Legal Defense for Michigan Criminal Charges
Criminal charges can originate from many types of circumstances or events. Gentry Nalley is known for thoroughly investigating the facts and using all available resources to build an aggressive defense for our clients. We’ve cultivated relationships with top experts and private investigators to ensure your rights are not violated and that every legal advantage is pressed for your defense. Learn more about the types of criminal charges we work with below.
Michigan law addresses varying levels of Murder, or homicide. The lowest is manslaughter (sometimes unintentional and without malicious forethought), Second degree murder includes more intentional action, and first-degree murder is preplanned and predetermined action to take another life.
These crimes carry significant penalties. First degree murder can result in life in prison without the possibility of parole. Homicides that occur during drug-related crimes carry stiffer penalties, as can murder of a police officer. Gentry Nalley has the seasoned experience to not only use the facts to build a formidable defense, but we know the tactics used by prosecuting attorneys and how to defend against them.
Because murder is a significant charge, anything that can call the veracity of the prosecution’s evidence into question and shake faith in their case can result in a lesser charge, reduced penalties or even charges being dropped.
Learn how our attorneys can help if you are facing Michigan murder charges »
Criminal Sexual Conduct are serious crimes that involve sexually oriented actions or neglect against unwilling partners or victims. This includes adults and minors, as well as related offenses like human trafficking, child pornography, indecent exposure, rape, prostitution and even internet sex crimes.
Defending against such accusations requires skill, knowledge and experience. Gentry Nalley understands the intricacies of the legal system, so when it comes to CSC charges, you can trust our experienced team to craft strategies designed to lead to the best possible outcome.
How our attorneys can help with Michigan Criminal Sexual Conduct charges >>
White Collar Crimes typically occur in upper level management and involve some sort of deception for financial gain. Such crimes include bribery, fraud, embezzlement and tax evasion.
Although some believe these crimes are lesser offenses, they can be serious and bring severe consequences. White collar crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies, and this is often determined by the amounts of money involved. Gentry Nalley has experience with white collar crime and defending clients against these charges.
How our attorneys can help if you have been charged with a White Collar Crime »
Drug Crimes
Michigan is strict on drug crimes, and most of them carry stiff penalties, even for first offenses. Some circumstances can elevate the level of charges and resulting penalties if you are found guilty, including possession and manufacturing, possession for resale and delivery of a controlled substance causing death.
Gentry Nalley provides an aggressive defense for all our clients, including those facing drug charges. Whether you’re facing your first or a subsequent offense, we’re ready to immediately get to work discovering the facts of your case to provide the best possible defense.
Assault & Battery
Assault and Battery involves physically assaulting and/or battering another person. While a touch or poking with a finger can sometimes be considered assault, there is some leeway in interpreting the laws surrounding this crime. Assault and battery can also go far in the other direction to more serious levels, such as assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder or great bodily harm by strangulation. Resisting the efforts of police officers to subdue can also be considered assault and battery. Assault on a police officer carries serious consequences.
Physical altercations can occur for a variety of reasons and certain events can be misunderstood or misconstrued as assault. If you’re facing an assault & battery charge, let Gentry Nalley’s 40 years of experience go to work for you.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence charges under Michigan law fall under the general category of Assault and involve physical violence toward spouses or former spouses, individuals with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, individuals with whom he or she has had a child in common, or residents or former residents of his or her household.
There are both misdemeanor and felony level charges for domestic violence, depending on several factors or aggravating circumstances, such as repeated offenses. Gentry Nalley has the expertise to uncover the facts of the event in question that could prove your innocence or result in a reduction of charges.
Child Abuse
Child Abuse involves omission of basic necessities, abandonment, physical or mental abuse of a minor child under the age of 18. The crime is rated in four degrees, with more serious violations bringing stiffer penalties at the felony level. Gentry Nalley strategically uses consultants and investigators to collect the facts and provide a sound defense if you are facing any degree of child abuse criminal charges.
Drunk Driving
Drunk Driving offenses include driving any motorized vehicle while intoxicated by various substances, including alcohol, illicit drugs or prescription drugs. A person with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 is legally intoxicated, and therefore considered too impaired to operate motor vehicles or other motorized equipment. Additional factors can increase the severity of your charges and resulting consequences, such as if while driving while intoxicated you cause a serious impairment or death of another person.
Many factors can contribute to charges of drunk driving, and some of these can weigh in your favor. Gentry Nalley will provide a strong defense to protect your rights and driving privileges if you’re charged with drunk driving in Michigan.
Conspiracy
Conspiracy is a charge normally levied in addition to actual crimes committed, and that deals with the attempt to commit a crime. Conspiracy charges can be misdemeanor or felony crimes, depending on the related crime accusations. For example, conspiracy to commit fraud, while serious, is a lessor crime than conspiracy to commit murder.
When insufficient evidence is present to accuse you of a crime, prosecutors will fall back on conspiracy charges. But in order to do so, they must prove there was intent to commit a crime. There must be evidence of planning and forethought, and/or actions taken to prepare for committing the actual crime.
This can be shaky ground for pursuing legal action, and Gentry Nalley knows how to evaluate evidence against you and offer counter arguments to refute these questionable charges.
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Violations
Michigan is rich in wildlife and other natural resources, and there are numerous laws that protect these resources statewide. Violations of these regulations are criminal offenses and punishable by fines, confiscation of harvested game and related equipment and jail time. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources website provides links to various resources concerning DNR regulations. Gentry Nalley is well-versed in criminal DNR violations and is ready to bring their expertise to your defense.
Animal Cruelty/Torture
Animals are provided protections from abuse, cruelty or torture under Michigan law. This involves “companion” animals (pets) and other vertebrates other than humans. Common respect and care are to be afforded to all animals unless in cases of self-defense. Gentry Nalley handles these types of criminal charges and takes them just as seriously as any other. Contact us if you are charged with animal cruelty in Michigan.
Traffic Offenses
Most minor traffic offenses are below the scope of needing a criminal defense attorney. However, some violations are serious enough to warrant a criminal charge, such as moving violations that cause serious impairment or death of another person or persons, or fleeing and eluding law enforcement when ordered to stop. The team at Gentry Nalley can handle criminal defense of these and other related charges with skill.
