The public defender’s office has a team of attorneys, law clerks and support staff dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation to indigent people in criminal, juvenile and custody proceedings. Their mission is to fulfill the constitutional mandate of equal justice under the law by providing zealous, compassionate and high-quality legal services in a manner consistent with the highest professional standards. The public defender’s office is comprised of Municipal, Juvenile, Common Pleas and Appellate departments and has 91 full-time and 12 part-time attorneys along with 120 full-time and 40 part-time staff members.
A Public Defender is a trained legal advocate for the accused who provides comprehensive and expert legal representation in all aspects of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to felonies. They must have a firm grasp of the law, be well-versed in criminal defense strategies and be committed to advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable citizens in our community.
One of the biggest challenges for public defenders is that they often have very high case loads and do not have enough time to devote to every client. A study of the Public Defender system revealed that in 2014 only 25% of the public defenders were able to devote their full time to each client.
We’ll work with you to develop a strong and effective strategy for your defense, and we’ll provide you with the guidance and assistance necessary to overcome any obstacles that stand in the way. Our legal services will help you avoid jail, probation or incarceration, and keep your record clean.
A skilled criminal lawyer will also be able to identify and gather important physical evidence and witnesses in your case, and make the prosecutor or district attorney see that there are holes in the state’s case. This can help get your case dismissed or lessened in severity.
The public defender also help you complete an application for services and answer any questions that you may have regarding the process.
If you are charged with a crime in Franklin, contact the public defender as soon as possible to discuss your options and schedule an appointment. They are ready to help you at this difficult time in your life.
If you or a loved one have been arrested for drug-related criminal charges in Franklin County, it’s important to understand the legal process and what to expect. By understanding how the case works, you can help your attorney prepare a more effective defense for your particular circumstances.
If your case goes to trial, you’ll need a lawyer who is experienced in defending drug crimes. They will know how to prepare evidence and build a strong defense strategy that is tailored to your specific situation.
In addition, they will be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your case and how to present this to a jury. By preparing the most effective defense possible, you can avoid a conviction and potentially receive a reduced sentence.
You should always hire an attorney right away if you are facing drug-related charges, as the sooner your lawyer can begin working on your case, the more likely it is that they will be able to prevent your case from moving forward in the first place. This will allow them to focus on building a strong and aggressive defense strategy that will increase the chances of an outcome favorable to you.
The penalties that you could receive for a drug offense depend on the type of drugs involved and your previous record. For instance, trafficking of Schedule I or II substances can result in a felony drug charge and up to ten years in prison.
A convicted drug trafficker may also have to pay large fines. This is because drug trafficking is a much more serious crime than possession, which typically carries smaller fines and jail time.
Whether you’re charged with a felony or misdemeanor, you need to seek legal counsel from an experienced Franklin County drug criminal defense attorney as soon as you are arrested. They will be able to investigate your case, protect your rights, and build a strong defense strategy that will help you get through this difficult time with less stress.
Franklin County is home to several multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Forces that share resources and information with other law enforcement agencies. These agencies are designed to combat the illicit flow of controlled substances within the State and help reduce the number of drug-related deaths, drug overdoses, and related criminal activity.
The Drug Court Program is another great way for the Franklin County community to combat substance abuse and its associated criminal activities. This program helps youth to address the issues causing their substance use while learning how to live life without drugs and alcohol.
Many youth who enter into the Drug Court Program are suffering from a substance abuse disorder and need assistance to overcome this problem. The Court’s goal is to provide a structured and supportive environment for them to learn how to become drug-free and to help them develop a positive outlook on life while developing skills to resist drug or alcohol abuse in the future.
The Franklin County Common Pleas Court has created the “Treatment is Essential to Success” (TIES) program in order to reduce the level of drug and alcohol related crimes within the county. The TIES program links those who have committed drug or alcohol related crimes to treatment, which is often the best solution for overcoming a substance abuse disorder.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is vital that you understand how to navigate the criminal justice system when faced with domestic assault charges. You should also consult a qualified Franklin domestic violence attorney immediately so that you can protect your rights and future.
The first step in navigating a domestic violence case is to reach out to the Domestic Violence Unit at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. The team of prosecutors, law enforcement officers and support staff at the unit will be able to help you with any questions or concerns you have about the legal process.
When you arrive at Arraignment Court, you will meet with the Defendant’s Attorney, the prosecutor and a Domestic Violence Advocate. You will have to answer questions under oath about what happened. During this time, you will probably be given the opportunity to file for a protection order against your partner.
A protection order prohibits your partner from contacting you, or anyone else in your home, or threatening you with physical harm. These orders can last for up to three years and may cover many different areas of your life.
DVPOs can be obtained from the prosecutor’s office, or you can file directly with your local domestic violence agency. In some counties, victims can file for a DVPO from the agency’s offices without having to come to court, and in others they can do so by videoconferencing with a judge.
The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office has a dedicated team of Victim Witness Assistants that provide assistance to all victims of crimes, including those who are charged with domestic violence offenses. They can assist victims with preparing for court, filing for protective orders and finding other services in the community.
If you are convicted of a domestic violence offense, the State can request that you pay for any damages or injuries you cause. This can include medical bills, damage to property, child support and other expenses. This money is usually paid through the court, Small Claims Court or the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
You can ask for an acquittal, if you are not guilty of the charge. In most cases, the prosecution will have a hard time proving that you committed any act of domestic violence. You can also request a trial by jury, where the evidence against you will be presented to a jury of your peers.
Your lawyer can also help you with the defense of a domestic violence charge. Your attorney can present evidence to challenge the accusations, such as phone call records, text messages or emails. You can also show the judge that you did not intend to cause fear or harm.
The most common defense to a domestic violence charge is self-defense, where you acted reasonably to defend yourself or another from harm. You can often use this defense if you were defending your children or someone who was in danger, and you did not have an intent to harm them or to commit any other crime.
Paul J Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law | Criminal Attorney and DUI Lawyer
2525 S Telegraph Rd suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, United States
(248) 451-2200