Assault and Battery | Detroit Assault and Battery Attorney | Detroit Criminal Defense Attorney, Domestic Violence Lawyer, Detroit Domestic Violence Lawyer

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Experience In and Out of the Courtroom

A majority of Michigan criminal cases are resolved prior to trial. Therefore, while it is imperative that your defense attorney has a record of success in the courtroom, their knowledge of the law and negotiating skill outside of the courtroom are equally important. We have successfully negotiated thousands of pre-trial settlements for our clients that have avoided or reduced the mandatory sentences associated with their original criminal charge.

ASSAULT AND BATTERY

Aggravated Assault • Sexual Battery

Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Contact our law firm immediately so we can assist you in making the most informed decision at 1 866-797-6644 . Pleading guilty may be the fastest way of putting your case behind you, but may not be in your best interest. Do not let someone force you to take a plea bargain, without a complete defense investigation, and a critical examination of the prosecutor’s evidence. We promise to fight for you, and get you the best possible outcome in court.

If you have been arrested for or charged with committing a violent crime, you need an aggressive criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. At Israa Zaher and Associates, we work tirelessly to defend our clients' best interests against assault charges. You cannot afford to choose your attorney carelessly. We have the knowledge and experience to do the job right.

When you are facing the possibility of significant prison time, you want a lawyer who knows the criminal justice system. You want someone who will fight for your rights every step of the way. Our assault defense attorneys have more than 10 years of experience defending people accused of, arrested for, or charged with various assault crimes, including:

Aggravated assault

Assault with a deadly weapon

Assault and battery

Assault causing serious bodily injury

Domestic assault

Sexual assault

Self defense or defense of others or property can be a complete defense to any battery charge – no matter how serious. We know that the police often listen only to the first person who calls 911. We will vigorously defend all self defense cases.

Michigan Assault and Battery,Domestic Violence Law, Laws:

A. ASSAULT AND BATTERY [MCLA 750.81]

Michigan Law defines a criminal assault and battery as an attempt or offer to do bodily injury with a present intention and ability to do so. A threat coupled with present ability may be considered an assault. Battery is the actual physical harm.

B. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT/ASSAULT AND INFLICTION OF SERIOUS INJURY. [MCLA 750.81a]

Any person who shall assault another without any weapon and inflict serious or aggravated injury upon the person of another without intending to commit the crime of murder and without intending to inflict great bodily harm less than the crime of murder, shall be guilty of a high misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail or the state prison for a period of not more than one year or a fine of $500 or both.

C. FELONIOUS ASSAULT [MCLA 750.82]

A felonious assault is an assault with a dangerous weapon without an intent to inflict great bodily harm. Any person who shall assault another with a gun, revolver, pistol, knife, iron bar, club, brass knuckles, or other dangerous weapon, but without intending to commit the crime of murder, and without intending to inflict great bodily harm less than the crime of murder, shall be guilty of a felonious assault.

D. ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO DO GREAT BODILY HARM LESS THAN MURDER. Felony [MCLA 750.84]

Any person who shall assault another with intent to do great bodily harm less than the crime of murder, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison, not more than ten years, or by a fine of not more than $5,000.

E. ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO MAIM. Felony [MCLA 750.86]

Any person who shall assault another with intent to maim or disfigure his person by cutting out or maiming the tongue, putting out or destroying an eye, cutting or tearing off an ear, cutting or slitting or mutilating the nose or lips or cutting off or disabling a limb, organ, or member, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not more than ten years or by fine of not more than $5,000.

F. ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO COMMIT MURDER. Felony [MCLA 750.83]

Any person who shall assault another with intent to commit the crime of murder, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life or any number of years.

G. CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT. {MCLA 750.520}

There are four degrees of criminal sexual conduct (usually known as rape). First, second, and third degrees are felonies. Fourth degree is a misdemeanor.

First and third degrees involve forced or coerced penetration. This can involve vaginal intercourse, anal or oral intercourse, or putting a finger or object in another person's genital or anal opening.

Second and fourth degree involve forced or coerced sexual contact. This includes touching the groin, genital area, inner thigh, buttocks, or breasts, or the clothing covering those parts.

How serious the crime is depends on a number of factors such as: more than one rapist; a weapon; a physical injury other than the rape; extortion; or the element of surprise. If the victim is under 13, from 13 - 15 and the rapist is a member of the family or in a position of authority, this also makes the crime more serious. Criminal sexual conduct does not require a witness other than the survivor. It is a crime if the rapist is your spouse.

H. Malicious destruction of property [MCLA 750.377(a)]

I. Home Invasion, 3rd Degree. [MCLA 750.110(4)

If a person enters a house of another in violation of an existing court order or with the intent to or committing an assault therein, they have committed a felony.

J. Assault with intent to commit a felony [MCLA 750.87]

SUMMARY OF LAWS APPLICABLE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

A. ARREST WITHOUT A WARRANT; ASSAULT AND BATTERY OR INFLICTION OF SERIOUS INJURY WITHIN HOUSEHOLD [MCLA 764.15a

This law is commonly known as the domestic violence warrant-less arrest statute. It allows the police officer to make an arrest if the officer has "reasonable cause" to believe that an assault has taken place, or is taking place, and that the person who committed the violation is a spouse, former spouse, or a person who resides or who has resided in the same household as the victim, or has a child in common with the victim. Under these circumstances, the officer may arrest the suspect without a warrant, whether the violation was committed in the presence of the officer or not.

B. ARREST WITHOUT A WARRANT FOR INJUNCTIVE ORDER VIOLATIONS. [MCLA 764.15b]

This statute gives police officers the authority to arrest and take into custody a person when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that there is a valid domestic assault restraining order with criminal penalties filed properly.

C. DOMESTIC DISPUTE VICTIMS; ADVISING OF AVAILABILITY OF SHELTER PROGRAM OR OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICES; NOTICE STATEMENT. [MCLA 764.15C]

After intervening in a domestic dispute, police officers are required by law to provide the victim with information on the availability of any local shelter program or other community services, and their phone numbers. A written notification of these services is to be given to the victim.

D. Amendment to the interim bond statute {Public Act 308, formerly Senate Bill 583MCLA 750.582.}

This law says that after a domestic assailant is arrested, he will be held until the next session of court where he will be arraigned. The only exception is if an arraignment could not take place within 24 hours. In that case, he will be released on interim bond after being held for 20 hours.

E. Court Ordered Counseling Option for Assault Violations {MCLA 769.4A }

This law states that a person who pleads guilty or is convicted of assault, or assault and battery may be ordered by the court to participate in a mandatory counseling program as a condition of probation.

F. Crime Victim's Rights Act {MCLA 780.751}

This law establishes protections and rights that allow the victims of certain crimes committed in Michigan to be active participants in the criminal justice process. The law defines a victim as: an individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, financial, or emotional harm as the result of the commission of a crime. Crimes covered by the act include felonies and high misdemeanors.

G. Compensation for Injured Crime Victims {MCLA 18.351}

Victims of certain personal injury crimes may receive financial compensation for particular losses that resulted from the crime.

H. Victims Seeking Help Assured of Confidentiality {MCLA 600.101}

Victims of sexual assault and domestic violence who seek the services of workers at sexual assault or domestic violence crisis centers have the protection of law that the counseling sessions are confidential and not admissible in the court without the victim's written consent.

I. The Ann Arbor Mandatory Arrest Ordinance

There is an ordinance in Ann Arbor which states the police officers are required to arrest domestic assailants if they have reasonable cause to believe an assault took place and there are visible signs of injury or a threat with a weapon. This ordinance also requires police to call the SAFE House on-call team so that they can go to help the survivor of the assault. It requires them to call the survivor to let her know when the assailant will be released from jail.

J. Amendment to the Criminal Sexual Conduct Statute {MCLA 750.520} making spousal rape a crime. {Public Act 138 of 1988}

A spouse can be charged with rape of his partner in Michigan.

K. STALKING LAWS

Stalking is a crime in Michigan. A victim may press charges against stalker, obtain a restraining order with provisions for immediate arrest and criminal contempt penalties, and sue for actual and exemplary damages caused by the stalker.

1. Stalking - MCLA 750.411h

Stalking is defined as a willful course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another individual that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed or molested, and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested. Behavior such as following the victim, showing up at his/her home or at work, confronting him/her in public or in private, making unwanted calls or sending unwanted letters, or leaving objects or "presents" for him/her at home, work, on/in his/her car or other property can be used as evidence of stalking. Stalking is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine of up to $1,000. In addition to incarceration and fines, an individual found guilty of stalking may also be put on probation for up to five years. The terms of probation may include an anti-stalking order, a no contact order, and/or mandatory counseling for the assailant, at his one's expense.

2. Aggravated Stalking - MCLA 750.411i

An individual who engages in stalking is guilty of aggravated stalking if his actions include one or more of the following: making a credible threat of injury to the victim or a member of the victim's family or household; violating a domestic assault or anti-stalking restraining order; violating a condition of bond, pre-trial release or probation arising from a stalking charge; or having a previous conviction for stalking or aggravated stalking. Aggravated stalking is a felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to five years, and/or a fine of up to $5,000. In addition to incarceration and fines, probation may be ordered for any number of years, but not less than five years. The terms of probation may include an anti-stalking order, a no contact order, and/or mandatory counseling for the stalker, at his own expense.

3. Anti-Stalking Restraining Orders - MCLA 600.2950a, MCLA 764.15b

A victim of stalking may petition the court for a restraining order to prohibit stalking behaviors. The order must be specific as to the particular behaviors to be restrained, but may include (though not be limited to): Following or appearing within the sight of the victim, Approaching or confronting the victim in a public place or on private property; Appearing at the victim's home, work, or school; Entering onto or remaining on property owned, leased, or occupied by the victim; Contacting the victim by telephone, mail or electronic mail; and Placing an object on or delivering an object to property owned, leased, or occupied by the victim. Violation of a valid anti-stalking restraining order is punishable by immediate arrest and the criminal contempt powers of the court. If found guilty of criminal contempt, the stalker may be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail and/or fined up to $500.00. An individual who violates an anti-stalking order may also be prosecuted and convicted of aggravated stalking for the same violation. [MCLA 750.411i(6)]

2. PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDERS

Personal protection orders (formerly restraining orders) (pursuant to MCLA 600.2950) are civil orders of the circuit court designed to protect domestic violence victims. The victim must demonstrate to the circuit court that there is reasonable cause to believe that the person they are seeking the order against may commit one or more of the acts. An attorney is needed to present this complaint to the circuit court. The request must state specific incidents of assaults/ and/or threats, and may describe injuries sustained and names of witnesses.

Personal protection orders (pursuant to MCLA 600.2950) are for domestic violence victims only. A relationship must exist between the victim or the perpetrator. They must be: married, formerly married, residing together, formerly residing together, have a child in common, or have a dating or formerly dating relationship.

Personal protection orders can prohibit the assailant from: assaulting, beating, molesting or wounding, entering on to the premises, removing minor children from the individual having legal custody, threatening to kill or physically injure a named person, interfering with the victim at her place of employment, engaging in conduct which impairs the victim's employment relationship or environment, or any other specific act that imposes a restraint upon the victim's personal liberty or causes a reasonable apprehension of violence.

Stalking language (MCLA 600.2450A) can be added to personal protection orders that restrains the assailant from: following or appearing within the sight of the victim approaching or confronting the victim in a public place or private property approaching at the victim's home, work or school entering onto or remaining on property owned, leased or occupied by the victim contacting the victim by telephone, mail or electronic mail placing an object on or delivering an object to property owned, leased, or occupied by the victim. The circuit court judge decides whether to issue a personal protection order. If the judge does not, s/he must immediately state in writing and on the record the reasons for so refusing. Victim may keep her address confidential. The order goes into effect immediately after the judge signs it. Service may be by registered mail. The assailant has an opportunity to object and to appear for a hearing. Police may arrest without a warrant when an assailant violates a personal protection order. A "show cause" hearing is held. If the assailant is found by the judge to have violated the order of the court, the assailant could be sentenced to up to 93 days in jail and receive a $500 fine or both.

THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SERIOUS

Whether you’re convicted of a misdemeanor or felony assault or battery, you could face any or all of the following:

County jail or state prison time

A permanent criminal record

Significant fines

Probation

Mandatory anger management classes

Losing your right to own a deadly weapon

Being turned down for employment after you’re released

Lifetime revocation of your Michigan Driver’s License

We represent clients in Detroit, Southfield, Pontiac, Troy, Warren, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Lansing, East Lansing, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Rochester, Auburn Hills, Clarkston, Birmingham, Ferndale, Flint, Novi, Pontiac, Troy, Saginaw, Sterling Heights, Waterford, Wayne, Dearborn, Westland, Canton, Monroe, Ann Arbor, Mount Clemens, Livonia, Grayling, Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, Brighton, Adrian, Allen Park, Clinton, Hamtramck, Northville, Garden City, Southgate, Harrison, Holland, Inkster, Allen Park, Belleville, Jackson, Madison Heights, Mount Pleasant, Oak Park, Okemos, Plymouth, Redford, Roseville, Romulus, Taylor, Wyandotte, Wyoming, Traverse City, Ypsilanti, Bad Axe, Northern Michigan, as well as residents of Wayne County, Kent County, Oakland County, Macomb County, Washtenaw County, Genesee County, Huron County, St. Clair County, Monroe County, Ingham County, Saginaw County, Livingston County, Lenawee County and all other Michigan counties.

GET THE BEST LAWYER THAT YOU CAN AFFORD, NOT THE CHEAPEST ONE THAT YOU CAN FIND