. We have tried cases ranging from OWI/DUI through criminal sexual conduct in the first degree.
Evaluating and Hiring a Marquette Criminal Defense Attorney
Numerous factors come into play when hiring a Marquette criminal defense attorney. Elements such as:
- Experience
- Communication style
- Case management
- Legal fees
Choosing the right attorney can profoundly influence the level of legal representation you receive and your case’s outcome in various legal matters. We will examine these factors, including your legal rights, to aid you in making an informed decision during your free consultation.
Experience and Track Record
Experience and track record rank high among vital factors when hiring a defense attorney. A Marquette criminal defense attorney is ideally expected to have a strong foundation in criminal law, covering aspects like case investigation, analysis, and trial experience. A solid track record inspires confidence in their capacity to represent clients effectively, negotiate in their best interest, and secure acquittals.
You can authenticate the experience and track record of a Marquette defense attorney by:
- Examining their focus
- Reading client testimonials
- Reviewing their past cases and successes on their law firm’s website
- Considering online reviews and ratings
This due diligence is vital in ensuring you choose the right attorney for your case.
At Andriacchi Law, we have successfully helped clients with all types of criminal charges. We have saved clients multiple years of their lives in prison, helped them keep their licenses, and ensured they were able to work before, during, and after conviction.
Communication and Case Management
Efficient communication and case management constitute key elements in fostering a successful attorney-client relationship. Proficient attorneys utilize methods such as:
- Active listening
- Setting clear expectations
- Using clear and understandable language
- Being responsive in a timely manner
- Providing regular updates
- Avoiding unexpected developments
- Showing empathy towards their clients
These methods help keep clients informed about the status of their cases.
Marquette criminal defense lawyers utilize various methods of communication, including:
- Phone calls
- Emails
- In-person meetings
- Secure online platforms
They prioritize consistent and efficient communication to facilitate discussions on case progress, gather information, and provide legal guidance. Good communication can go a long way in ensuring your peace of mind during the legal process.
Legal Fees and Payment Options
Considering legal fees and payment options is another significant aspect when hiring a Marquette criminal defense attorney.
At Andriacchi Law, we provide free initial consultations to evaluate your case and address financial considerations, which can assist in determining the feasibility of their representation.
Our Marquette Criminal Defense Lawyers also use flat fees for criminal cases. We base our fees on factors such as case complexity, the collateral consequences you face, our case load, and the time and effort involved.
Summary
Hiring an experienced Marquette criminal defense lawyer is crucial when facing criminal charges. From handling various types of cases to navigating the complex legal process and ensuring effective communication, they provide invaluable support.
When evaluating and hiring a defense attorney, factors such as experience, track record, communication style, case management, and legal fees should be considered.
At Andriacchi Law, we have Marquette criminal defense attorneys with over 30+ years of experience in all types of criminal cases. We offer a free consultation. We also have a convenient location on Third Street in Marquette.
Be sure to fill out the form below or click the button to call now.