Former Michigan Prosecutor | Jonathan Andrew Paul
  • Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Retail Fraud
    • Drug Offenses
    • Assaultive
    • College/Tailgate Offenses >
      • Minor in Possession
      • Ann Arbor MIP
      • Ann Arbor Fake ID
      • Ann Arbor UIP
      • Ann Arbor Open Container
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Handling a Traffic Ticket
    • Careless/Reckless Driving
    • Probation Violation
    • Early Discharge Probation
    • Larceny
    • Malicious Destruction of Property
    • Embezzlement
    • Juvenile Charges
  • Drunk Driving
    • Evidence >
      • Chemical Tests >
        • Implied Consent Law
        • Independent Chemical Test
        • Single Car Accident | DUI Defense
        • Effects of Body Temperature
        • Cross-Examining the DataMaster
        • Blood Testing 101
        • Impact of Methyl Alcohol/Paraldehyde
        • Radio Frequency Issues w/DataMaster
      • Right to Counsel
      • Preliminary Breath Test (PBT)
      • Field Sobriety Tests
      • Police Traffic Stop >
        • Sleeping in Car Defense
        • Cross-Examination - The Not Driving Defense
      • Police Statements
    • DUI Consequences >
      • Ignition Interlock
      • Restitution
      • Vehicle Immobilization
      • Travel Restrictions
      • Child Custody
      • Employment/Education
      • Traveling to Canada?
      • Vehicle Forfeiture
      • Civil Liability
      • Commercial Driver's License
    • DUI Trial Guide >
      • Jury Selection
      • Opening Statement
      • Cross-Examination
      • Closing Argument
      • Jury vs Bench Trial
    • Setting Bond >
      • Alcohol/Drug Testing Part #1
      • Alcohol/Drug Testing Part #2
      • Posting Bond
    • DUI Offenses >
      • Operating While Intoxicated
      • Operating While Visibly Impaired
      • Super Drunk/High BAC
      • Operating Presence of Controlled Substance
      • Child Endangerment
      • Felony Drunk Driving
      • DUI Under 21 Years Old
      • DUI Causing Injury/Death
    • Sobriety Court
    • DUI Pardons
  • Hiring a Super Lawyer
  • Courts
    • Wayne County >
      • More Courts >
        • Allen Park
        • Dearborn Heights
        • Detroit
        • Ecorse
        • Hamtramck
        • Harper Woods
        • Highland
        • Lincoln Park
        • Redford
        • Southgate
        • Taylor
        • Woodhaven
        • Wyandotte
      • Plymouth
      • Northville
      • Canton
      • Romulus
      • Livonia
      • Dearborn
      • Grosse Pointe
      • Westland
    • Oakland County >
      • Novi
      • Troy
      • Southfield
      • Royal Oak | Berkley
      • Rochester Hills
      • Farmington Hills
      • Bloomfield Hills
      • Waterford
      • Clarkston
      • Oak Park
      • Pontiac
      • Ferndale/Madison Heights/Hazel Park Drunk Driving DUI Criminal Attorney | Oakland County
    • Washtenaw County >
      • Ann Arbor
      • Chelsea
      • Pittsfield Township
      • Saline
      • Ypsilanti 14A
      • Ypsilanti 14B
    • Macomb County >
      • Center Line
      • Clinton Township
      • Eastpointe
      • Fraser
      • New Baltimore
      • Romeo
      • Roseville
      • Shelby Township
      • Sterling Heights
      • St. Clair Shores
      • Warren
    • Jackson County
    • Lenawee County
    • Livingston County
    • Monroe County
    • East Lansing
  • Expungement
    • DUI Expungement
  • 5-Star DUI Defense
  • Legal Guides
    • FAQ
    • DUI Expungement
    • Arrested in Michigan? NOW WHAT!
    • Being Investigated?
    • 18 Key Questions for DUI's
    • Michigan License Restoration
  • Client Reviews
  • Growth Mindset
  • Inside the Prosecutor Mind
    • Drunk Driving >
      • OWI First Offense
      • OWI Second Offense
      • OWI Third Offense
      • Field Sobriety Tests
      • Chemical Tests
      • Implied Consent
      • Hardship License
      • Sobriety Court
    • Expungement
    • Assault/DV Charges >
      • Domestic Violence
      • Misdemeanor Assault
      • Felonious Assault
    • Theft Offenses >
      • Retail Fraud
      • Embezzlement
      • Larceny
    • College Offenses >
      • Open Container
      • Minor in Possession (MIP)
      • Urinating in Public
      • Fake ID
    • Drug Charges >
      • Felony Drug Possession
    • Driving - Traffic >
      • Reckless Careless Driving
      • Driving While License Suspended
      • Leaving Scene of Accident
    • Disorderly Conduct
    • Probation Violation
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Malicious Destruction of Property
    • Travel Requests
    • Bond Violations
  • Contact Me
  • Leading with Empathy
  • Blog

Michigan Criminal Investigation Lawyer
Do I need to hire a lawyer before being charged?

I meet with a lot of people who have not yet been formally charged with a crime, but are currently under investigation by the police. The most common type of case is Criminal Sexual Conduct, Embezzlement, Domestic Violence and Assault cases.

For Criminal Sexual Conduct, a victim alleges something unwanted occurred  and the police department follow-up on this claim with additional interviews and seek additional physical evidence. While this process is going on, the potential client is contacted by the police department and asked to make a statement.  The most common question "do I need to speak to the police about my case." This is where I come into play.  

For Embezzlement, you may have been fired from a job, and the employer informs you that you've been stealing from the company.  The company will make a police report, which alleges the crime; this could be a misdemeanor felony.  The police will reach out to you to make a statement.  This is where you call me, so I can speak to the police, get information, and try to avoid charges altogether.  In the past, I've been able to work out agreements for no charges or dismissal or charges.  

Domestic Violence and Assault crimes follow the same pattern.  There's an allegation of violence after the fact or you the person being investigated has left the scene without being able to give you side of the story.  The "victim" is the only one making statements, and because you're not present, you suddenly become the bad guy who ran when in-fact your flight or disappearance has more to do with avoiding a dangerous situation yourself.

A person investigated and/or charged with a crime has the absolute right to refuse to speak to the police department about the case.  Making incriminating statements about your case in the investigation stage could give the police the final piece of evidence they need to charge the crime.  Many times, the police department don't have enough evidence and are looking for the suspect to fill in the missing pieces.  Even a statement which seems completely innocent to you could be the key difference between being charged with a serious felony and never being charged. Despite what you see on television, it is generally not very helpful to speak to the police about your case.  If you wish to offer your own version of the story or clarify something, it is best to speak to an attorney before proceeding in this direction. 

A person no matter their financial situation is not entitled to an attorney in the investigation stage or at their arraignment.  Having a private attorney during these crucial steps could be the difference between being charged with a crime or not being charged, and sitting in jail during your case, or being home with your family, and preparing for your trial with your attorney in his/her office.  

I have had a lot success representing clients in the investigation stage. In many of these cases, I have been able to end the investigation with all charges being denied, or have lesser charges brought (misdemeanor instead of felony).  Many times our client's initial inclination was to speak to the police about the case, to "clear things up" but make the right decision to speak to an attorney before proceeding.  Once advised by an attorney, the client is in a much better position to make the right decision.  I have used a number of effective techniques in the investigation stage; one technique is a private polygraph, which the results are protected by the attorney-client privilege   

Once you hire me to represent you in your investigation, I will take over all communication with the police department, and are able to engage in meaningful dialogue with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney.  We will be able to keep you updated on the process and inform you if and when charges may or may not be brought against you. If charges are filed, I will ask the police and almost always get the courtesy to arrange to bring you to a "walk-in arraignment" rather than have you arrested at home or at work. This arrangement saves the client the embarrassment of a public arrest, and is a major asset in convincing a judge to set a personal recognizance or an affordable bond.
Picture
Picture
Lawyer Jonathan Paul | Top Attorney Criminal Defense

Call Me: (248) 924-9458
Click Here to Email Me

    Contact Former Prosecutor Jonathan Andrew Paul
    Please fill out the confidential form below or call me.

    If you are unsure of your case status, please mark "Not Sure", and I will be able to get you more information when we speak.
Submit
Representing clients in Ann Arbor, Canton, Brighton, Howell, Saline, Adrian, Taylor, Plymouth, Northville, Westland, Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Towsnhip, Warren, Sterling Heights, Farmington, Pontiac, Romulus, Lansing, Novi, South Lyon, Southfield, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Troy, Rochester, Jackson, East Lansing, Garden City, Livonia, Dearborn, Detroit, St Clair Shores, Hazel Park, Ferndale, Madison Heights, Waterford, Milford, Shelby Township Clarkston, Oak Park, Berkley, Fraser, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township and others throughout Washtenaw, Wayne, Monroe, Jackson,  Macomb, Ingham, Lenawee, Livingston, Oakland County & Northern Michigan 

Representing clients faced with DUI/drunk driving, retail fraud, possession of marijuana, domestic violence, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, fake ID, open container  and other misdemeanor and felony charges. 

Evening & Weekend Service Available Call Me: 248-924-9458

Picture

Ann Arbor Office Location

Plymouth Office Location

Michigan Defense Attorney Jonathan Paul - Former New York & Michigan Prosecutor