DETROIT CRIMINAL LAW BLOG
- May 30, 2026
- Violent Crime
The Michigan legislature defines a violent crime as an aggressive act against a person or property. The courts prosecute violent crimes more aggressively than other offenses, which often involve significant time in state prison and steep fines. Once your sentence is served, you will have a permanent criminal record, making it difficult to find work or suitable housing.
At John Freeman, we know that courts are more likely to side with the prosecution in violent crime cases. Still, the law states that you are innocent until proven guilty, and our firm adheres to this principle. The State already has ample resources to dig up dirt on you, which is why our violent crimes defense attorney is ready to put his knowledge to work for you.
What is Considered a Violent Crime in Michigan?
A violent crime places your freedom and future at stake. Thankfully, our violent crimes defense lawyer has successfully defended clients against the following charges:
- Assault and battery
- First-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter
- Extortion
- Armed robbery
- Sex crimes
- Firearm, gun, and weapon crimes
- Allegations of domestic violence
- Kidnapping
- Child abuse
Potential Prison Time and/or Fines
Serious charges call for a serious punishment. Since violent crimes are considered the most heinous acts under the law, the severity of the offense dictates the severity of sentencing. For example, Michigan law defines first-degree murder as applying to any of the following:
- A willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing;
- Committing a murder during the commission of another crime; or
- Murdering a police officer or correctional officer.
A trademark characteristic of first-degree murder is premeditation and malice aforethought. This is the intentional, unjustified killing of someone underscored by an evil intent. Malice aforethought is the mental state required to convict someone of first-degree murder in most states, including Michigan. First-degree murder is a class A felony, so a guilty finding is punishable by life in prison with no eligibility for parole. The Michigan Constitution bans the death penalty, so the harshest penalty under the state law is life in prison.
Second-degree murder encompasses any other murder that does not involve premeditation or deliberation. It is a lesser charge that carries the potential for life in prison, although there is no minimum penalty. A lesser offense, manslaughter, may be classified as either voluntary or involuntary, differing in whether the defendant had the intent to kill or acted in gross negligence. Manslaughter is considered a crime of passion, which may be brought about by a triggering event, but is not a premeditated act. Both a voluntary and involuntary manslaughter conviction carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, a fine of $7,500, or potentially both.
Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a time limit within which the State can bring charges against a defendant. In Michigan, the statute of limitations for criminal offenses depends on the type of crime committed. Particularly heinous crimes, such as murder, have no statute of limitations.
Others, such as child sex trafficking, come with a strict 25-year statute of limitations. Even if there is a basis for taking legal action, after this amount of time, the State will not press charges against an individual. If you would like to discuss the limitation period and other details of your case, do not hesitate to speak with our Michigan violent crimes defense attorney.
Speak with Our Michigan Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with a violent crime, your top priority should be acquiring legal representation. At the Law Office of John Freeman, our Michigan violent crimes defense attorney has over 30 years of experience honing his skills in the criminal justice system. He successfully represented individuals in complex cases, facing multiple charges or multiple counts for the same offense. To discuss your rights, contact our office online or by phone at (248) 519-2313 to arrange your free consultation.