Domestic Violence Lawyers in Lansing
Protecting Lansing and Ingham County residents with expert, strategic domestic violence defense.
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Serious Charges With Lasting Impact in Lansing
A domestic violence charge in Lansing, Michigan, can upend your life in an instant. These cases are prosecuted aggressively by the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office, and even a first-time offense can result in jail time, a criminal record, strict no-contact orders, loss of firearm rights, and severe damage to your family and reputation.
Once police are called, the decision to press charges rests solely with the prosecutor, not the alleged victim. The Lansing Police Department and other local agencies are trained to make an arrest if they find probable cause. The prosecutor’s office can, and often will, proceed with the case even if the accuser recants or expresses a desire to drop the charges.
Once charged, the legal consequences begin immediately. The courts in Lansing—primarily the 54A District Court for arraignments and misdemeanors, and the 30th Circuit Court for felonies—handle a high volume of domestic violence cases and will impose a strict No-Contact Order as a condition of your bond. This order prohibits any contact—direct or indirect—with the alleged victim and may force you out of your own home. If you are facing accusations, it is critical to act immediately to protect your rights.
Mamat Law: Trusted Domestic Violence Defense in Lansing
Mamat Law is committed to providing strategic, compassionate defense for Lansing residents accused of domestic violence. With years of experience in Ingham County courts, our attorneys understand the local procedures, judges, and prosecutors. We know how these cases unfold—from the initial police report to potential resolutions—and we use that knowledge to build a powerful, personalized defense for each client.
Our approach is thorough and thoughtful. At Mamat Law, you are not treated like a case file—you are a person who deserves an experienced advocate fighting for their future. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time misdemeanor or facing a complex felony charge, Mamat Law will position your case for the best possible outcome.
How Michigan Law Defines Domestic Violence
In Michigan, a domestic violence charge is not defined by the severity of the act but by the relationship between the accused and the alleged victim. The core statute, MCL 750.81, criminalizes an assault or an assault and battery against an individual with whom you have a “domestic relationship.” This includes:
- A current or former spouse
- Someone you are dating or have dated
- Someone with whom you have a child in common
- A resident or former resident of the same household
The alleged conduct does not need to cause a visible injury. A simple unwanted touching, a threat that causes reasonable fear of harm, or an act of physical aggression can be enough to trigger a charge. The context of the relationship is what elevates a standard assault charge to the more serious category of domestic violence.
Common Domestic Violence Charges in Michigan
Michigan law includes several distinct offenses related to domestic violence. The penalties are enhanced based on prior convictions, the severity of injury, and whether a weapon was involved.
- Domestic Assault (MCL 750.81)
This is an assault or assault and battery within a domestic relationship.
- 1st Offense: Misdemeanor; up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
- 2nd Offense: Misdemeanor; up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- 3rd or Subsequent Offense: A 5-year felony, provided you have at least two prior domestic violence convictions.
- Aggravated Domestic Assault (MCL 750.81a)
This charge applies when an assault causes a “serious or aggravated injury” (e.g., one requiring immediate medical attention) but does not involve a weapon.
- 1st Offense: Misdemeanor; up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- 2nd or Subsequent Offense: A 5-year felony.
- Assault by Strangulation or Suffocation (MCL 750.84)
A particularly serious and common felony charge. Intentionally impeding breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat/neck or blocking the nose/mouth.
- Penalty: Felony; up to 10 years in prison.
- Felonious Assault (Assault with a Dangerous Weapon) (MCL 750.82)
Assaulting someone with a gun, knife, or other dangerous weapon.
- Penalty: Felony; up to 4 years in prison.
- Stalking (MCL 750.411h)
A pattern of willful, unconsented contact that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, or threatened.
- Penalty: Misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or Felony (up to 5 years for Aggravated Stalking).
A Critical Lifeline: The Michigan Domestic Violence Deferral (MCL 769.4a)
For first-time offenders, Michigan law offers a crucial opportunity to avoid a permanent criminal conviction. Known as the “Spouse Abuse Act” deferral, this program allows an eligible individual to plead guilty or no contest, but the court withholds entry of a conviction.
- Eligibility: You must have no prior assaultive convictions, and the current charge must not involve a weapon.
- Process: After the plea, you are placed on a term of probation with conditions like counseling, anger management, and no-contact provisions.
- Outcome: If you successfully complete probation, the public criminal charge is dismissed. The record is sealed from the public, though it remains accessible to law enforcement and prosecutors for future charging decisions.
Securing a 769.4a deferral is a primary goal in many first-offense cases, as it preserves your clean public record. An experienced Lansing attorney can determine your eligibility and negotiate with the prosecutor to secure this outcome.
Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) vs. Criminal No-Contact Orders
It’s vital to understand the difference between these two restrictive orders:
- Personal Protection Order (PPO): This is a civil order issued by a family court judge at the request of a petitioner. It can be issued “ex parte” (without a hearing) and restricts contact, location, and firearm possession. You have the right to a hearing to challenge and terminate the PPO.
- Criminal No-Contact Order: This is a criminal court order issued by the judge in your domestic violence case as a condition of your bond. It is not optional. Violating it will lead to your bond being revoked and immediate incarceration, plus a new criminal charge.
Mamat Law defends clients in both arenas—fighting to terminate unfair PPOs in civil court and ensuring your rights are protected under the strict conditions of a criminal no-contact order. An accidental text or a chance encounter can lead to jail, making experienced guidance essential.
Beyond the Courtroom: The Lifelong Consequences of a Conviction
A domestic violence conviction is permanent and creates lifelong barriers:
- Permanent Criminal Record: Appears on all background checks, hindering your ability to find employment, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses.
- Loss of Firearm Rights: Under federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment), any domestic violence conviction—even a misdemeanor—results in a lifetime ban on owning or possessing firearms.
- Child Custody and Parenting Time: A conviction can be used against you in family court, potentially restricting your access to your children.
Immigration Status: For non-citizens, a conviction can trigger deportation, denial of naturalization, or prevent re-entry into the United States.
Mamat Law’s Proven Defense Strategies in Lansing Domestic Violence Cases
Our defense begins immediately. We meticulously review every piece of evidence to build a strategy tailored to your case. Common and effective defenses include:
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: Arguing that your actions were legally justified to protect yourself or another person from harm.
- Challenging the Accuser’s Credibility: Exposing inconsistencies, false statements, or ulterior motives (such as gaining an advantage in a divorce or custody battle).
- Lack of Evidence: Arguing the prosecutor cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Contesting the “Domestic Relationship”: In some cases, the relationship between the parties may not meet the legal definition required by the statute.
- Filing Pre-Trial Motions: Seeking to suppress evidence that was obtained through an illegal search or a violation of your Miranda rights.
Negotiating for a Deferral or Reduced Charges: Leveraging the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to negotiate for a dismissal, a 769.4a deferral, or a plea to a lesser, non-domestic offense.
Why Choose Mamat Law for Lansing Domestic Violence Defense?
Mamat Law has built a strong reputation for defending Lansing residents with skill, discretion, and dedication. Our attorneys:
- Have extensive experience handling domestic violence cases in Lansing’s 54A District Court and Ingham County’s 30th Circuit Court.
- Maintain professional relationships with local prosecutors and judges, which aids in effective negotiation.
- Prioritize clear, honest communication, keeping you informed at every step.
- Provide aggressive, non-judgmental representation focused on one thing: the best possible result for you.
When your freedom, family, and future are on the line, local expertise matters.
Request a Free, Confidential Consultation Today
If you have been arrested or are being investigated for domestic violence in Lansing or anywhere in Ingham County, do not wait. The most critical window for your defense is right now. Contact Mamat Law for a free, confidential consultation. An experienced attorney will listen to your side of the story, explain your rights, and outline a clear path forward.
Call today or submit our contact form. Let Mamat Law start building your defense immediately.