Michigan Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers
Aggressive Defense for Domestic Violence & Assault Charges
Being accused of domestic violence can destroy your reputation, your career, and your family relationships. Whether you're facing false accusations, defending against exaggerated claims, or dealing with a situation that was blown out of proportion, you need experienced trial attorneys who will fight for your rights. We defend clients facing all domestic violence charges in Michigan with judgment-free, aggressive representation.
Free Domestic Violence Defense Consultation
Time is critical in domestic violence cases. Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your charges and defense strategy.
Understanding Michigan Domestic Violence Charges
Michigan law defines domestic violence broadly, covering not just physical violence but also threats and intimidation between family or household members. You can be charged with domestic violence even if no one was injured, even if the alleged victim doesn't want to press charges, and even if the allegations are completely false.
Who counts as a "domestic" relationship under Michigan law?
- Spouse or former spouse
- Someone you're dating or have dated
- Someone you live with or used to live with
- Someone with whom you have a child in common
- Family members (parents, siblings, etc.)
Once police are called to a domestic violence situation, they often appear to feel obligated to arrest someone if they believe assault occurred. This often means someone gets arrested even when the situation was minor, mutual, or completely misunderstood.
Domestic Assault (First Offense)
The most common domestic violence charge. Assault or assault and battery against a family or household member. First offense is a misdemeanor with up to 93 days in jail and $500 fine. This includes pushing, slapping, grabbing, or any unwanted physical contact.
Domestic Assault (Second Offense)
If you have a prior domestic violence conviction, a second offense is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine. The penalties increase significantly, and judges are less lenient.
Domestic Assault (Third Offense)
A third domestic violence conviction is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. This is a serious felony conviction that permanently affects your life.
Domestic Violence with Serious Injury
If the alleged victim suffered serious or aggravated injury, you can be charged with aggravated domestic violence even on a first offense. First offense is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine. Second or subsequent offenses become a felony with up to 5 years in prison.
Felonious Assault (Domestic Context)
Assault with a dangerous weapon (knife, gun, bottle, vehicle) in a domestic situation is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison. Prosecutors often charge this when any object was used during the altercation.
Stalking or Aggravated Stalking
Repeatedly following, contacting, or harassing someone in a way that causes them fear can result in stalking charges, which often accompany DV cases. This is a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances.
Assault & Battery (Simple Assault)
In some cases, prosecutors may charge simple assault instead of domestic violence if the relationship doesn't fit the domestic definition or if they want to avoid mandatory no-contact orders.
Michigan Domestic Violence Penalties: What You're Facing
The consequences of a domestic violence conviction in Michigan are severe, long-lasting, and go far beyond jail time and fines. Consequences often include:
First Offense Domestic Violence
- Jail: Up to 93 days
- Fines: Up to $500 (plus court costs)
- Probation: Up to 2 years and often with strict conditions
- Domestic Violence Treatment: Court-ordered anger management and domestic violence counseling (26-52 weeks)
- Criminal Record: Misdemeanor conviction that shows on background checks
- No-Contact Order: Prohibited from contacting the alleged victim (even if they want contact)
- Loss of Gun Rights: Federal law prohibits gun possession for anyone convicted of a "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" (lifetime ban)
Second Offense Domestic Violence
- Jail: Up to 1 year
- Fines: Up to $1,000 (plus costs)
- Probation: Extended probation with strict reporting requirements
- Mandatory Treatment: Longer domestic violence intervention programs
- Enhanced Consequences: Judges impose harsher sentences on repeat offenders
Third Offense Felony Domestic Violence
- Prison: Up to 5 years in state prison
- Fines: Up to $5,000
- Felony Record: Permanent felony conviction affecting employment, housing, voting rights
- Parole: Extended parole supervision after release
- Lifetime Gun Ban: Permanent prohibition on firearms possession
Beyond the Criminal Penalties
A domestic violence conviction affects every aspect of your life:
- Custody & Parenting Time: Family courts presume that a DV conviction means you're an unfit parent. You may lose custody or have supervised visitation only.
- Divorce Proceedings: A DV conviction gives your spouse enormous leverage in divorce negotiations and property division.
- Employment: Criminal record causes job loss or prevents future employment, especially in healthcare, education, childcare, or jobs requiring background checks.
- Professional Licenses: Doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, real estate agents may face license suspension or revocation.
- Immigration: Non-citizens face deportation or denial of citizenship. DV convictions are deportable offenses.
- Gun Rights: Federal law imposes a lifetime ban on gun possession for domestic violence misdemeanors. This includes hunting rifles, even if you need firearms for work.
- Housing: Landlords routinely deny applicants with domestic violence convictions.
- Military Service: Active duty service members face court-martial, discharge, and loss of benefits.
- College & Financial Aid: Criminal record affects admissions and eligibility for student loans.
The bottom line: A domestic violence conviction isn't just a mark on your record—it can permanently destroy your relationship with your children, cost you your career, and strip you of your constitutional rights. This is why you need an aggressive defense from day one.
How We Defend Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence cases are different from other criminal cases. They're emotionally charged, evidence is often limited to "he said / she said," and prosecutors are under political pressure to secure convictions. We know how to navigate these cases and build winning defenses.
False Accusations & Fabricated Stories
Unfortunately, false accusations are common in domestic violence cases, especially during:
- Divorce or custody disputes
- Breakups or arguments about relationships
- Situations where someone wants you out of the house
- Revenge for perceived wrongs
- Mental health crises or substance abuse situations
We investigate thoroughly, looking for:
- Inconsistencies in the alleged victim's statements to police, medical professionals, and witnesses
- Motive to fabricate (custody battles, property disputes, new relationships)
- History of false allegations against you or others
- Text messages, emails, or social media posts that contradict their story
- Witness testimony that disproves the allegations
Self-Defense
Michigan law gives you the right to defend yourself from assault—even in domestic situations. If you were protecting yourself from an attack, we present that defense. Key questions:
- Who was the initial aggressor?
- Did you have a reasonable fear of harm?
- Was your response proportional to the threat?
- Were you preventing imminent harm?
Many domestic violence arrests involve mutual combat—both people were fighting—but only one person gets arrested. We show the full context to demonstrate you were defending yourself.
Defense of Others
If you were protecting a child, family member, or another person from harm, this is a complete legal defense. We establish:
- Someone else was in danger
- Your actions were necessary to protect them
- You used reasonable force
Challenging the Evidence
Domestic violence cases often rely on weak evidence. We attack:
- Lack of Injuries: If the alleged victim has no injuries or only minor scratches, this undermines the assault claim
- No Independent Witnesses: If it's just "he said / she said" with no witnesses, we create reasonable doubt
- Conflicting Statements: We compare the alleged victim's initial 911 call, police statement, and later testimony for inconsistencies
- Photos and Medical Records: We review all photographic evidence and medical records; often injuries are exaggerated or aren't consistent with the alleged assault
- Your Injuries: If you have injuries, this supports self-defense and shows you were the victim
Exaggeration & Embellishment
Even when something happened, the story often gets exaggerated:
- A verbal argument becomes a "threatening" situation
- Defensive blocking becomes "pushing" or "shoving"
- Mutual combat becomes one-sided assault
- Emotional distress becomes physical assault
We show the jury or judge what actually happened versus the inflated version the prosecution presents.
Accidents & Unintentional Contact
Sometimes physical contact was accidental:
- You were trying to leave and accidentally bumped into someone blocking the door
- You were trying to take your phone back and there was incidental contact
- You moved someone's arm away from you and they claim you "pushed" them
Michigan law requires intent to commit assault. If contact was accidental, there's no crime.
Constitutional Violations
We examine whether police violated your rights:
- Did police have probable cause to arrest you?
- Did they properly investigate or just believe one side of the story?
- Were you questioned without being read your Miranda rights?
- Was evidence illegally obtained?
If your rights were violated, we can seek to get evidence suppressed or charges dismissed.
Recanting Victims & Non-Cooperation
In many cases, the alleged victim wants to drop the charges. However, the victim cannot drop charges—only the prosecutor can. But when victims refuse to cooperate, prosecutors have a much weaker case:
- If the victim won't testify, prosecutors may be forced to dismiss
- If the victim recants, we use that to show the allegations were false or exaggerated
- If the victim minimizes what happened, we use that to negotiate reduced charges
Negotiating Reduced Charges or Dismissal
When trial isn't the best option, we negotiate aggressively:
- Domestic Violence to Simple Assault: Avoids the domestic violence label, no lifetime gun ban
- Dismissal with Conditions: Complete anger management, stay away from victim, and charges are dismissed
- Delayed Sentence: Successfully complete probation and the case is dismissed (no conviction on record)
- Diversion Programs: For first-time offenders, complete treatment and avoid conviction
What to Do After a Domestic Violence Arrest
The actions you take immediately after arrest can make or break your case. Here's what you need to know:
Do Not Talk to Police Without a Lawyer
Police will try to get you to "tell your side of the story." DO NOT DO IT. Anything you say will be used against you. Police are not your friends—they are building a case against you. Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Call us at (616) 227-3303.
Do NOT Contact the Alleged Victim
The court will likely issue a no-contact order. Do not violate it. Do not call, text, email, or go near the person—even if they contact you first, even if they want to talk, even if they say they'll drop the charges. Violating a no-contact order results in additional criminal charges and makes your case much worse. All contact must go through your attorney.
Contact an Attorney Immediately
Domestic violence cases move quickly. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and critical decisions must be made within hours of an arrest. Every case is different, and the right strategy depends on the specific facts of your situation.
Call us now at (616) 227-3303 for a free, confidential consultation. We will discuss your case, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps.
The sooner we start working together, the more options you'll have for your defense.
Do Not Post on Social Media
Prosecutors will review all your social media. Do not post about the case, do not make comments about the alleged victim, do not post photos or status updates that could be used against you. Assume everything you post online will be shown to a judge or jury.
Prepare for Bond Conditions
At your arraignment, the court will set bond and impose conditions such as:
- No contact with the alleged victim
- GPS tether monitoring
- Alcohol/drug testing
- Surrender of firearms
- Stay away from victim's home and workplace
Violating bond conditions results in arrest and additional charges. Follow all conditions strictly. If conditions are too restrictive (e.g., you need access to your home or children), we can file a motion to modify.
Why Choose Sorin & Pyle for Your Domestic Violence Defense
Domestic violence charges require experienced criminal defense attorneys who understand the unique challenges of these cases and aren't afraid to fight for you.
⚖️ Former Public Defender Experience
Attorneys Sorin Panainte and Jonathan Pyle served as public defenders, handling hundreds of domestic violence cases and learning how prosecutors build their cases. This insider knowledge gives us a strategic advantage in identifying weaknesses and building winning defenses.
🏛️ Trial Lawyers, Not Plea Lawyers
We're not afraid to take your case to trial. We've taken domestic violence cases to trial and achieved not guilty verdicts for our clients. When the evidence supports fighting, we fight. We don't pressure you to plead guilty.
📍 Local Court Knowledge
We appear regularly in Ottawa County, Kent County, and West Michigan courts. We know the local prosecutors, judges, and court procedures. This familiarity helps us navigate your case effectively and anticipate how different courts handle domestic violence charges.
🚫 Judgment-Free Representation
Our philosophy: WE GIVE A [EXPLETIVE]! We don't judge you. We understand that relationships are complicated, that people say and do things they regret, and that accusations don't always reflect reality. We fight for your rights and your future.
👨👩👧👦 Protecting Your Parental Rights
We understand that domestic violence charges threaten your relationship with your children. We coordinate with family law attorneys and fight to protect your parenting time and custody rights. A DV conviction doesn't have to mean losing your kids.
🔫 Protecting Your Gun Rights
Domestic violence convictions result in a lifetime federal gun ban. If you hunt, collect firearms, or need guns for work, we fight to avoid a DV conviction and preserve your Second Amendment rights.
💰 Payment Plans Available
Legal fees shouldn't prevent you from getting the defense you deserve. We offer payment plans for qualified clients. Call us to discuss options that fit your budget.
Common Domestic Violence Defense Questions
Common Mistakes That Destroy Your Domestic Violence Defense
We see clients make the same costly mistakes over and over. Don't let this be you:
❌ Talking to Police Without a Lawyer
"I didn't mean to hurt her" or "We were both fighting" are statements that WILL convict you. Police are not on your side. They're building a case against you. Invoke your right to remain silent and call an attorney immediately at (616) 227-3303.
❌ Violating the No-Contact Order
Do NOT contact the alleged victim—even if they contact you first, even if they say they want the charges dropped, even if you live together. Violating a no-contact order results in immediate arrest and additional criminal charges. All contact must go through your attorney.
❌ Accepting a Plea Deal Without Fighting
Prosecutors offer plea deals to avoid trial—not because they're doing you a favor. Many domestic violence cases have weak evidence and can be won at trial or dismissed. Never plead guilty to domestic violence without consulting an experienced attorney who will actually investigate your case.
❌ Posting on Social Media
Prosecutors will review all your social media. That angry post about your ex? That joke about the case? That photo from the night in question? All admissible evidence against you. Delete nothing (it looks like you're hiding evidence), but post nothing new until your case is closed.
❌ Trying to Contact the Alleged Victim Through Third Parties
Don't ask friends or family to relay messages to the alleged victim. Don't have your mom call them. Don't send messages through your kids. This violates the no-contact order and will result in additional charges. The prosecutor will find out.
❌ Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your arraignment happens quickly, and bond conditions will be set. The sooner we start building your defense, the better your outcome. Call us TODAY at (616) 227-3303 for a free consultation.
❌ Hiring the Cheapest Lawyer
This is your freedom, your children, your gun rights, your career. A lawyer who handles DV cases occasionally isn't the same as one who defends domestic violence charges every week. Your future is worth investing in experienced, aggressive defense.
Don't Face Domestic Violence Charges Alone
A domestic violence accusation can destroy your life, your relationships, and your future. But accusations aren't convictions. With aggressive defense from experienced trial lawyers, you can fight back. We've successfully defended hundreds of domestic violence cases in West Michigan—achieving dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges. (Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.) Let us fight for you.
Free consultation. Payment plans available. Confidential representation.