What should you do if you are arrested for domestic violence in Northville, Michigan?
It probably all happened so quickly – you got into an argument with your partner or a family member, tempers flared and things escalated, and the next thing you knew, the police were at your door.
The 5th Amendment
The first and most important thing you must do if you are arrested is exercise your legal right to remain silent. If you say ANYTHING incriminating, it WILL be used against you by the Wayne County District Attorney.
Even if you were acting in self-defense, were falsely accused, or the police are encouraging you to “clear things up”, never make any statements without your attorney present. If the police were too hasty and misread the situation, your domestic violence criminal defense lawyer will straighten things out.
The 6th Amendment
Next, exercise another Constitutional right – your right to legal counsel. To beat domestic violence charges, you need a legal specialist with experience handling these types of cases – a Northville, Michigan, domestic violence criminal defense lawyer.
Blank Law, PC is your first and best option. As the top domestic violence law firm in Michigan, we have the experience, skill, reputation, and passion to help you win your case, clear your name, and get your life back.
The INITIAL CONSULTATION IS FREE, so reach out TODAY.
Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence?
False domestic assault allegations happen more than you might think. The Coalition to End Domestic Violence reports:
- 1 in 4 divorce cases involves claims of intimate partner violence. 70% of those allegations are unwarranted or false.
- Every year, 175,000 children are involved in divorce cases with false domestic violence allegations. This is relevant because in Michigan, family court judges are advised to consider domestic violence when awarding custody.
- Jealous former romantic partners will often falsely claim that they are victims to prevent their ex from seeing someone else.
- Likewise, when there is relationship trouble, one partner will make bogus claims to punish the other.
- Some people threaten to press false charges as a means of control.
Per George Mason University, women are much more likely to make false DV allegations against men than the other way around, especially in those cases where the woman is the perpetrator. 73% of men who are the victims of female-perpetrated domestic violence report being threatened with false accusations.
While there is a misconception that men are nearly always the aggressors and that women are overwhelmingly victimized, studies reveal that domestic violence occurs nearly equally to both sexes – to 54% of women and 46% of men.
Why do all of these statistics matter?
Far too often, unaware police officers rush to judgment and make the decision to arrest you based on their own biases, rather than the facts.
As the best Northville domestic violence law firm, Blank Law helps you fight the stereotypes that support false charges. To discuss your situation, contact Blank Law, PC TODAY.
Penalties for Domestic Violence in Northville, Michigan
Many crimes can be prosecuted as domestic violence offenses – assault, stalking, cyberbullying, destruction of property, and criminal sexual misconduct, for example. The specific circumstances, actions, and history determine if you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.
Maximum penalties include:
- 10 years in prison
- $5000 fine
- Summary divorce decree
- No mediation of divorce disputes
- Victim’s Protective Order (VPO)
- Forced to move out of the shared residence
- Loss of child custody
- Supervised or suspended visitation
- Psychological evaluation
- Behavioral counseling
- Anger management
- Parenting classes
- Substance abuse treatment
- Loss of the right to possess a firearm
- Permanent registration as a sex offender
- Denial of immigrant visa or deportation
A misdemeanor or felony domestic violence conviction gives you a criminal record that stays with you, impacting where you live and work.
To beat domestic violence charges in Northville, you need an experienced defense attorney who will fight for your rights and help you realize the best possible outcome.
When your freedom, your finances, your family, and your future are at stake, you want Blank Law in your corner.
Blank Law, PC – The #1 Domestic Violence Law Firm in Northville
Nicole Blank Becker has more than 20 years of specialized experience handling domestic violence cases. Before founding Blank Law, Nicole worked as a Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor as the Chief of Child Abuse and Sex Crimes units.
Criminal defense lawyer Christopher Coyle was a Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor for more than 30 years, including a promotion to Deputy Chief of the Special Victims Unit.
Their experience with the local Child Abuse, Sex Crimes, and Special Victims units gives Nicole and Chris a unique insight into the Wayne County DA’s probable strategies in order to prepare the most effective domestic violence defense possible.
To learn more about what Blank Law can do for you, contact Nicole or Chris for a free initial consultation.
Where Are Northville Domestic Violence Cases Tried?
Misdemeanors
The 35th District Court in Plymouth serves the Charter Township of Northville and four other local communities – the Townships of Canton and Plymouth, and the Cities of Northville and Plymouth.
660 Plymouth Road
Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 459-4740
Felonies
Frank Murphy Hall of Justice
1441 St. Antoine
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 224-7018
Northville Domestic Violence Judges
35th District Court
There are three judges presiding over the 35th District Court in Plymouth.
3rd Judicial Circuit Court
There are 23 judges within the Criminal Division of the 3rd Circuit Court in Detroit.
Honorable Donald Knapp, Jr. (Presiding)
Honorable Chandra W. Baker-Robinson
Honorable Mariam Bazzi
Honorable Gregory Dean Bill
Honorable Christopher M. Blount
Honorable Bradley Cobb
Honorable Kevin J. Cox
Honorable Kiefer Cox
Honorable Paul J. Cusick
Honorable Prentis Edwards, Jr.
Honorable Wanda A. Evans
Honorable John C. Gillis
Honorable Tracy E. Green
Honorable Bridget Mary Hathaway
Honorable Nicholas Hathaway
Honorable Anne McCarthy
Honorable Kelly A. Ramsey
Honorable Mark T. Slavens
Honorable Deborah A. Thomas
Honorable Regina D. Thomas
Honorable Margaret M. Van Houten
Honorable Shannon N. Walker
Wayne County Prosecutor
(313) 224-5777
(313) 224-5857
Special Victim’s Unit
(313) 224-5809
35th District Court and 3rd Circuit Court Parking
The main parking lot for the 35th District Court in Plymouth is on the east side of the building. There is also ample parking to the north and south.
The 3rd Circuit Court’s primary parking lot is to the west of the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice.
Nearby Restaurants
Plymouth
Most of the nearby lunch options in Northville are to the west, along Plymouth Road as it turns into Main Street.
200 South Main Street
(734) 459-0963
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Simply Fresh Mediterranean Grill
838 Penniman Avenue
(734) 335-7720
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350 South Main Street
(734) 416-0100
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447 Forest Avenue
(734) 892-2548
Detroit
Here are some lunch options close to the 3rd Circuit Court, many along Woodward Avenue:
12300 Woodward Avenue
(313) 826-0211
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13548 Woodward Avenue
(313) 438-5800
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71 Oakman Boulevard
(313) 865-1288