Criminal Defense | Bondy Law, PLLC

Bondy Law's Criminal Defense Services

Spencer M. Bondy and his team have an established record of success defending clients during criminal investigations as well as in complex and difficult criminal cases in courts throughout the State of Michigan. We focus on all aspects of the criminal investigation and evidence to find the problems that other lawyers often over look, frequently resulting in exceptional outcomes for our clients. Facing a criminal charge is often the most devastating moment in your life, and at times one of the most confusing and anxiety inducing processes you will ever experience. Spencer and his team will stand by your side and do everything they can to protect you from the consequences of criminal prosecution.

Drunk Driving (OWI & DUI)

The State of Michigan has some of the harshest and most difficult laws relating to drinking and driving. The penalties for a drinking and driving conviction in Michigan include possible incarceration, thousands of dollars in fines and costs, probation, and driver's license restrictions or even revocation. It is vital that your attorney know both the law and the scientific evidence. The lawyers at Bondy Law, PLLC are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced in handling all aspects of drinking and driving offenses. Spencer M. Bondy is a member of the Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys and is a co-author of the Trial Tactics chapter in the Michigan Drunk Driving Law and Practice book published by the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education.

Common drinking and driving offenses in Michigan include:

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)
Open Container/Open Intoxicants
OWI Causing Serious Bodily Injury
OWI Causing Death

Theft Crimes & Property Crimes

Being charged with a theft or property crime can be a devastating experience. It is very easy to find yourself wrongly accused or in a difficult position after making one "momentary lapse in judgement." The consequences of a conviction for a theft or property crime are serious, including potential incarceration in jail or prison. The collateral consequences can be life altering, especially if the accused maintains a specific occupational license through the State of Michigan. Spencer M. Bondy and his team have helped numerous clients facing theft and property crimes in Michigan. We have the skill and experience necessary to achieve extraordinary results.

Common Michigan theft and property crimes include:

Retail Fraud
Malicious Destruction of Property
Uttering and Publishing
Financial Transaction Device
Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile (UDAA)
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property
Larceny
Embezzlement
Home Invasion
Armed and Unarmed Robbery

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence, often called domestic assault and battery, is a serious criminal charge. In contrast to other assaultive charges, a domestic violence charges carries an additional and significant stigma. A domestic violence charge requires that the accused share a "domestic relationship" with the alleged victim. Because of the increased pressures for prosecution in addition to the unique evidentiary rules and laws that apply to domestic violence charges, it is imperative that your lawyer be experienced and knowledgeable in the intricacies of Michigan domestic violence law. Michigan law provides opportunities for those accused of first offense domestic violence to avoid having a criminal conviction. We know the law and strategic ways to develop a defense against domestic violence charges. We are not afraid to take your case to trial if it cannot be resolved. Additional information on domestic violence charges can be found here.

Violent Crimes & Assault

Violent and assaultive criminal charges are serious and require detailed and meticulous attention in developing a strong defense. Often, these charges are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. Evidence from the prosecution will include witness statements, police reports, videos of interviews and police encounters, and forensic evidence; however, we often demand more. Private investigations are frequently used to develop a complete picture of the victim's allegations and the alleged incident. No stone can be left unturned when defending a client accused of a violent and assaultive crime. We have successfully defended our clients from allegations of violent and assaultive crimes across the State of Michigan.

While are hundreds of potential violent and assaultive criminal charges in Michigan, the most common of these criminal charges include:

Assault and Battery
Aggravated Assault
Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm (AGBH)
Assault with Intent to Murder (AWIM)
Child Abuse
Resist and Obstruct a Police Officer
Child Neglect
Homicide

Firearms and Weapons Crimes

Firearms and weapons crimes are some of the most publicized criminal cases throughout the State of Michigan. Because of this, prosecutors and judges can be tough on defendants charged with firearms and weapons crimes. Spencer M. Bondy and his team have experience defending clients facing serious weapons related charges, both with and without media attention. We are advocates for the right to protect yourself and your family. We are also well versed in state and federal law regarding an accused's civil rights to bear arms. For example, someone previously convicted of a felony can have their firearm rights restored in Michigan, either automatically or by application to the circuit court. This is vital to investigate when facing a charge alleging illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. Even a properly registered firearm can lead to a criminal charge relating to alleged illegal concealment. Weapons charges are serious and life altering, you need a serious lawyer.

We have experience dealing with the following firearm and weapons related charges:

Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault)
Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW)
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Possession of a Firearm During Commission or Attempted Commission of a Felony (Felony Firearm)
Reckless Discharge of a Firearm
Brandishing a Firearm in Public
Intentionally Discharging a Firearm Aimed Without Malice
Possessing a Firearm While Under the Influence
Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Violations

Probation Violations

Probation is a common consequence of a criminal conviction in Michigan. Depending on your conviction, you can be placed on probation for up to 2 years for a misdemeanor and up to 5 years for certain felony convictions. The requirements of probation, however, can be daunting. Probation officers require strict compliance with requirements of the probation order, but often demand more. Facing a probation violation is a significant issue and can lead to more problems if not addressed immediately with experienced legal counsel. If you are found guilty, the penalties for a violation range from incarceration to increased testing or community service, and everything in between. It is important that you do not treat a first offense probation violation lightly, it can lead to significant consequences now and in the future, especially if you face a second or subsequent violation. We interictally know the laws regarding misdemeanor and felony probation violations, and have the experience to help you resolve the violation. Additional information regarding probation violations can be found here.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes in Michigan are some of the most commonly charged criminal offenses. Prosecutors and Judges take drug charges very seriously and the penalties for those convicted are often severe. When facing a drug charge, it is essential that you consult with a skilled and experienced controlled substance defense attorney so that you have the best chance at avoiding jail or prison, significant fines, as well as other penalties, including potential driver's license restrictions or revocation.

Common drug related charges in Michigan include:

Possession of a Controlled Substance
Use of a Controlled Substance
Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance
Maintaining a Drug House
Prescription Drug Crimes

Traffic and Vehicle Crimes

It is almost impossible to get around the State of Michigan without a vehicle. However, Michigan's traffic laws are some of the toughest in the entire country. Although the criminal penalties can be severe, the collateral consequences of certain traffic convictions often last for years beyond the original penalty imposed by a court. If you are facing a traffic related charge, it is important that your attorney knows the ins and outs of the Michigan Vehicle Code and the rules and operation of the Michigan Secretary of State. We handle traffic related charges on a daily basis and are prepared to protect your freedom and your driver's license against overzealous prosecution.

Common traffic related criminal offense in Michigan include:

Driving While License Suspended, Revoked, No License (DWLS)
Driving Without Operator's License on Person (No-Ops)
Allowing an Unlicensed Driver to Drive (Allowing)
Careless Driving
Reckless Driving
Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment
Moving Violation Causing Death
Failure to Stop and ID after a Property Damage Accident
Failure to Stop and ID after a Personal Injury Accident
Failure to Report an Accident
Fleeing and Eluding
Ignition Interlock Violations
No Insurance

Sex Crimes

A criminal charge for a sex related crime will forever change your life, regardless of your innocence. Unfortunately, false criminal sexual conduct (CSC) charges are routinely brought in court. There is often no physical evidence of the alleged crime, which allows a disgruntled ex-partner to allege that a once consensual act was actually nonconsensual. We routinely see allegations of illegal criminal sexual conduct accompany contested divorce matters or during the breakup of a tumultuous relationship. This does not mean that all sex related criminal charges are false; rather, each case requires a lawyer dedicated to uncovering the truth and protecting their client. Prosecutors that handles CSC and other sex related cases in Michigan are some of the best lawyers in the state. They are often assigned to a special victims unit and are recognized as being well trained, proficient, and highly experienced. Spencer M. Bondy and his team have experience dealing with these special prosecutors and defending clients wrongly accused of criminal sexual conduct in Michigan.

Common sexual crimes charged in Michigan include:

CSC in the First Degree
CSC in the Second Degree
CSC in the Third Degree
CSC in the Fourth Degree
Assault with Intent to Commit CSC
Prostitution and Solicitation
Internet Sex Crimes
Indecent Exposure
Sex Offender Registry Violations (SORA)

Extraditions

Extradition is the legal process by which a fugitive from justice who allegedly committed a felony in another state is arrested and returned to that state to face trial. The Extradition Clause in the U.S. Constitution and the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act ("UCEA") apply. If you are arrested in Michigan on an out of state felony warrant, the UCEA allows you to petition the court in Michigan for an Extradition Hearing to contest the validity of the extraditable warrant. Most lawyers, and even judges, are unaware that the UCEA also provides for the release of an individual arrested on an out of state felony extraditable warrant with a bond pending Extradition Hearing if the felony charge is not punishable by death or more than 20-years of imprisonment, and is not an escape related felony. The accused can then travel to the state where the warrant originated and surrender to that state's custody prior to the expiration of the date requiring such surrender on the bond issued in Michigan, in lieu of being transported via bus across the US in less than ideal conditions.

Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigations

CPS investigations are serous and often devastating for a family. They arise out of a variety of incidents and can be started by a simple knock on your door. CPS investigations almost always accompany any criminal charge involving a minor, even if that minor was just a witness to an alleged crime. Generally CPS has 30 days to complete an investigation unless extenuating circumstances require an extension. Do not treat a CPS caseworker like your friend, it is their job to find an issue in your home and will not hesitate to take your children, even with the slightest evidence or even without evidence of your alleged wrongdoing. We have significant experience protecting clients during CPS investigations as well as litigating wrongful placements of our clients on the Central Registry, a statewide registry that lists perpetrators of child abuse and neglect.

Client Testimonials

I had a very big problem that followed me around for 3 plus years. I was absconding from probation and had a huge drug problem. Spencer was so professional throughout me coming to him. I chose him over other people because of the great reviews I read About what he does to help people. He always communicated with me and was very punctual with everything he did. I received 12 months of probation with completing 50% of that I can be off in 6 months. He did everything he needed to, to make sure I had the best outcome of my case. Thank you again, Spencer!