Is Detroit still the U.S. Murder Capital?

Homicide Defense Lawyer in Wayne County

According to FBI crime statistics, Detroit’s crime level fell over the last year, but not enough to keep it from being the most dangerous city in the United States.

Prosecutions for Homicide and Assault Charges in Wayne County

The Detroit murder rate for 2013 was 316. That is a rate of 45 per 100,000 people. The only city that came close was New Orleans, with 41 per 100,000. Flint and Saginaw were also in the top 5 of the most dangerous cities with populations greater than 50,000. While these statistics are troubling, they do not take into consideration justifiable homicides or self-defense situations. Although there are many homicide defense lawyers in Wayne County, few are considered top homicide defense lawyers.

Politicians, police officers, and prosecutors are working hard to change Detroit’s image. One tactic is the aggressive investigation and prosecution of assault charges. At the same time, anyone would applaud any efforts to make Detroit a safer city; however, over-zealous law enforcement can result in the prosecution of innocent people and mass civil rights violations.

It is essential that the citizens are protected, but also that they are protected from overreaching by the police. Because Detroit is on an international border, federal, state, and city law enforcement often enforce laws. As the focus of the media attention continues to focus on Detroit, law enforcement will want to be seen as taking crime seriously. When the police are motivated by media or politics, innocent people can get caught up in false or exaggerated allegations. That’s when a great criminal defense lawyer has to step in to keep the government in check and protect a client’s due process rights.

What to do if prosecuted in Wayne County on assault charges?

Suppose a person is under investigation or charged in Detroit or Wayne County with an assaultive felony. In that case, it is essential not to do anything alone or make any decisions regarding the situation without consulting an expert criminal defense lawyer in Wayne County. Police often contact a suspect and pretend they “just want to talk” or that the suspect is “merely a witness.” Don’t fall for these manipulative investigation techniques (tricks), and get someone on your side to protect you and your rights. There is an immediate need for a criminal defense attorney who can protect you from unlawful, overreaching police investigations. Detroit police are on a mission to change the city’s image, and constitutional rights mustn’t get trampled in the process.

Find a criminal defense attorney in Wayne County, Michigan.

Detroit is on its way back to being a vibrant and first-class city. There is much work yet to do, and crime is at the top of that list. City officials and federal, state, and local law enforcement are all on high alert to assist Detroit’s renaissance. If the police want to speak to you for any reason, you should never talk without an attorney at your side. Detroit police will be aggressive and persistent; you should not face that alone. The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have vast experience with defending clients on felony and misdemeanor assault charges in Wayne County, including:

How to Defend Against Murder Charges?

The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has raised several defenses to contest murder and other homicide charges in Wayne County and throughout Michigan. These defenses can be broadly categorized into two groups: justifications and excuses. Here’s a brief overview:

• Self-Defense: This is the most common defense. It is based on the assertion that the defendant used force to protect themselves from an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. In Michigan, there is no duty to retreat in one’s home (the “Castle Doctrine”), but outside the home, one must usually attempt to retreat before using deadly force, unless it’s not safe to do so.

• Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, this defense is used when the defendant claims they were protecting another person from imminent harm.

• Accidental Killing: If the death was a result of an accident, and the defendant was not engaging in unlawful activity or acting with criminal negligence, this can be a defense.

• Insanity Defense: This defense is based on the claim that the defendant was legally insane at the time of the murder and did not understand the nature or wrongfulness of their actions.

• Diminished Capacity: While not a complete defense to murder, a severe mental illness can lead to a conviction on a lesser charge. This defense argues that the defendant had an impaired mental state, which makes them less culpable.

• Duress: This defense asserts that the defendant committed the murder under threat of imminent harm to themselves or others. It’s a difficult defense to prove, especially in murder cases. Although duress is not an absolute defense, it might serve to mitigate or lessen the charge or help with plea bargaining options.

• Mistake of Fact: This applies if the defendant made an honest and reasonable mistake that led to the killing. For example, if they genuinely and reasonably believed they were using a non-lethal method of self-defense.

• Alibi: The defendant proves that they were elsewhere when the murder occurred and, therefore, could not have committed the crime.

Each of these defenses has its complexities and requirements for proof. The effectiveness of a defense strategy depends on the specific circumstances of the case, the evidence available, and the skill of the legal representation. It’s crucial for anyone facing such serious charges to seek competent legal advice specific to their situation. The homicide defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have decades of experience and an unparalleled track record of achieving extraordinary results in Wayne, Oakland, and other counties throughout Michigan.

Homicide Defense Lawyer in Wayne County

The homicide defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. specialize in representing people being investigated for or charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses in Wayne County and throughout Michigan. Our attorneys have decades of experience, are well respected, and are known for achieving extraordinary results. Our firm keeps up with the latest changes in the law and can present innovative and cutting-edge defenses to protect our clients. Do not let the police bully you — we are not afraid to win!

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.

We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!

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