What our clients can expect:Highly prepared, highly competent representation at all stages of any criminal proceeding.24-hour availability for emergency situations, prompt phone call return and timely case updates as desired.Honest, aggressive and complete representation and the assurance that each client will be totally informed as to all important aspects of their case and will receive the benefit of their guaranteed constitutional rights.A lawyer who has dedicated his career to helping people obtain the best possible resolution of their criminal problem and who considers each case as serious and as important as our clients do.Fair fees.
All cases are unique. The above is a summary of highlights from my practice. The result in your case will be dependent on a number of factors and can not be predicted by the above results.
We represent defendants charged with felonies and misdemeanors in all levels of the juvenile, state and federal trial and appellate courts in Michigan and Ohio. We handle cases, including but not limited to, in the following areas: armed violence, assault, battery, burglary, carjacking, child abuse, child pornography, computer hacking, counterfeiting, credit card fraud, criminal property damage, deceptive practice, disorderly conduct, domestic violence, drivers license restoration, drug charges, embezzlement, escape, extortion, forgery, fraud, grand theft, hit and run, identity theft, indecent exposure, insurance fraud, internet fraud/theft, juvenile cases, kidnapping, money laundering, manslaughter, mayhem, mob action, murder, official misconduct, obstruction of justice, perjury, probation violations, prostitution, rape (any form of), reckless conduct, resisting arrest, retail theft, robbery, sexual assault/abuse, stalking, terroristic threats, theft, trespassing, vehicular manslaughter, weapons charges and wire fraud.Felony - is a crime punishable by one or more years in a State Prison. Felony cases begin in Lower Courts and then can be bound over to Higher Court if the Judge determines that probable cause exists that the Defendant being accused has committed the crime in question. Arrests must be based on probable cause. Although there is no simple definition of probable cause, the Police must rely on what they believe to be good information.Misdemeanor - generally, is a crime punishable by one day shy of a year, (364 days), in a county jail (any term over one year, 365 days or more, are served in a state prison). Misdemeanors are usually handled in Lower Courts and never go to Higher Court. Arrests can only be made for crimes that occur in the presence of the person making the arrest, or with a warrant.
Criminal Law ~ Federal (White Collar Crimes)
White collar crime is typically a financial or corporate crime, often carried out by deceptive means. Although white collar criminal charges are usually brought against individuals, corporations may also be subject to criminal penalties. These penalties may include fines and costs, home electronic monitoring, community confinement, forfeitures, restitution, supervised release, and imprisonment. We represent clients in federal court in Michigan and Ohio. If you or someone you know has been arrested or is under investigation for any white-collar crime, including embezzlement, perjury, wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, credit card fraud, internet fraud/theft, money laundering, theft, forgery, counterfeiting, extortion or bribery, you should contact us so we can protect your rights.
Murder
Murder charges, in whatever form, are extremely serious, and can carry lengthy sentences, even the death sentence. If you are being investigated in a murder case or are being charged, it is extremely important that you seek aggressive and experienced representation. Contact KIRKPATRICK LAW OFFICES, P.C. immediately and we will provide you the representation you need.
Drug Possession & Distribution
Drug offenses can range in severity from misdemeanor possession to crimes that carry a life sentence. If you or someone you know have been arrested or are under investigation for any of the following drug offenses in Michigan or Ohio, you should contact us right away: trafficking, possession for sale, possession, distribution, cultivation, manufacturing, transportation and importation. Call us today and let us represent you.
Accusations of Child Molestation
Accusations of child molestation are extremely serious charges and can drastically change your life. These charges have been known to be false in the past, due to undue bias by prosecutors, psychiatrists, or doctors. Furthermore, if you are convicted, upon parole, you still face having to deal with the stigma of neighborhood notification laws and national registries.
Sex Crimes
We represent individuals charged with a wide variety of sex-based offenses, including indecent exposure, molestation, obscene conduct, pedophilia, possession or distribution of pornography, prostitution, rape, including date rape, statutory rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. The defense of sex crimes is unique in that often times it is your word against another's word and there may be little corroborating evidence.
If you are accused of a sex crime, it is crucial that you seek the services of an Attorney experienced in handling such crimes. We have access to private investigators that can be employed in your defense. Private investigators that will work on uncovering possible evidence that may indicate the charges are either false or that someone else is actually committing the crime. We may urge you to hire such an investigator. We have extensive experience representing individuals charged with sex offenses and can aggressively defend your rights in court.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can occur between spouses, domestic partners, former partners or spouses, parents and children, children, individuals involved in a dating relationship, or the elderly. If you have been charged with a domestic violence offense in Michigan or Ohio, you may be facing jail time or a state prison sentence.
We can provide you with the knowledge and experience that is critical to your defense against domestic violence charges. If you are arrested for domestic violence, you must protect your constitutional rights. Make sure that you do not answer any questions until you consult with an experienced criminal attorney. We put on an aggressive defense and can often reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Our number one priority is to achieve a resolution that you can live with. Domestic violence is a serious matter, and a conviction for domestic abuse can carry harsh penalties. An experienced criminal attorney may be able to convince a court to impose alternative sentencing, such as probation and counseling, rather than prison time.
Juvenile Crimes
Juvenile courts are very different from adult courts. When a juvenile commits a crime, he or she is alleged to be "delinquent" and the juvenile court gets involved to intervene and correct the delinquency. Depending on the severity of the offense, the juvenile may be placed in juvenile detention. Even truancy, or repeated absence from school, is a juvenile offense that carries consequences. Juvenile courts have separate rules and procedures from adult criminal courts. For example, juveniles are not entitled to a jury trial, but rather are tried before a judge. If a juvenile commits a more violent offense such as murder, the prosecutor may seek to have the juvenile tried as an adult. Because of the special rules and circumstances surrounding juvenile crimes, it is important to seek representation from an attorney experienced in representing juveniles in both juvenile and adult court.