Experienced Grand Rapids MI Criminal Lawyer

Drunk Driving, Drug Charges, and all Criminal Offenses.

Our Grand Rapids, Michigan law firm is dedicated to providing clients with quality legal representation in criminal matters that usually affect the entire family. Criminal defense lawyer Bruce Alan Block is experienced and represents clients in a variety of legal matters that range from criminal offenses to civil litigation and personal injury cases.

Whether you have been arrested for a drunk driving offense, a marijuana or drug crime, or have been injured due to someone else's negligence, count on our Grand Rapids, Michigan law firm for creative advocacy and client-centered services.

Cntact our Grand Rapids, Michigan criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Block speaks Spanish fluently, and can help anyone who speaks Spanish as their primary language. Call us at (616) 458-8585.

Miranda Warnings

Most Americans mistakenly believe that a police officer must give them Miranda Rights before questioning. This is unfortunately wrong. The Miranda warnings must only be given once a suspect is "detained" and is not free to leave or is under arrest ( i.e. in handcuffs). You would be shocked at what the law says "detained" means. In our experience, you are not legally "detained" unless you are in handcuffs, locked up in jail, or under detention and have been told you are under arrest.

Unfortunately, most people respond to questioning from police officers who make a point to tell them: "you are free to leave at any time." By telling a suspect this statement, no matter if you are in a police car or an interrogation room and cannot get out, you are not legally "detained" since you have been told you can leave whenever you want. Thus no Miranda warnings are required.

Once you admit or confess to the crime, then you will be arrested and not surprisingly, charged with a crime. Everything you said will be used against you.

In most situations, any questioning by police can be simply answered by identifying yourself, giving your address, and driver's license (or identification card), and then politely declining to answer any questions without a lawyer present. Typically the police officer will try to guilt you into talking, "why do you need a lawyer–you must have done something wrong," and continue to try to convince you to talk, "we can do this the easy way or the hard way," or "tell me what happened and I won't arrest you" or something similar. It is little consolation to not be arrested on the spot, but be charged with a crime later on for your decision to talk.

The worst problem with confessions and incriminating statements, is that there is usually no tape recording nor a witness to what was said. So, it really comes down to not what was said, but rather, what the police officer thought you said. A jury and a judge will almost always believe the police officer over the accused.A defendant who is on trial for a crime presumably has reason to be less than truthful.

Law Office of Bruce Alan Block Practice Areas:

• Criminal Offenses: Whether charged with a misdemeanor, a felony, a minor or a serious criminal offense, we are experienced in providing you with skilled representation at all stages of your criminal case. We know the process, the players, and how to secure the best result in your case. We suggest you not talk with the police but instead exercise your Constitutional right to remain silent until after you have spoken with an attorney. Never plead guilty without talking with an attorney first. Most often a lesser charge or some other type of plea bargain, such as reducing jail time, can be worked out.
• Drunk driving offenses: The prosecution is tough on drunk driving allegations, and offenders are often cut very little slack. However, effective legal representation can challenge that drunk driving arrest, and the consequences can be minimized.
• Drug offenses: Whatever the charge, our attorney will explore the details and allegations of that charge. When clients are facing felony and misdemeanor drug charges, there is no substitute for the quality legal services and aggressive representation we provide.
• Sex offenses: If convicted of a sex crime you will face severe consequences. You will most likely receive maximum jail time. You will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years or possibly life. You will carry false allegations of sexual abuse and sex crimes with you for the rest of your life. See our page, Indecent Exposure and Lewd Conduct.
• Divorce: If you are considering filing for a divorce, you want to know the processes. When you hire Bruce Alan Block, you hire an attorney who will educate you about the complicated divorce process.
• Family law: Issues involving family are often emotional in nature. Our office has the necessary skills to work with clients during these emotional times and provide the legal representation clients deserve.
• Personal injury: When you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, you are entitled to compensation.
• Civil litigation: If you are in a dispute, you need an experienced attorney on your side to represent your legal needs and rights.