Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer – Bruce Alan Block
Grand Rapids Michigan Criminal Defense and Trial Lawyer
Charged with a crime? Served with a lawsuit? You've come to the right place.
Welcome. We're glad you stopped by.
The real deal. Unlike many law related websites written and designed by non-lawyers somewhere out in 'e-land', you are on a website written and designed by me (yes, that's me in the picture over in the right-hand corner). It may be less glitzy, without bells and whistles, but this is the real deal. There is no filler, no pages that promise to inform and don't. Instead, each page contains helpful, real-world information gleaned from my years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer and trial lawyer. The information and tips come from on the job experience, mano-a-mano combat, representing and defending those who made a mistake and are facing criminal charges, or companies with a business dispute looking to get a fair deal.
Knowledge is power. We try to update and provide helpful information you can use today. There is a LOT of information on these pages. Unlike many websites that seek to lure you in and snatch your business, this one was written to educate and inform. Knowledge is power. Knowing your rights is power. Knowing how to deal with an unexpected police encounter, or a law officer knocking on your door is critical. How you respond often determines the outcome. Knowing how to defend yourself when a mortgage company refuses to accept your payments or when a bank revokes your line of credit is important, and may well keep you in business.
Experience matters. Hopefully you will never need the services of a lawyer to defend yourself from criminal charges or a lawsuit. Hopefully you will never be injured in a car accident and need to seek legal recourse. Hopefully, you will be like my late grandmother who never set foot inside a lawyer's office except to write her Will. But if you do need legal help, come see us. Give us a chance to interview for the job. We can help guide you through whatever legal situation you are in. We have practiced criminal and civil law in and around Kent County, Grand Rapids, Michigan for the last 19 years.
Why Hire a Lawyer?
You hire a lawyer to get the best result. Good question. The answer is simple: because that is how you get the best results. You hire a lawyer for the same reasons you hire a heart doctor or a brain surgeon. You obtain the professional advice of someone who went through lengthy schooling, is certified in their profession, has practical knowledge, and has worked with thousands of persons with similar problems. By hiring an experienced lawyer, you instantly benefit from of their years of training, knowledge, and experience.
The laws are now much more severe. Every year, there are more laws that tell us what to do (or not do). Thirty years ago, police officers had discretion to give more breaks, there were less Draconian laws, prosecutors were more lenient, and there was less of a drive by the system to 'be tough on crime" or "get the arrest/conviction numbers up,' all of which has the net effect of making criminals out of everyone. Not that many years ago, an 18 year old caught drinking alcohol was told to 'dump it out' and then told to walk home or their parents summoned. In contrast today, the same young person is lined up with everyone present and told to take a breath test. If the PBT test is positive, or if the under-21-year-old "minor" was holding an alcoholic drink, they are charged with the misdemeanor criminal offense of Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP), an offense which can suspend their license, up their insurance rates, and is placed on their master driving record – forever.
Do Not Plead Guilty without first talking with a Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Always talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. It is critical to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, as your statements and actions right before or after an arrest or during a pending criminal investigation can have a tremendous impact on the outcome.
Those accused of a crime simply go into court and plead guilty. This is a mistake.
Never go to court alone and Never just plead guilty. Always talk with a Grand rapids criminal defense lawyer before going to court and pleading guilty. Usually one of the criminal charges may be dropped or the charge itself reduced if you have a lawyer by your side. In my last 18+ years, there have been very few cases that I was not able to positively impact. I am a Grand Rapids criminal lawyer who can advise and guide you through the criminal law maze. Your rights will be protected, and I will raise effective defenses, file appropriate motions, and protect your Constitutional rights. I will protect your rights and maximize your chances of dismissal or acquittal.
Confessions 101.
Never talk to police. Contrary to conventional wisdom, usually by the time the police read you your rights it's too late. Miranda warnings do not have to be given until someone is 'under arrest' which has a much different meaning then you might think. We have seen cases where an accused was detained in the back of a patrol car and unable to get out (cop car doors only open from the outside). But, since the police officer told him that he 'could leave at any time,' a court decided that he was not under arrest and thus the officer did not have to read him his Miranda rights.
You cannot talk your way out of a compromising situation — don't bother. The more you say the worse it gets.
Don't talk. When in doubt – remain silent. About all you have to do is give your name, identification if you have one, and your address. After that – remain silent. From our experience, it is usually a very bad idea to try and explain yourself to police officers. You may be told that if you talk it will help but don't be fooled — it won't. Your words will be used to convict you.
Persons who have been arrested in West Michigan trust Grand Rapids Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Bruce Alan Block to handle their criminal cases because he has:
- extensive experience in state courts and federal court experience.
- considerable courtroom experience including numerous jury trials.
- a long and successful track record of successfully resolving cases.
- creative legal strategies gleaned from consultation with professionals and other legal professionals.
Whether or not you hire us: Don't go alone! State prosecutors have vast resources and unlimited help from police and law enforcement. You do not know the rules. you will lose. You will be outplayed and outwitted. Shop around, find a criminal defense lawyer you feel good about, someone who cares about you as a person.
Defending yourself in a criminal or civil case is much like playing a game of chess with a grand master, except you are blindfolded and don't know the rules.
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Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. We are experienced and well versed in the new medical marijuana law. We are able to represent you in any case involving criminal charges and medical marihuana. The stakes are high, you will be charged with several felonies. Let us give you back some peace of mind. Buy one of our Medical Marihuana Pocket Guides, and see our Medical Marijuana Act page.
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Criminal Defense for all Felonies and Misdemeanors. Any criminal conviction can have a lasting impact on your life, your freedom, and that of your family. We are experienced call us.
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Drunk Driving – Drugged Driving (DUI/OWI/DUID) / Traffic Violations. A conviction for drunk or drugged driving DUI or any other traffic violation can have a lasting impact on your life and seriously affect your driver’s license, insurance rates, finances, and freedom. We have the experience to protect you and obtain the best results possible. See our DUI-Drunk Driving, Traffic Violations page for additional information.
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Sex Crimes. Perhaps as with no other crime, an allegation of sexual abuse has the potential to completely ruin your life for statutory rape and other sex crimes The system presumes your guilt, as it is almost impossible to disprove something that never happened. The stakes are high, as the justice system is harsh on convicted sex offenders. See our Sex Offenses page for additional information.
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Drug Crimes. We provide experienced representation to those accused of illegal drug crimes, including drug possession, distribution, manufacturing, and possession with intent to deliver marijuana, meth, cocaine, heroin, crack, ecstasy, and other illegal drugs and controlled substances. See our Marijuana Crimes or our Drug Offenses page.
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Violent Crimes. Violent crimes carry severe penalties and can have a detrimental impact on your life, including employment prospects. We provide comprehensive defense for those accused of violent crimes, including home invasion, burglary, theft, felonious assault, murder, and homicide. You can trust in our skill and years of experience to mount an effective defense.
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Felony Crimes. Felonies are criminal offenses punishable by at least one year of prison, including crimes committed with weapons, arson, fleeing and eluding, armed robbery, car jacking, white collar crimes, kidnapping, sex offenses, felon in possession of a firearm, and home invasion. A felony poses the greatest risk to your freedom, as they usually result in prison terms. You need an experienced West Michigan felony criminal defense lawyer.
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Misdemeanor Crimes. Misdemeanors are lesser crimes punishable by 93 days to 1 year in jail, and include offenses such possession of marijuana, drunk boating, theft, retail fraud, driving suspended (DWLS), drunk driving (DUI/OWI), malicious destruction of property (MDOP), disorderly conduct, domestic violence, trespass, indecent exposure, resisting or opposing police officer, solicitation, prostitution, and probation revocation.
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High Court Misdemeanors. These crimes are considered "misdemeanors" by the state even though they are punishable by over a year in jail. Some examples are: Maintaining a Drug House, any Attempt to commit a 4-year felony crime, such as Welfare Fraud, or Negligent Homicide: a death resulting from an automobile accident.
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Civil Infractions. Speeding tickets, many traffic violations, noise infractions, and other offenses the state does not consider criminal. These can be paid at the front counter of the local court without seeing a judge. Don't make the mistake of paying your ticket without first consulting a lawyer. Many times the original traffic ticket can be reduced to a lesser offense with less points and less impact on your driving record and insurance rates.
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Civil Litigation. If you have been injured by an accident you may be able to collect for your medical bills and pain and suffering. We also handle civil lawsuits for money damages, typically arising from breach of contract, construction lien, personal injury, and more. See our Civil Litigation page for more information.
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Driver's License Restoration. Whether your license has been suspended from a criminal case, a drug conviction, failure to pay the drivers license responsibility fee, or for accumulating too many points, we can review your license history and assist you to regain your driving privileges.
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Church and Religious Organization Advice. We have represented and advised churches and church leaders in legal matters for the last twenty years. We have defended church staff and members who were wrongfully cvharged or made a mistake. We have effectively represented their sons and daughters who strayed into trouble. There is no shame in admitting you need help. just like you go to a dentist in your tooth hurts, so you should seek a law doctor to help you navigate the legal system.
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Attorney Bruce Alan Block is a Grand Rapids Michigan criminal defense lawyer who has successfully handled criminal cases. Call and find out more. Put his experience to work for you.
Attorney and Counselor at Law
4251 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
Phone: (616) 458-8585
Serving Clients throughout Western Michigan, in Grand Rapids, Ada, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Cascade, Wyoming, Byron Center, Wyoming, Caledonia, Rockford, Holland, Grand Haven, Grandville, and Kent, Barry, Ottawa, Muskegon and Ionia County. We represent college students from Calvin College, Aquinas, Grand Valley State University, Cornerstone College, Grand Rapids Community College, Michigan State University, and Western Michigan University.