Michigan Sex
Crime Lawyers
Crime Lawyers
Aggressive, Tough, Respected
& Experienced Criminal Defense
& Experienced Criminal Defense
Birmingham Michigan Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
Charged with domestic violence in Birmingham, Michigan? You are probably wondering what happens next. This is a very serious legal situation, and you may not even know where to turn for assistance.
Blank Law, PC, is your first and best resource during this emotional, stressful, and confusing time. We are the top domestic violence defense law firm in Birmingham, Michigan, and we can help you find your best path forward.
To discuss your case and your options, contact Blank Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
So you can better understand what’s at stake, let’s answer some of your most frequent questions.
What is Domestic Violence?
Under Michigan law, domestic violence is defined as any unlawful behavior involving alleged perpetrators and victims who have or have had a personal relationship.
- Current/former spouse, intimate partner, or dating relationship
- Individuals who have a child/children together
- Anyone who lives or lived in the same household
Michigan domestic violence laws are not applicable to mere acquaintances or casual relationships from other business or social settings. A “dating relationship” is specifically and legally defined as “an expectation of affectional involvement.”
As the #1 Birmingham, Michigan, domestic violence defense attorneys, Blank Law understands that these are important legal distinctions that can help you beat the charges.
Per the Domestic Violence and Treatment Act, it is illegal to engage or attempt to engage in any of the following behaviors:
- Causing mental or physical harm
- Coercing another into involuntary sexual activity through the use or threat of force or any other form of duress
- Causing another to fear mental or physical harm
- Behaving in a manner that would cause a reasonable outsider to feel harassed, molested, intimidated, threatened, frightened, or terrorized
What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence?
Depending on the severity of the incident and your own personal criminal history, a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence conviction in Birmingham, MI, can result in serious consequences, including:
- Jail or Prison
- Hefty Fines
- No-Contact Orders
- Protective Orders
- Unfavorable Divorce Settlement
- Loss of Parental Rights
- Supervised Visitation with Your Children
- Mandatory Psychological Evaluation and Counseling
- Anger Management
- Substance Abuse Treatment
- Being Forced to Move Out of the Family Home
- Permanent Criminal Record
- Negative Effect on Immigration Status
When you have so much on the line, you want a legal specialist by your side – an experienced Birmingham, Michigan domestic violence defense lawyer. To learn more, contact us for a FREE CASE EVALUATION.
What if I am Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence?
False claims of domestic assault happen more than you might think. According to the Coalition to End Domestic Violence, roughly 3 out of every 4 males who are the victims of female-perpetrated violence have been threatened with false accusations, compared to 3% of the general population.
Other surprising statistics:
- Divorce – 1 in 4 divorces involve allegations of intimate partner violence.
- 70% of divorce-related IPV allegations are unnecessary or false.
- Child Custody – Every year, 175,000 minor children are involved in divorce proceedings with false accusations of domestic violence.
Although there is a stereotype that batterers are overwhelmingly male and victims are overwhelmingly female, studies show that domestic assault happens almost equally to both sexes – to 54% of women and 46% of men.
At Blank Law we help you fight the misconceptions and stereotypes that support false domestic violence allegations. We see to it that the truth comes out.
If you have been wrongly accused of domestic assault, reach out TODAY.
What if the “Victim” Doesn’t Want to Press Charges?
When a domestic argument gets heated and loud, a neighbor or concerned family member will often call the police, even if no physical violence or assault has occurred. The problem is, when the police arrive, your odds of being arrested dramatically increase.
Because they are trained that DV victims frequently deny or downplay abuse, law enforcement officers will pressure an emotional suspected victim into saying that some degree of assault took place. Remember, under Michigan law, a domestic violence crime is defined as physical OR mental harm, OR fear of such harm.
In other words, the police can arrest you if they have probable cause to believe that the other person is afraid of you or that they are suffering mental harm, even if you have not physically hurt them at all.
Furthermore, if someone has made an unnecessary or false domestic violence allegation against you and wants to withdraw their claim, it may not be that simple. The Oakland County DA knows that 80% of victims recant their testimony, so the recommended best practice is to try to build a case and prosecute, even if the victim does not want to press charges and refuses to cooperate.
For you, this means that you need a Birmingham, Michigan domestic violence criminal defense lawyer who is committed to building an even stronger case on your behalf.
You need Blank Law.
Blank Law – The Top Domestic Violence Law Firm in Birmingham, MI
Founding criminal defense attorney Nicole Blank Becker, has more than 20 years of specialized legal experience, serving as both an Assistant Prosecutor for Macomb County and as private defense counsel. Before returning to private practice, Nicole headed the Macomb County Child Abuse and Sex Crimes units.
Likewise, attorney Christopher Coyle has experience that is just as impressive, having worked as an Assistant Prosecutor for Wayne County for over 30 years. Chris even served as Deputy Chief of the county’s Special Victims Unit.
With so much experience on both sides of the law, Nicole and Chris are able to anticipate the prosecution’s next moves and prepare the best domestic violence defense possible.
To discuss the specifics of your case, Contact Nicole or Chris at Blank Law, PC TODAY for a free initial consultation.
Where Are Birmingham Domestic Violence Cases Tried?
Misdemeanors
The 48th District Court, located in Bloomfield Hills, serves several local communities, including:
- City of Bloomfield Hills
- Charter Township of Bloomfield
- Charter Township of West Bloomfield
- City of Birmingham
- City of Keego Harbor
- City of Orchard Lake Village
- City of Sylvan Lake
4280 Telegraph Road
P.O. Box 3200
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(248) 647-1141
Felonies
1200 N. Telegraph Rd
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0344
Birmingham Domestic Violence Judges
48th District Court
Sixth Circuit Court
Honorable Jacob James Cunningham
Oakland County Prosecutor
(248) 858-0656
Special Victims Unit
Tricia Dare
(248) 452-8688
48th District Court and 6th Circuit Court Parking
The primary parking lot for the 48th District Court is located to the north of the court building. Additionally, there is street parking directly to the east.
The primary parking lot for the Sixth Circuit Court is south of the civic complex. There is also a nearby multi-level paid parking structure, located at 159-198 W. Ann St.
Nearby Restaurants
Bloomfield Hills
There are several restaurants open for lunch to the north of the courthouse:
1097 W. Long Lake Road
(248) 540-2266
*****
4036 Telegraph Road
(248) 540-7722
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3951 Telegraph Road
(248) 988-9333
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869 W. Long Lake Road
(248) 480-4785
Pontiac
670 Cesar E. Chavez Ave.
(248) 332-3925
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Al’s Fresh Fish Chicken and Seafood
775 Baldwin Ave.
(248) 451-1488
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806 Baldwin Ave.
(248) 454-0887
Visit Us
We are located on the Northeast corner of Big Beaver & Livernois in the Venture Plaza Office Building.
Get in Touch
Fill out the contact form or call us at 248-515-6583 to schedule your free consultation.
