THE POLICE ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND, NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HELPING YOU OR MAKING IT EASIER ON YOU, THEY WON'T.
Once you have been detained for further interrogation and/or arrested, do not speak to anyone about your case,
ASK FOR A LAWYER and SAY NOTHING- you can only hurt your case if you give ANY information to the police, other than your name.
Don't tell them where you work. You don't have to and your job may be at risk.
Many people are convicted of crimes based upon information they have supplied the police after an arrest with or without Miranda rights being read.
What is the Michigan Criminal Court Process?
1- Arrest: The police take you into custody.
2- Arraignment: At the arraignment the judge will do 4 things:
Read the charge(s).
Ask how do you plead? guilty, or not guilty or no contest.
Set a Bond.
Ask if you need a court appointed lawyer?
3-If you are charged with:
A Felony (a crime punishable by more than one year in prison) a Preliminary Examination date is set within 14 days of the date of the arraignment.
A Misdemeanor (punishable by one year or less in jail) go to step 6.
4-Preliminary Examination: A hearing in a District Court designed to find out:
if a crime was committed? and
if there is reasonable cause to believe you are the person that committed the crime.
Defense attorneys usually use the Preliminary Examination to find out, who the witnesses are and what will they say at trial.
5-Circuit Court Arraignment:(only in felony cases) same as number 2 above except it is held in the circuit court
6-Pretrial Conference: Held between the attorneys to see if a plea agreement or other resolution is possible or can be worked out.
7-Trial: Your day(s)in court.
8-If you are found NOT Guilty the case is over, if not you go to a Pre-Sentence Investigation: This is a report done by the probation department that explains to the judge who you are, what your background is, and any information he/she should take into consideration in fashioning an apropriate sentence.
9-Sentencing : The judge pronounces the courts sentence.
10-Appeal: While you have an absolute constitutional right to represent yourself, it is not advisable to try to do so. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint one to represent you.
Why should I hire a lawyer?
Most lawyers offer a free consultation. A consultation with a lawyer will help you understand:
the criminal process
admissibility of evidence
your rights
possible sentences
any defenses you may have
Remember: The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements or price. Before you decide, ask for free written information about the lawyers qualifications and experience.