Felonious Assault Lawyer in Southfield

Facing a Weapon-Related Felony? Get 24/7 Legal Guidance

A felonious assault accusation can threaten your freedom, employment, firearm rights, and family stability before the case reaches trial. The outcome may turn on the object allegedly used, how the confrontation unfolded, and whether witnesses accurately described what happened. Early defense involvement can help identify video, messages, photographs, and other evidence before it becomes difficult to obtain.

We represent clients facing felony assault allegations in Southfield and throughout the Detroit Metro Area. Our first assessment considers the claimed weapon, each person’s actions, alleged injuries, witness accounts, and whether self-defense or defense of another may apply. Before discussing the incident with investigators or other parties, get advice based on your circumstances.

Call (248) 290-8099 for a free consultation with our defense team. We’re available 24/7 to discuss an investigation, arrest, or pending charge.

Michigan Felonious Assault Charges Under MCL 750.82

Michigan Compiled Laws 750.82 addresses assault with a dangerous weapon. The statute identifies weapons such as a gun, pistol, knife, iron bar, club, or brass knuckles. It also covers other objects allegedly used as dangerous weapons. The charge applies when the alleged assault occurs without intent to commit murder or inflict great bodily harm less than murder.

A violation is a felony generally punishable by up to four years in prison, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. An allegation involving a weapon-free school zone can raise separate statutory considerations. The potential outcome depends on the alleged conduct, available evidence, criminal history, charging decisions, and applicable law.

Although people often search for an aggravated assault lawyer, aggravated assault isn’t the statutory name for every Michigan weapon-related allegation. State law distinguishes felonious assault from simple assault, domestic assault, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, and assault with intent to commit murder. The claimed intent, injury, relationship between the parties, and alleged weapon can all affect how an offense is classified.

What to Expect in a Southfield Felony Case

Southfield felony cases generally begin in the 46th District Court. Initial proceedings may include a felony arraignment, bond determinations, a probable-cause conference, and a preliminary examination. At the preliminary examination, the prosecution presents evidence to establish sufficient grounds for the case to continue.

If the charge is bound over for further felony proceedings, it may continue in the Oakland County Circuit Court. The next stages can include plea discussions, motions, pretrial hearings, and trial preparation. Throughout the process, the prosecution bears the burden of proving the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Our work may include:

• Reviewing police reports, body-camera footage, surveillance video, messages, photographs, and other records.
• Interviewing witnesses and comparing their accounts with physical and digital evidence.
• Researching Michigan statutes and case law concerning the alleged weapon, intent, and claimed justification.
• Filing appropriate motions involving evidentiary or constitutional issues.
• Preparing for negotiations, hearings, or trial based on the client’s needs and goals.

We explain each stage and keep clients involved in major decisions. When possible, we pursue a favorable resolution without litigation. When court proceedings are necessary, we’re prepared to advocate for the client’s position.

Evidence & Defenses That May Shape the Case

No single defense applies to every accusation. Led by Attorney Jeff Perlman, we build each strategy around the evidence, the client’s account, and the prosecution’s theory rather than treating the police report as the complete story.

Important issues may include:

• Dangerous weapon: The object and the way it was allegedly used can affect whether it qualifies as a dangerous weapon.
• Intent and accident: The surrounding circumstances may indicate whether an action was intentional, accidental, defensive, or misunderstood.
• Self-defense: The analysis may consider who initiated the confrontation, what the accused reasonably perceived, and whether the response was legally justified.
• Defense of another: Evidence may indicate that the accused acted to protect someone else from an immediate threat.
• Witness credibility: Inconsistent statements, limited observation, intoxication, personal conflicts, or contradictions in recordings and records can affect reliability.
• Identification and investigation: Lighting, distance, identification procedures, 911 recordings, phone records, medical records, and forensic evidence may support or challenge the allegations.

We investigate the accusation, interview available witnesses, review documentation, and consult relevant professionals when appropriate. Through open communication, we give clients the information they need to understand their options and make informed decisions.