Criminal Law

Criminal law is a system of laws that defines and punishes actions that are considered harmful, dangerous, or threatening to people, property, health, safety, and welfare. It’s a fundamental part of the legal system, and is designed to protect the community and ensure public safety. There are some key aspects of criminal law:

Criminal law defines many different types of crimes, including murder, assault, theft, arson, drug offenses, fraud, rape, and sexual abuse. Each type of crime has its own set of punishments, which vary by jurisdiction. Most criminal laws are established by statute, meaning they are enacted by a legislature.

The criminal justice system classifies offenses into different types, each with its own characteristics, penalties, and legal implications, such as misdemeanors and felonies. In a criminal law case, the prosecution bears the burden of proving the offense beyond reasonable doubt.

Criminal law is concerned with punishing individuals for committing crimes, while civil law involves two parties disputing their rights as between each other.

Criminal Law

Criminal law is a system of laws that defines and punishes actions that are considered harmful, dangerous, or threatening to people, property, health, safety, and welfare. It’s a fundamental part of the legal system, and is designed to protect the community and ensure public safety. There are some key aspects of criminal law:

Criminal law defines many different types of crimes, including murder, assault, theft, arson, drug offenses, fraud, rape, and sexual abuse. Each type of crime has its own set of punishments, which vary by jurisdiction. Most criminal laws are established by statute, meaning they are enacted by a legislature.

The criminal justice system classifies offenses into different types, each with its own characteristics, penalties, and legal implications, such as misdemeanors and felonies. In a criminal law case, the prosecution bears the burden of proving the offense beyond reasonable doubt.

Criminal law is concerned with punishing individuals for committing crimes, while civil law involves two parties disputing their rights as between each other.

Michigan Expungement Law: Clear Your Record

In Michigan, expungement is the legal process of sealing or erasing a criminal record. This means that, once expunged, the conviction will not be visible to most employers, landlords, or the general public. Expungement can provide individuals with a fresh start, allowing them to pursue employment, housing, and other opportunities without the stigma of a criminal record.

Michigan License Restoration: Your Path to Regaining Driving Privileges

In Michigan, losing your driver’s license due to criminal offenses, particularly those related to alcohol or substance abuse, can be a significant setback. However, the good news is that you may have the opportunity to restore your driving privileges. License restoration is a legal process that allows individuals who have had their licenses revoked or suspended to regain their ability to drive legally.

Misdemeanors: Charged with a Misdemeanor? We can help!

If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Michigan, it is essential to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, explore potential defenses, and work towards minimizing the impact of the charges against you.

Michigan Domestic Violence Charges: What You Need to Know

Domestic violence is a serious crime in Michigan, and the legal implications can significantly impact your life. If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence charges, it’s crucial to understand the nature of these charges, potential consequences, and available defenses.

Driving While Under the Influence (DUI) and Operating While Impaired/Intoxicated (OWI)

The Grand Traverse Bay area is a notorious hot spot for DUI offenses. In general, police throughout the State of Michigan have cracked down on drunk driving. Whether locally based or vacationing in the beautiful State of Michigan, if you have found yourself charged with a DUI, the best thing you can do for yourself is hire competent legal counsel to navigate through the criminal court system on your behalf. Often times people don’t even realize that they’re over the legal limit – they think that they are fine to drive and will make it home safely. Unfortunately, most prosecutors are not so understanding and take drunk driving very seriously. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Juvenile Crimes: In Need of a Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorney? We Can Help!

We all want the best for our kids. That’s why it can be so terrifying when a child is accused of committing a crime. You want to know what’s going to happen to them. Will they go to jail or juvenile detention? Will they have a permanent record? Any criminal accusation against a child can have serious consequences for their future, and you need to take the matter seriously. That said, there are many ways to go about minimizing or even eliminating many of those consequences. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney at Schmeltzer Law can help you navigate these treacherous waters to ensure the best outcome for your child.

Schmeltzer Law, your Criminal Law attorney in Traverse City and Northern Michigan!

Schmeltzer Law is based in Traverse City, Michigan, and practices throughout the state of Michigan.

Michigan Expungement Law: Clear Your Record

In Michigan, expungement is the legal process of sealing or erasing a criminal record. This means that, once expunged, the conviction will not be visible to most employers, landlords, or the general public. Expungement can provide individuals with a fresh start, allowing them to pursue employment, housing, and other opportunities without the stigma of a criminal record.

Michigan License Restoration: Your Path to Regaining Driving Privileges

In Michigan, losing your driver’s license due to criminal offenses, particularly those related to alcohol or substance abuse, can be a significant setback. However, the good news is that you may have the opportunity to restore your driving privileges. License restoration is a legal process that allows individuals who have had their licenses revoked or suspended to regain their ability to drive legally.

Misdemeanors: Charged with a Misdemeanor? We can help!

If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Michigan, it is essential to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, explore potential defenses, and work towards minimizing the impact of the charges against you.

Michigan Domestic Violence Charges: What You Need to Know

Domestic violence is a serious crime in Michigan, and the legal implications can significantly impact your life. If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence charges, it’s crucial to understand the nature of these charges, potential consequences, and available defenses.

Driving While Under the Influence (DUI) and Operating While Impaired/Intoxicated (OWI)

The Grand Traverse Bay area is a notorious hot spot for DUI offenses. In general, police throughout the State of Michigan have cracked down on drunk driving. Whether locally based or vacationing in the beautiful State of Michigan, if you have found yourself charged with a DUI, the best thing you can do for yourself is hire competent legal counsel to navigate through the criminal court system on your behalf. Often times people don’t even realize that they’re over the legal limit – they think that they are fine to drive and will make it home safely. Unfortunately, most prosecutors are not so understanding and take drunk driving very seriously. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Juvenile Crimes: In Need of a Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorney?

We all want the best for our kids. That’s why it can be so terrifying when a child is accused of committing a crime. You want to know what’s going to happen to them. Will they go to jail or juvenile detention? Will they have a permanent record? Any criminal accusation against a child can have serious consequences for their future, and you need to take the matter seriously. That said, there are many ways to go about minimizing or even eliminating many of those consequences. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney at Schmeltzer Law can help you navigate these treacherous waters to ensure the best outcome for your child.

Schmeltzer Law, your Criminal Law attorney in Traverse City and Northern Michigan!

Schmeltzer Law is based in Traverse City, Michigan, and practices throughout the state of Michigan.