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You Deserve a Fighting Chance. Ben Hall Law Is Ready to Help.

A criminal charge in Corunna, Michigan can turn your life upside down fast. One night, one incident, one misunderstanding, and suddenly you’re facing court dates, potential jail time, and a record that could follow you for years. If you’re in that situation right now, you need to know something important: you have options, and you have rights.

Corunna is the county seat of Shiawassee County, and the Shiawassee County Circuit Court and the 66th District Court are right here in town. That means your case will be handled locally, by prosecutors who know the area and judges who see these cases regularly. You need a criminal defense lawyer in Corunna who knows those courts just as well, and who will fight just as hard for you as the prosecution fights against you.

At Ben Hall Law, we represent people in Corunna and throughout Shiawassee County who are facing charges ranging from operating while intoxicated and domestic violence to assault, vehicular homicide, accosting, online threats, and more. We know what’s at stake for you, your family, and your future. And we’re not here to just process your case—we’re here to defend you.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Corunna, don’t wait. The earlier you have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, the more options you have. Contact Ben Hall Law today.

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Criminal Charges We Defend in Corunna

Ben Hall Law defends clients in Corunna and Shiawassee County against a wide range of charges, including:

  • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and impaired driving
  • Assault and aggravated assault
  • Domestic violence and personal protection order violations
  • Vehicular homicide and OWI causing death
  • Accosting charges
  • Online threats and cyberstalking
  • Criminal defense matters of all kinds
  • Drug offenses
  • Sex crimes
  • Probation violations
  • Embezzlement and theft

Operating While Intoxicated in Corunna

Don’t Let an OWI Charge Define Your Future

An OWI arrest in Corunna doesn’t have to mean a conviction. But if you don’t take action quickly, it can. Michigan law (MCL 257.625) makes it a crime to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher, while visibly impaired, or while under the influence of a controlled substance. Law enforcement in Shiawassee County actively enforces OWI laws, and a charge can come faster than you expect—whether you’re driving home on M-71, heading through downtown Corunna, or leaving an event like the Curwood Festival or the Shiawassee County Fair.

OWI Penalties in Michigan at a Glance

Offense Jail (Max) Fine (Range) License Impact Other
First OWI (Standard) 93 days $100–$500 30-day suspension + 150-day restriction Up to 360 hrs community service
Super Drunk (BAC 0.17%+) 180 days $200–$700 45-day suspension + 320-day restriction with BAIID Mandatory alcohol treatment possible
Second OWI 1 year (5-day minimum) $200–$1,000 1–3 year revocation Vehicle immobilization 90–180 days
Third OWI (Felony) 1–5 years prison $500–$5,000 5-year revocation minimum Possible vehicle forfeiture

Here’s what many people don’t realize: the evidence in an OWI case is often challengeable. Breathalyzer results can be contested. Traffic stops can be questioned. Field sobriety tests can be disputed. A strong defense starts with a thorough review of everything the prosecution plans to use against you.

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Immediate Steps After an OWI Arrest in Corunna

If you’ve been arrested for OWI in Corunna or anywhere in Shiawassee County, what you do in the first hours matters enormously:

  1. Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions about where you were, what you drank, or where you were going without an attorney present.
  2. Do not resist arrest or argue with officers at the scene.
  3. Note everything you can remember about the stop—road conditions, lighting, what the officer said, how the field sobriety tests were conducted.
  4. Contact Ben Hall Law as soon as possible. The earlier we get involved, the more we can do.
  5. Do not discuss your case on social media or with anyone other than your attorney.

How Ben Hall Law Fights OWI Charges in Shiawassee County

When you hire Ben Hall Law to defend your OWI case in Corunna, we get to work immediately. We examine:

  1. Whether the officer had legal justification to stop your vehicle in the first place
  2. Whether the breathalyzer device was properly calibrated and maintained
  3. Whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly—road conditions, lighting, and weather all affect the reliability of results and can be challenged in court
  4. Whether your blood draw, if taken, followed proper Michigan protocol
  5. Whether your rights were fully protected throughout the arrest process

Assault Charges in Corunna

Facing Assault Charges? You Need Someone in Your Corner.

An assault charge in Corunna can arise from a wide range of situations: a dispute between neighbors, a confrontation at a local bar, or a physical altercation that got out of control. Under Michigan law, assault doesn’t even require physical contact. An act that places another person in reasonable fear of imminent harm can be enough for charges to be filed.

Michigan Assault Penalties

Charge Statute Classification Maximum Penalty
Simple Assault & Battery MCL 750.81 Misdemeanor 93 days jail, $500 fine
Aggravated Assault MCL 750.81a Misdemeanor 1 year jail, $1,000 fine
Felonious Assault (weapon) MCL 750.82 Felony 4 years prison
Assault with Intent to Cause Great Bodily Harm MCL 750.84 Felony 10 years prison
Assault with Intent to Murder MCL 750.83 Felony Life in prison

An assault conviction in Shiawassee County can affect your employment, your housing, and your relationships. It can limit your ability to own a firearm. And it can stay on your record long after you’ve moved on from the incident itself.

Building Your Defense Against Assault Allegations

Assault cases often hinge on conflicting stories, and that means the quality of your defense matters enormously. At Ben Hall Law, we dig into the facts: surveillance footage, witness statements, the history between the parties involved, and any evidence that supports your version of events.

Defenses available in Michigan assault cases include:

  • Self-defense or defense of others under Michigan’s Self-Defense Act (MCL 780.971)
  • Defense of property where applicable
  • Challenging the credibility or consistency of the complaining party’s account
  • Demonstrating that the conduct did not meet the legal threshold for assault under Michigan law

Domestic Violence Charges in Corunna

A Domestic Violence Charge Can Change Everything. Let Us Help You Fight It.

Domestic violence charges in Corunna are taken seriously by both the Shiawassee County Prosecutor’s Office and the local courts. Under MCL 750.81, it is a crime to assault or batter a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, co-parent, or household member. What makes domestic violence charges especially challenging is that prosecutors in Shiawassee County often proceed with cases even when the alleged victim does not want to press charges. Once law enforcement is involved, the decision to prosecute is largely in the prosecutor’s hands.

Domestic Violence Penalties in Michigan

Offense Classification Jail Fine Additional Consequences
First Offense Misdemeanor Up to 93 days Up to $500 Batterer’s intervention program, firearm ban
Second Offense Misdemeanor Up to 1 year Up to $1,000 Enhanced probation conditions
Third or Subsequent Offense Felony Up to 5 years Up to $5,000 Permanent felony record
Aggravated Domestic Assault (injury) Misdemeanor Up to 1 year Up to $1,000 Possible PPO
Second Aggravated Assault Felony Up to 5 years Up to $5,000 Permanent felony record

A domestic violence charge in Corunna often triggers a personal protection order (PPO) issued by the Shiawassee County Circuit Court. Violating a PPO is a separate criminal offense and can result in immediate arrest.

Why Early Legal Intervention Makes the Difference

The earlier you have a defense attorney working on your case, the more options you have. Ben Hall Law investigates domestic violence allegations thoroughly, reviewing police body camera footage, 911 recordings, medical documentation, and prior communications between the parties. We look for inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence and explore every available defense strategy.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges?
A: In Shiawassee County, the Prosecutor’s Office can proceed with charges even without the victim’s cooperation. An experienced defense attorney can still advocate for dismissal or reduction based on the overall strength of the evidence.

Q: Can I lose custody of my children because of a domestic violence charge?
A: Possibly. Michigan family courts consider domestic violence history in custody determinations under MCL 722.23. That’s another reason to take these charges seriously from day one.

Q: Is a first-time domestic violence charge eligible for deferral?
A: In some cases, yes. MCL 769.4a allows eligible first-time offenders to pursue a deferred sentence, which may result in dismissal upon successful completion of probation. Ben Hall Law can advise you on whether you qualify.

Q: Can charges be reduced in Shiawassee County?
A: Yes. Through pre-trial motions, preliminary examination challenges, and negotiations with the Shiawassee County Prosecutor’s Office, an experienced defense attorney can often secure a reduced charge or, in some cases, a dismissal before a case ever reaches trial.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Corunna, Michigan

You Shouldn’t Have to Face the Justice System Alone

Being charged with a crime in Corunna is frightening. The system moves fast, the consequences are real, and it can feel like everything is stacked against you. That’s exactly why having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Corunna matters so much.

Ben Hall Law provides dedicated criminal defense representation to clients throughout Corunna and Shiawassee County. We know the 66th District Court and the Shiawassee County Circuit Court. We know how local prosecutors build their cases. And we know how to challenge them effectively.

When you work with Ben Hall Law, you get:

  • A defense strategy built specifically around your case, not a generic approach
  • Honest, straightforward communication about your situation and your options
  • An attorney who appears in Shiawassee County courts regularly and understands how they operate
  • Representation from arraignment through trial and beyond
  • A firm that genuinely cares about protecting your future

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Corunna and Shiawassee County

Michigan criminal cases move on strict timelines. Arraignment happens within 48 hours of arrest. Preliminary examinations are scheduled quickly. Evidence that could help your defense needs to be identified and preserved early. Waiting even a few days can affect your options.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Corunna, call Ben Hall Law today. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do for you.

Accosting Charges in Corunna

What You Need to Know About Accosting in Michigan

Accosting charges in Corunna can arise in a variety of situations and carry consequences that go well beyond the immediate criminal penalties. Michigan’s accosting statute (MCL 750.145a) addresses conduct involving the solicitation or enticement of minors for immoral purposes. This is a serious charge that can carry significant legal and personal consequences, particularly in a close-knit community like Corunna.

A conviction for accosting in Michigan can result in:

  • Misdemeanor or felony classification depending on the specific allegations
  • Potential sex offender registration requirements in the most serious cases
  • Significant damage to your reputation in a close-knit community like Corunna

The facts of your specific case matter enormously when it comes to accosting charges. What was said, the context in which it occurred, who was involved, and whether the conduct actually meets the legal definition of accosting are all critical questions. Ben Hall Law examines every one of them in building your defense.

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Polygraph Evidence in Corunna Criminal Cases

Understanding How Polygraphs Affect Your Case

Polygraph examinations are not admissible as evidence at trial under Michigan law. But they still play a role in criminal investigations in Shiawassee County, and the decision of whether to submit to one—or refuse—can influence how prosecutors and law enforcement approach your case.

Key things to understand about polygraphs in Michigan criminal matters:

  • Polygraph results cannot be introduced at trial under Michigan Rules of Evidence
  • Law enforcement may still use polygraph results internally when making charging decisions
  • Statements made during a polygraph examination may themselves be used against you
  • You should never agree to a polygraph examination without first consulting a defense attorney

When a suspect agrees to a polygraph without legal counsel present, the pre-examination interview—during which the examiner reviews the questions to be asked—can become an unstructured interrogation. Statements made in that interview are not protected by the inadmissibility rule that applies to the polygraph results themselves, and prosecutors can use them at trial.

At Ben Hall Law, we advise every client on the implications of polygraph requests before any decision is made. Your rights matter at every stage of an investigation, not just after charges are filed.

Online Threats in Corunna

Michigan Online Threat Laws and What They Mean for You

Michigan law addresses online threats and harassment through MCL 750.411s, which prohibits certain types of electronic communications made without the recipient’s consent when the conduct causes or is intended to cause the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or harassed. In a smaller community like Corunna, the reputational impact of an online threat charge can be especially significant. Neighbors, employers, and community members may become aware of the allegations before your case is even resolved.

Online threat charges in Michigan can result in:

  • Up to two years in prison for standard felony-level offenses
  • Up to five years in prison for aggravated offenses
  • Fines up to $5,000 for standard offenses, up to $10,000 for aggravated offenses
  • A permanent criminal record with lasting consequences for employment and reputation

Ben Hall Law examines the full context of every online threat case—the relationship between the parties, the platform on which the communication was made, and whether the conduct actually meets the legal threshold—to build the most effective defense available.

Vehicular Homicide in Corunna, Michigan

When a Traffic Incident Becomes a Felony Charge

Vehicular homicide is among the most serious charges a driver in Michigan can face. These charges arise when a person is killed as the result of how a vehicle was operated, and prosecutors in Shiawassee County pursue them aggressively.

Michigan Vehicular Homicide Charges and Penalties

Charge Statute Maximum Prison Fine License Impact
OWI Causing Death MCL 257.625(4) 15 years $2,500–$10,000 Permanent revocation
Reckless Driving Causing Death MCL 257.626 15 years Up to $10,000 Revocation
Moving Violation Causing Death MCL 257.601d 15 years Varies Revocation

Why Vehicular Homicide Defense Requires Immediate Action

Vehicular homicide cases involve complex evidence—including accident reconstruction analysis, toxicology reports, witness statements, and vehicle data recorder information—that must be identified and preserved as quickly as possible. The physical evidence at the accident scene changes or disappears rapidly. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses gets overwritten. Witness memories fade.

Waiting to hire a defense attorney in a vehicular homicide case is one of the most costly mistakes a defendant can make. At Ben Hall Law, we act immediately when retained on vehicular homicide matters. We engage with the physical and forensic evidence, challenge the prosecution’s reconstruction of events, and build a defense grounded in the specific facts of your case.

If you or someone you care about is facing a vehicular homicide charge in Corunna or Shiawassee County, contact Ben Hall Law today. This is not a charge you can afford to face without experienced legal representation.

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How Criminal Cases Move Through Corunna Courts

Understanding how your case will proceed helps you make informed decisions at every step:

  1. Arrest: You are taken into custody. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise both.
  2. Arraignment: Your first court appearance, typically within 48 hours. Charges are read and bond is set at the 66th District Court.
  3. Probable Cause Conference: A hearing where both sides discuss the status of the case and potential next steps.
  4. Preliminary Examination: The prosecution must demonstrate probable cause. This is a critical opportunity for your defense attorney to challenge the evidence against you.
  5. Circuit Court: Felony charges are bound over to the Shiawassee County Circuit Court for trial.
  6. Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues before trial.
  7. Trial or Resolution: Your case proceeds to trial or is resolved through negotiation.
  8. Sentencing: If convicted, the judge sentences you in accordance with Michigan’s sentencing guidelines.

Local Courts Serving Corunna, Michigan

66th District Court—Located in Corunna, the 66th District Court handles misdemeanor trials, arraignments, and preliminary examinations for felony matters originating in Shiawassee County.

Shiawassee County Circuit Court—Also located in Corunna, the Circuit Court handles all felony trials and serious criminal matters in Shiawassee County, including vehicular homicide, felony assault, and felony OWI cases.

Ben Hall Law represents clients in both courts and brings direct familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures to every case. We serve clients throughout Shiawassee County, including Corunna, Owosso, Perry, Laingsburg, Durand, Morrice, Bancroft, New Lothrop, Byron, and Lennon.

Frequently Asked Questions—Corunna Criminal Defense

Q: What should I do immediately after being charged with a crime in Corunna?
A: Stay calm. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Contact Ben Hall Law as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights and building your defense from day one.

Q: Can charges be reduced or dismissed before trial in Shiawassee County?
A: Yes. Through pre-trial motions, preliminary examination challenges, and negotiations with the Shiawassee County Prosecutor’s Office, an experienced defense attorney can often secure a reduced charge or dismissal before a case ever reaches trial.

Q: I’ve never been in trouble before. Does that help my case?
A: It can, yes. A clean prior record is a factor in plea negotiations and sentencing considerations in Michigan. It may also open the door to deferred sentencing options that are not available to repeat offenders. Ben Hall Law will use every favorable factor in your background to your advantage.

Q: What rights do I have during a traffic stop in Michigan?
A: You are required to provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance. You have the right to remain silent beyond that. Field sobriety tests are generally voluntary in Michigan, and you may politely decline them, though refusal to take a chemical breath or blood test after arrest carries its own consequences under Michigan’s implied consent law, including a one-year license suspension. Speak with an attorney before making any decisions about testing if you have the opportunity.

Q: What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Michigan?
A: Refusing a chemical test after a lawful OWI arrest triggers Michigan’s implied consent law under MCL 257.625c. A first refusal results in a one-year license suspension. A second refusal within seven years results in a two-year suspension. The refusal can also be used as evidence against you at trial. Ben Hall Law can advise you on how to handle the consequences of a refusal.

Contact Ben Hall Law—Corunna Criminal Defense

If you are facing criminal charges in Corunna or anywhere in Shiawassee County, the time to act is now. Whether you are dealing with an OWI, assault, domestic violence, vehicular homicide, accosting, online threats, or any other serious criminal matter, Ben Hall Law is ready to fight for you. We know these courts, we know Michigan law, and we know what it takes to get results. Call Ben Hall Law today or visit our website to schedule your confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.

517-682-5493

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