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You Deserve a Fighting Chance. Ben Hall Law Is Ready to Help.
Corunna is the county seat of Shiawassee County, and criminal cases arising in the area are handled through the 66th District Court and the Shiawassee County Circuit Court. Understanding which court has jurisdiction and what stage the case has reached is an important part of knowing what happens next.
Ben Hall Law represents clients in Corunna and throughout Shiawassee County in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases, including OWI, domestic violence, assault, vehicular homicide, accosting, online-threat allegations, theft and embezzlement, and other criminal matters.
If you have been charged or believe you are under investigation, getting legal advice early can help you understand the charge, preserve evidence, and avoid decisions that may make the situation more difficult.
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 is not a conviction. Michigan law prohibits operating while intoxicated, operating with an unlawful alcohol concentration, and certain forms of drug-impaired driving. The defense should focus on the specific evidence supporting the charge rather than assumptions based on the arrest alone.
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 |
OWI cases are evidence-driven. The defense should review the reason for the stop, officer observations, field sobriety testing, chemical-test evidence, police reports, and available video. If procedures were not followed or the evidence does not support the prosecution’s theory, those issues may affect the case.
Immediate Steps After an OWI Arrest in Corunna
If you have been arrested for OWI in Corunna or elsewhere in Shiawassee County, some immediate steps can help protect your position:
- 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.
- Do not resist arrest or argue with officers at the scene.
- Note everything you can remember about the stop—road conditions, lighting, what the officer said, how the field sobriety tests were conducted.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as reasonably possible so the evidence, license issues, and court schedule can be reviewed.
- 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:
- Whether the officer had legal justification to stop your vehicle in the first place
- Whether the breathalyzer device was properly calibrated and maintained
- Whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly—road conditions, lighting, and weather all affect the reliability of results and can be challenged in court
- Whether your blood draw, if taken, followed proper Michigan protocol
- 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 can carry criminal penalties and may also affect employment, professional licensing, housing, firearm rights, or other parts of a person’s life depending on the offense and circumstances.
Building Your Defense Against Assault Allegations
Assault cases can turn on disputed accounts, video, witness credibility, prior interactions, injuries, and whether the conduct meets the legal elements of the charged offense. The defense should test each of those points against the available evidence.
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.
Michigan domestic-violence law applies to specified relationships, including spouses, former spouses, dating partners, co-parents, and certain household members. Once a criminal case is filed, the decision whether to continue the prosecution generally belongs to the prosecutor rather than the complaining witness.
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 case may also involve bond conditions or a separate personal protection order. Those restrictions should be followed carefully because violating a court order can create additional legal problems.
Why Early Legal Intervention Makes the Difference
Ben Hall Law reviews police reports, body-camera footage, 911 recordings, medical records, prior communications, and other available evidence to determine what the prosecution can actually prove and what defenses or procedural issues may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges?
A: The prosecutor may continue a criminal case even if the complaining witness no longer wants it to proceed. Whether the case can be dismissed or reduced depends on the admissible evidence and the prosecution’s ability to prove the charge.
Q: Can a domestic-violence case affect custody?
A: Potentially. Michigan custody law requires courts to consider domestic violence as one of the relevant factors. The effect depends on the facts and the separate family-court proceeding.
Q: Can a first domestic-violence offense qualify for deferral?
A: Michigan law provides a deferral mechanism under MCL 769.4a in qualifying cases. Eligibility and the required approvals should be evaluated in the particular case.
Q: Can charges be reduced or dismissed?
A: Potentially. The answer depends on the charge, evidence, legal issues, negotiations, and procedural posture. No particular reduction or dismissal can be assumed in advance.
Criminal Defense Attorney in Corunna, Michigan
You Shouldn’t Have to Face the Justice System Alone
A criminal charge can create immediate uncertainty about bond, court dates, employment, licensing, family responsibilities, and possible penalties. A defense attorney can help you understand the process and the decisions ahead.
Ben Hall Law represents clients throughout Corunna and Shiawassee County in district- and circuit-court criminal proceedings. Ben Hall’s prior experience as a police officer and prosecutor informs how the firm evaluates investigations, prosecution evidence, and courtroom strategy.
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
- Representation informed by the procedures and requirements of the court handling your case
- Representation through the stages covered by the scope of the engagement
- A firm that genuinely cares about protecting your future
Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Corunna and Shiawassee County
Criminal cases can move quickly after an arrest. Court dates, bond conditions, discovery, and evidence-preservation issues may arise early, so it is useful to understand the schedule and procedural posture as soon as possible.
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
Michigan’s accosting statute, MCL 750.145a, addresses specified conduct involving a child under 16. Because the precise words, conduct, ages, and circumstances matter, the defense should begin with the statutory elements and the evidence rather than the label attached to the accusation.
A conviction for accosting in Michigan can result in:
- Criminal penalties that depend on the precise offense and any applicable prior record
- Potential collateral consequences that should be evaluated separately from the criminal penalty
- Possible employment, licensing, family, or reputational consequences depending on the circumstances
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 evidence is generally inadmissible to prove truthfulness at a Michigan criminal trial, but polygraph requests can still arise during investigations. The more important issue is often the interview and statements surrounding the examination.
Key things to understand about polygraphs in Michigan criminal matters:
- Polygraph results cannot be introduced at trial under Michigan Rules of Evidence
- Investigators may consider the examination as part of an investigation even when the result is not admissible at trial
- Statements made during a polygraph examination may themselves be used against you
- A person should understand the risks of the interview and examination before agreeing to participate
Statements made before, during, or after a polygraph examination can raise issues separate from the admissibility of the polygraph result. A person should not assume that everything said in connection with the test is automatically excluded from a later criminal case.
At Ben Hall Law, we advise clients about the implications of a polygraph request before any decision is made. Statements surrounding the examination can matter even when the polygraph result itself is inadmissible.
Online Threats in Corunna
Michigan Online Threat Laws and What They Mean for You
Michigan law criminalizes certain threatening or harassing conduct involving electronic communications. These cases can turn on the exact words used, intent, context, relationship between the parties, and the particular statutory theory charged.
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 the communication, the relationship between the parties, the surrounding evidence, and whether the prosecution can prove every element of the charged offense.
Vehicular Homicide in Corunna, Michigan
When a Traffic Incident Becomes a Felony Charge
Michigan has several different criminal offenses involving a death caused by the operation of a motor vehicle. The exact charge matters because the elements and potential penalties vary substantially.
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.
Vehicular-homicide cases can involve accident reconstruction, toxicology, witness testimony, vehicle data, video, and other time-sensitive evidence. Early review can help identify what should be preserved and what parts of the prosecution’s reconstruction require closer examination.
If you are facing a vehicular-homicide charge in Corunna or Shiawassee County, obtaining legal advice promptly can help you understand the charge and the evidence that needs immediate attention.
How Criminal Cases Move Through Corunna Courts
Understanding how your case will proceed helps you make informed decisions at every step:
- Arrest: If you are taken into custody, avoid volunteering statements about the allegations and ask for legal advice before investigative questioning.
- Arraignment: The charge is formally presented, bond or release conditions are addressed, and future court dates are established.
- Probable Cause Conference: In felony cases, the parties address the status of the case and issues leading toward the preliminary examination or another resolution.
- Preliminary Examination: In a felony case, the prosecution must establish the required probable cause before the matter can be bound over to circuit court.
- Circuit Court: Felony cases that are bound over proceed in the Shiawassee County Circuit Court for further pretrial proceedings and, if necessary, trial.
- Pre-Trial Motions:Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues before trial.
- Trial or Other Resolution: The matter may be dismissed, resolved by agreement, or proceed to trial depending on the case.
- Sentencing: If there is a conviction, sentencing follows under the laws and procedures applicable to the offense.
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 serves people throughout Shiawassee County, including Corunna and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corunna Criminal Defense
Remain calm and do not resist. You can decline to answer investigative questions and ask to speak with an attorney. Preserve paperwork, follow bond conditions, and get legal advice about the next steps.
Potentially. Whether a charge can be reduced or dismissed depends on the evidence, legal issues, procedural posture, and negotiations. No particular result can be promised in advance.
A lack of prior convictions can matter in charging, negotiations, sentencing, and eligibility for certain statutory deferrals or programs, but the effect depends on the particular offense and circumstances.
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.
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.