Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids Felony Attorney

Steps in the Court Porcess for Felonies

The arrest: Police may arrest you at the scene of an incident or they may issue a warrant for your arrest. If you receive a warrant letter, please call our toll-free number: 888-635-3824. We can often arrange for you to surrender yourself in a way that minimizes or eliminates the time you spend in jail waiting for an arraignment.

The arraignment: You will be brought before a judge who will set bond, also known as bail. We use our knowledge of the law and the criminal justice system to argue for the lowest possible bond amount. We regularly persuade judges to release our clients on their own recognizance, with no bond at all.

The preliminary conference and preliminary exam: Usually scheduled within 14 days of arraignment, the preliminary conference is the first time your attorney meets with the prosecutor to discuss the case. At the preliminary exam, a judge decides after a court hearing whether the prosecutor has established the likelihood that the defendant committed a crime. The prosecution will present evidence, including witness testimony, to establish the case against you. It gives us the opportunity to hear witnesses' testimony and evaluate the strength of the evidence and cross-examination. If the prosecutor fails to meet the burden of proof at the felony preliminary exam, the case is dismissed.

Pretrial and settlement conferences: The pretrial in circuit court is the first chance for your attorney to discuss the case with the prosecutor following the preliminary exam. The settlement conference is the final opportunity to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor before the trial. The process differs depending on whether you are charged in state or federal court.

Trial: We will advise you of your options and give you our best legal advice about whether we believe it makes sense to take your case to trial. If so, you can rely on us to provide intelligent and aggressive defense against all charges.

To arrange a FREE initial consultation, please contact our law firm by email or call us toll free at (888) 461-7744. Our lawyers offer discounted fees for students, seniors and members of the military. We represent clients facing felony charges from offices in Kalamazoo, Paw Paw and Grand Rapids. 

A Testimonial About Our Results-Driven Felony Criminal Defense Lawyers: "I want to offer my gratitude to you and your staff for your representation of my son. [Your clerk] was kind, considerate and responsive to our concerns and questions. We are, obviously, pleased with the outcome, crediting you with making the difference between dismissal and a conviction." - Carol K., 4.18.08