Facing criminal charges—whether a misdemeanor or felony—can feel overwhelming, confusing, and deeply stressful. If you or a loved one has been arrested, investigated, or charged with a crime in Washtenaw County or anywhere in Southeast Michigan, it’s critical to have a seasoned legal advocate on your side. Our criminal defense attorneys in Ann Arbor have more than 25 years of experience fighting for people just like you.
In Michigan, a felony is generally defined as a crime for which the potential punishment may be greater than one year in county jail.
If you’re charged with a felony, your case will begin with an arraignment held either in jail or via a “self-surrender.” An arraignment is followed by a preliminary examination, an extremely important stage of the proceedings. Geherin Law Group’s criminal defense attorneys have handled thousands of preliminary examinations for virtually every felony charge imaginable and are prepared to review your case to see if your case might be dismissed at this early stage. We have relationships with private investigators to investigate your case, and a staff dedicated to helping you through this stressful time. From homicide to weapons offenses, from narcotics offenses to OWI / Third Offense, if you are charged with a felony, please contact us for a consultation.
Felonies can range from non-violent financial crimes to violent offenses that may carry life sentences. Some of the most common felony charges we handle include:
A felony conviction can have a devastating and permanent impact on your life—including the loss of your freedom, civil rights, job opportunities, and personal relationships. Our mission is to prevent or mitigate these consequences wherever possible. That’s why we tailor our defense approach to the specific facts of your case and your long-term goals.
In contrast, a misdemeanor is generally defined as a crime for which the maximum punishment is one year in county jail. Put simply, misdemeanor offenses generally do not carry the threat of prison, they should never be taken lightly.
Misdemeanors range from low-level misdemeanors (trespass, retail fraud) to crimes of violence (domestic violence, aggravated assault). Typically, you will either be arrested for a misdemeanor or sent a notice to appear in district court.
In misdemeanor offenses, there is no preliminary examination, so the prosecution can proceed on the basis of the police report. This can be extraordinarily frustrating, especially if you believe the report is false or misleading. In these situations, your criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor may be the only person standing between you and a criminal conviction. That’s why it’s so important to work with a firm that is deeply experienced in Michigan’s criminal courts. Geherin Law Group handles virtually all types of misdemeanor charges throughout Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and surrounding communities.
If you’ve received a notice to appear, or have been arrested or investigated for a misdemeanor, we are ready to help.
Misdemeanor offenses might not seem serious at first, but they can carry lasting penalties, including jail time, probation, and a criminal record. Common misdemeanor charges include:
Even a single misdemeanor conviction can affect your record, your job prospects, and your future. We thoroughly investigate every case and fight for a resolution that protects your future. In many cases, a misdemeanor can be resolved through diversion programs, dismissal options, or plea negotiations that avoid jail time and protect your record.
Felony and misdemeanor charges in Michigan carry serious legal and personal consequences. Even a seemingly “minor” charge can lead to:
For those facing felony or misdemeanor charges in Ann Arbor, having an experienced, dedicated criminal defense attorney is not just important—it’s essential. At Geherin Law Group, criminal law is not a “side practice” or one of many practice areas. It’s our primary focus. We have defended thousands of clients in Michigan and take great pride in our trial skills, investigative diligence, and personal commitment to every client.
If you would like to “erase” or expunge a criminal conviction from your record, we can help. Generally, you must wait a period of time to attempt an expungement, and you must prove that your record has remained virtually spotless. Unfortunately, some offenses (OWI, traffic offenses, capital offenses, etc.) are generally not eligible for expungement. The laws and procedures for expungements change frequently, so please contact GLG for a consultation as to your eligibility.
Michigan recently expanded eligibility for expungement under the “Clean Slate” laws, allowing more people a second chance. You may qualify if:
We can guide you through the petition process, represent you at your expungement hearing, and help you clean up your record so you can move forward with your life.
Wrongfully convicted? Believe evidence was used against you improperly? Feel as though your trial attorney did not properly use evidence of your innocence? If so, we will listen to your case and either take on your appeal or refer you to competent counsel. Either way, if you feel an appeal is in your best interest, please call our office for a consultation.
Our firm can assist with appeals related to:
Appellate law is complex and time-sensitive. If you’re considering an appeal, contact our firm immediately to preserve your rights and deadlines.
We believe everyone deserves a defense rooted in dignity, fairness, and aggressive legal strategy. Whether you’re a first-time offender or facing multiple charges, our team approaches each case with the same unwavering commitment to justice. We don’t judge—we fight, and we do so with the experience, resources, and dedication that have earned us the trust of clients across Michigan.
If you’ve been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, or anywhere in Washtenaw County, don’t wait to secure legal help. If you’re hoping to clean up your criminal record—we’re here to help you take back control of your future. Please contact us to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation.
📞 Call Geherin Law Group now at (734) 263-2780
📍 Or visit us in Ann Arbor
💬 Free, confidential consultations available
