Detroit Michigan Misdemeanor and Felony Defense Attorney

We understand the fear and anxiety that may occur if you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense in Michigan. Detroit Misdemeanor or Felony Offense Lawyer Kevin Bessant has successfully defended various charges throughout courtrooms across the State of Michigan. If you have been charged in Michigan, you need the aggressive and skilled representation of Kevin Bessant to represent you! Misdemeanor or Felony criminal charges can include:

The worst thing you can do if you are facing Misdemeanor or Felony charges is to do nothing at all. A conviction of any kind can severely damage your reputation, employment opportunities, educational goals, finances, and can even risk your personal freedom by sending you to jail or prison. The Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates can help you to restore your peace of mind and protect your future by helping you avoid a criminal conviction of your charges. If you have been charged with a Misdemeanor or Felony charge in Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, Monroe County, Livingston County, or Washtenaw County, please call our office immediatley so we can help you today!

Misdemeanor Process
When a person is arrested and facing allegations of a criminal offense in Michigan, he or she will be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony charge. A crime is classified depending on the severity of the offense and potential penalties that may be implemented upon a conviction. If you have been charged, call Kevin Bessant TODAY to discuss your case for free! Attorney’s at the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates are here to help you defend and win your criminal case!

A misdemeanor is a lesser offense than a felony. It is a crime punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Misdemeanors often have the opportunity to have alternative sentencing such as treatment programs or diversion programs that Kevin Bessant can pursue on your behalf. In other cases, with the right actions taken, the entire misdemeanor charge could even be dismissed before trial.

Pre-Trial Conference
The Pre-Trial Conference is a highly critical stage of your offense, and a stage in which having a retained attorney handle your case is critical! At the pre-trial conference, lawyer Kevin Bessant will have the opportunity to review the police reports, witness statements, and any additional evidence against you to begin to prepare and defend your case.

If retained early enough in the process, the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates Attorney can obtain certain evidence well before your pre-trial date which is extremely helpful in the preparation and defense of your case. Often times, after reviewing the evidence, attorney Kevin Bessant is able to dismiss or reduce your charges upon speaking with the local prosecutor concerning their lack of evidence.

At Pre-trial, the prosecutor will most likely present the defendant with a plea bargain. If you decide to enter into a plea agreement at the pre-trial conference, Detroit Misdemeanor or Felony Offense Lawyer Kevin Bessant will always fight and negotiate for the best possible plea deal for you based upon the facts and circumstances of your case, assuming a determination has been made by you not to pursue a trial in your case.

Felony Process
A felony is a crime that may be punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility (state or federal prison) as well as fines. Depending on the offense, imprisonment may range from one year all the way to life in prison or possibly the death penalty in some extreme cases.

Armed robbery, felonious assault, drug trafficking, manslaughter and murder are examples of felony offenses. Felony charges are to be taken serious and you need the dedicated attention and focus to your case that lawyer Kevin Bessant will provide.

Felony Arraignment
At your arraignment the judge will inform you of the charges you are facing and set a preliminary examination within 14 days following your arraignment. Because felony charges are more serious and severe criminal charges than a misdemeanor offense, the judge will often times set higher bail/bond amounts, which mean you could be in jail throughout your case. The Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates has extensive experience in securing you a reasonable bond with the court to avoid you having a long jail stay.

This is why it is extremely important for the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates to be by your side at your felony arraignment and bail hearing to ensure that the facts of your case are presented factually and that your bail amount allows you to stay out of jail, including a personal recognizance bond.

Preliminary Examination
The purpose is of a Preliminary Examination, also known as a “Pre-Lim”, is for the Judge to take testimony from the alleged victim(s), police, and additional witnesses involved in your felony charges to determine if there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that you indeed committed the crimes charged by the prosecution. Kevin Bessant utilizes the preliminary examination as the first opportunity to weaken the prosecutions case and punch holes in their evidence!

A preliminary-examination is critical to the continued defense of your case as often times attorney’s at the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates is able to obtain a dismissal of your charges at the preliminary examination if the evidence shows that the prosecutions case is weak and that the felony criminal charges have no legal basis.

Circuit Court
If the judge determines that there is enough probable cause to bind the case over to trial, your case will then be transferred to circuit court where you will be officially arraigned on the felony charges and given an opportunity to plead guilty or set a trial date on the charges.

Because a felony charge is a serious offense, and can cause severe damage to your reputation, criminal record, and can even lead to a jail or prison sentence, you want to be sure to discuss all of your available legal options at trial before you enter into a plea of guilty to a felony offense.

If you have been arrested or charged with criminal misdemeanor or felony charges in Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, or Monroe County, Detroit Misdemeanor or Felony Offense Lawyer Kevin Bessant will challenge the police and prosecution and FIGHT for the DISMISSAL of your charges! Call the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates Attorney Today for a free case evaluation and consultation to discuss your case.

Legal Authority: Court Rules and Statute

Felony arraignment and preliminary examination procedure is governed by MCR 6.104 and MCR 6.110, with district court jurisdiction at MCL 600.8311.
Bond determinations follow MCL 765.6, which directs the court to weigh the seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s prior record, and flight risk.
Michigan’s habitual offender sentencing enhancements are codified at MCL 769.10 through MCL 769.12.

For the current text of these rules, see the Michigan Court Rules published by the Michigan Courts.

About Attorney Kevin Bessant

Licensed Michigan Attorney with the State Bar of Michigan and over 20 years of criminal defense trial experience.
Michigan Super Lawyer, recognized annually from 2015 through 2025.
Detroit Business Magazine (DBusiness) Top Lawyer, 2017.
Listed among Expertise.com’s Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Detroit.
Interviewed by Fox 2 News Detroit (2016) regarding Michigan State Police breathalyzer calibration errors affecting nearly 2,000 DUI cases statewide between December 2015 and April 2016.
Offices in Detroit, Eastpointe, and Southfield, Michigan, serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties.
Free case evaluation: 313-658-8159

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Michigan?

A misdemeanor is generally punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000, while a felony can carry imprisonment in a state or federal prison ranging from one year up to life, depending on the offense.

What happens at a felony arraignment?

At a felony arraignment, the judge informs the defendant of the charges and sets a preliminary examination within 14 days, and often sets a higher bail or bond amount than for a misdemeanor.

What is a preliminary examination?

A preliminary examination, or pre-lim, is a hearing where the judge hears testimony from witnesses, victims, and police to decide whether there is probable cause that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it.

Can misdemeanor charges be dismissed before trial?

Yes. In some cases, after reviewing the evidence, an attorney can get a misdemeanor charge dismissed or reduced during pre-trial negotiations with the prosecutor.