If you’re a suspect in a sex crime case, you need a skilled attorney ASAP!
Thank you for joining us for the last installment in this three part series on what to do if you’ve been accused of a sex assault crime here in Michigan. We’ve tried to break down the information into bite-sized chunks, so to speak. That way, you’re better able to remember it when you need it. If you’re only joining us now, we highly recommend that you go back and look over our previous blog articles in this series so that you don’t miss any valuable information!
Also, write down our number (866 766 5245) and put it in your cell phone right now! That way, if you ever need a highly recommended attorney at a moment’s notice, you’ll be all over it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. So make sure that you have our number with you at all times. That way, when you need us, we are only a phone call away. Our phones answer 24/7 and clients actually hire us at all hours of the day and night.
Post bond as soon as possible!
First and foremost, you need to get out of jail as soon as possible. If the judge or magistrate has granted you bail, you need to post it as soon as you’re able. If you have any bond reduction issues, our skilled attorneys can help you by filing requests for reduction of bond on your behalf.
In addition, if you are arraigned and asked how you plead, you should state, “I stand mute.” If you haven’t been arraigned yet, then talk to your lawyer about what’s best in your case. We’re here to help you with that.
Never waive a preliminary examination without talking to your attorney!
A District Court preliminary examination, also called a “prelim,” is required before a felony case can be bound over to Circuit Court. This proceeding is an important pre-trial proceeding where the judge determines whether or not the prosecutor has proven probable cause in your case and whether it should proceed up to the circuit court. One of the biggest mistakes a client can make is to waive their prelim without consulting with their attorney first! Okay, we need to explain that. Our defense team feels that there is seldom any reason to waive a preliminary examination in district court. Having a lazy, underpaid or incompetent is not an excuse to waive a prelim. If you’re stuck relying on a court appointed lawyer, or if you’ve hired a cheap lawyer that wants to waive your right to a preliminary exam, watch out. There needs to be a very good reason for that waiver.
Your criminal defense lawyer should make substantial progress on your case at a preliminary examination, so it is very important that this particular court appearance should not be waived without a really good reason. Once it is waived, you cannot change your mind and the opportunity is generally gone forever.
Meet with your lawyer as soon as humanly possible.
Your attorney is on your side. So you MUST tell them everything. Don’t be coy or ashamed about the details of your case. And besides, trying to hide information will only hurt your case. It’s critical that you be candid and forthcoming with all information related to the events in question.
Also be sure to tell us about any prior criminal history, or witnesses that might either aid or damage your case. The most important point to remember is that the best criminal defense starts with you. The more you help your defense team, the more you help yourself. At The Kronzek Firm, all of our clients are members of their own defense team.
Make sure your attorney is top notch!
We hope this series has been helpful for you. Admittedly, we hope you’re never accused of a sex crime in Michigan. However, if that day sadly does come, know that we’re here to help you. If you need a skilled defense attorney with decades of experience handling sex assault charges in Michigan, call The Kronzek Firm immediately. Don’t wait to see if this works out in your favor, or do nothing and hope that it all goes away. This is very serious and if you’re going to survive it, you must treat it as such! Call us at 1 866-7NoJail (1 866 766 5245). We can help.