Criminal Law
Assisting individuals and families with criminal offenses.
Our Criminal Law Attorneys
Criminal Law Services
The stress of being charged with a criminal offense is magnified by having to search for a qualified and capable defense attorney. Search no further–the best criminal defense you can find in Holland, Michigan, for both misdemeanor and felony offenses, is the Criminal Law Practice Group at Cunningham Dalman.
Steering through the Criminal Law maze
Our attorneys and staff thoroughly investigate each case, identify key avenues of defense, and vigorously advocate on behalf of our clients. We are intimately familiar with all levels and branches of the criminal justice system, and can steer effectively through the maze to arrive at a positive outcome. The effective representation we provide has earned us the respect of judges, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and probation officers.
We have served the needs of clients in the Holland, Michigan area for more than 30 years, providing solid defense in all courts, including the Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court. We provide a level of comfort and sense of control in even the most difficult of circumstances, in both felony and misdemeanor proceedings.
Voted Best Law Firm in Holland, Michigan
Attorney Articles
Celebrating Our Recognition in the 15th Edition of Best Law Firms®
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—our firm has been recognized in the 15th edition of Best Law Firms®! This
Celebrating Our Firm’s Recognition in Grand Rapids Top Lawyers 2024!
We’re proud to announce that several of our attorneys—Tom Hillegonds, Rob Howard, Haans Mulder, Susan Vroegop, Ron Vander Veen, Brad
Medicaid Planning Seminar – Nov 2024
Cunningham Dalman will be hosting a Medicaid Planning Seminar on Thursday, November 21, 2024, 5:30-7:00 pm. We’ll cover important topics
Local Criminal Law Attorneys in Holland
You may need assistance. Let our team help you navigate the court system.
Our Criminal Law Services
Assaultive Crimes
Our attorneys can assist you in understanding assaultive statues in Michigan and defending yourself throughout the process.
AssaultiveDrug Crimes
Our team assists individuals who are charged with drug crimes related to possession, manufacturing / delivery, use of controlled substances, & more.
Drug CrimesTraffic Offenses
If you been charged with a criminal traffic offense such as reckless driving, operating while intoxicated, driving on a suspended license, or a moving violation causing death, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and your driver's license.
Traffic OffensesProperty Crimes
If you have been accused of embezzlement, larceny, theft, robbery, home invasion, or destruction of property, please reach out to us today.
Property CrimesTax, Regulatory and Licensing Matters
Our Criminal Law attorneys assist with tax, regulatory, and licensing issues for individuals and businesses.
Read MoreJuvenile Delinquency Proceedings
Juvenile delinquency proceedings occur when an individual (juvenile) under the age of 17 is charged with a violation of a criminal law or ordinance.
JuvenileOur Criminal Law Attorneys Can Assist You!
Looking out for you. Let us guide you or your family through the process!Â
Protecting your constitutional rights
Assaultive Crimes
Assaultive crimes have multiple classes & categories in the State of Michigan and choosing an experienced attorney is important. The basic definition of an “assault crime” is simply an intentional threat of bodily harm to another and the ability to carry out the act. We will perform a thorough investigation into your case and then plan the best defense possible against the prosecutor.
In Michigan, several offenses fall into the broad category of “assaultive crimes” and include:
Types of Assaultive Crimes:
- Assault and Battery - You can be charged with assault & battery if you attempted to cause physical harm (assault) to another individual which resulted in actual contact with the person (battery). If serious injury results from your actions, you could be charged with "aggravated assault".
- Domestic Assault - Domestic assault and battery cases are similar but involve a spouse, former spouse, individual you are dating or have dated in the past, a person who shares a child with you, or someone who lived or currently lives in your home. Domestic violence can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and using children to abuse (threatening to kidnap, threatening custody challenges, threating to call Child Protection Services, etc.)
- Stalking - Stalking is considered a serious crime in Michigan and involves harassing another individual to the point they feel terrorized or frightened for their own safety. Stalking can be in person, via email, text, phone, or social media.
- Criminal Sexual Conduct - Defending yourself against sex crime allegations can be complex and you will want an experienced attorney to represent you. Our attorneys will investigate your case to review evidence, intent, and potential mistakes made by the prosecution.
- Sexual Offender Registration Compliance - Michigan law requires almost every person convicted of a sex crime to register on the statewide Sex Offender Registry. We can assist you in understanding the process and more importantly work to get your name removed in certain situations. Michigan, like many states, has updated their requirements for "early removal" and our criminal law attorneys are well versed in this area.
- Personal Protection Orders, Petitions, and Defense - A Personal Protection Order(PPO) is a court order put in place to protect someone who feels threatened or is being harassed. Our team of attorneys can help you file a petition for a personal protection order or "contest a motion" for a PPO against you. In order to obtain a PPO in Michigan, a judge must only find "reasonable cause" can be proved.
getting assistance on drug offenses
Drug Crimes
Our Criminal Law attorneys have years of experience in assisting individuals being charged with drug crimes in Michigan. The major types of drug crimes include drug paraphernalia, possession, manufacturing / delivery, trafficking, and dealing. Drugs are classified into five schedules by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) based on their medical use and overall abuse/dependency potential.
Cunningham Dalman has been serving clients in these matters for over 30 years and will investigate the charges against you, the state’s evidence, and develop a defense recommendation based on the facts of your case.
Areas of Assistance:
- Drug Possession Charges - In the state of Michigan, it is unlawful to be in possession of cocaine, ecstasy, LDS, heroin, analogues (designer drugs) and prescription drugs without a valid prescription. Charges & penalties will vary based on the amount possessed, it's intended use (personal vs. for sale), and any prior criminal drug history. Cunningham Dalman is experienced in all aspects of drug charges in Michigan and criminal record expungements.
- Drug Trafficking / Distribution Charges - Individuals who grow, manufacture, and sell illicit drugs to the public can be charge with drug trafficking or distribution. These charges are more serious than drug possession and penalties can be substantial. Other factors often come into play in these cases such as: drug trafficking to minors, trafficking performed at or around a school, carrying a firearm at the time, and more.
- Use of Controlled Substances - In Michigan, drug laws go beyond criminal charges for possessing and/or selling drugs and also makes it a criminal offense to use a controlled substance without a valid prescription. This includes Oxycontin, Valium, and many others.
- Prescription Drug Offenses - Using a controlled substance without a valid prescription from your doctor is a drug crime in Michigan and many parts of the country. These laws were primarily put in place to counteract the opioid epidemic. If you have been arrested and charged with illegal use, possession, or selling of prescription drugs, contact Cunningham Dalman today at 616.392.1821.
- Medical Marijuana - Medical marijuana use requires you to have a legal prescription in Michigan and patients must comply with state law. There are state limits on the number of plants you can grow and the amount you can have in your possession. Distributing medical marijuana to other individuals can result in criminal charges.
protecting your driving privileges
Traffic Offenses
Many of us will experience a time when we get a speeding ticket or some type of minor traffic citation. More serious criminal traffic offenses can occur in your life based on other circumstances. Individuals can be cited for reckless or careless driving, accidents which cause death, operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, operating without a license, and more.
If you or someone you know is charged in Michigan with a criminal traffic offense, please contact us immediately. We will work to reduce the charges and ensure your rights are protected. These situations can be embarrassing but it’s important to protect your license and keep potential life changing penalties to a minimum.
Common Traffic Offenses:
- Vehicular Manslaughter - If you have been accused of causing another's person death in a motor vehicle accident, it's best to get counsel right away. In Michigan, you can be charged with "Reckless driving causing death", a "moving violation causing death", or "operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death". It is best not to approach these types of charges on your own in the court. It is important to have experienced counsel on-board from the very beginning.
- Drinking & Driving - Michigan, like many other states, has changed most of DUI/DWI language to "operating while intoxicated" or OWI.
- Reckless Driving - In Michigan, reckless driving is defined as "driving a vehicle in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or property." Willful refers to the act being purposeful or intentional versus being an accident. Wanton basically means you completely understood your driving was risky or dangerous and you decided to do it anyway. There is a difference in Michigan between "careless driving" and "reckless driving" and it's a good idea to have experienced counsel on your side to review the facts.
- Driving with Suspended License - Individuals in Michigan can have their driver's license suspended for a number of reasons such as too many tickets, drinking & driving, or driving without insurance to name just a few. In most cases, your driving privileges are taken away for a short period of time and then you receive a restricted license allowing you to drive to work, school, court ordered programs, etc. If you are caught driving on a suspended or restricted license, please seek counsel so we can work on your behalf.
- Driver's License Restoration & Appeals - Individuals can have their driver's license "revoked" in Michigan and it's usually do to multiple drinking & driving offenses or a combination of a DUI with a drug-related conviction. In each case, there's a period of time when you become eligible to file an appeal before the Michigan Secretary of State. This process can involve multiple steps depending upon your conviction and we can assist you in preparing your appeal. Again, this is an area where one of our experienced attorneys can ensure all aspects of your case are prepared prior to the appeal.
Let us assist you in these criminal matters
Property Crimes
There are numerous property crimes committed in United States each year and it’s by far the most reported type of crime. It is estimated that more than ten million property crimes are reported each year. Our criminal law defense attorneys can assist in multiple areas:
Expertise in Multiple Areas:
- Embezzlement - Embezzlement is a form of property crime where an individual entrusted with an asset(s) uses it for their own personal gain instead of the owner. Enhanced penalties can apply if the crime is committed against a nonprofit corporation or charitable foundation. If you've been accused of embezzlement in Michigan, you will need proper counsel to defend yourself.
- Larceny / Theft / Robbery - In Michigan, all theft charges really are defined as "larceny" and can be misdemeanors or felonies depending upon the amount. Larceny in Michigan covers a wide variety of items from money, goods, services, bank bill, bonds, bank notes, deeds, public records, receipts, and many more. Please call one of our attorneys today at 616.392.1821 if we can assist you, a friend, or a family member.
- Home Invasion - In basic terms, home invasion can be defined as entering a home and committing or with the intent to commit a crime while another is lawfully present in the home. Home Invasion laws have been adopted in most states to impose harsher punishments on individuals breaking into homes as opposed to other buildings.
- Malicious Destruction of Property - Often referred to as "MDOP", occurs when an individual purposely & maliciously destroys or damages the property of another individual. These charges can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony depending upon the value and any previous criminal history. Let one of our attorneys assist you in defending yourself.
Taxing authorities, regulatory, and licensing issues
Tax, Regulatory and Licensing Matters
Our team of criminal law attorneys assist individuals and businesses with licensing applications, regulatory compliance, and legal challenges in the areas of liquor control, tobacco tax, concealed pistol licensing, and environmental concerns with MDEQ.
Expertise in Multiple Areas:
- Liquor Control Commission Compliance - Michigan's regulations in the Liquor Control code are strictly enforce and being shut down can have a dramatic impact to your business. Our attorneys have represented numerous clients in West Michigan in liquor code violations such as selling to minors, selling to intoxicated patrons, serving after hours, and unauthorized transfers of liquor licenses to name just a few.
- Tobacco Tax Act Compliance - The Michigan tobacco license tax year runs from July 1st through June 30th and must be renewed every year. The Michigan Tobacco Product Tax Act PA 327 of 1993 sets out specific requirements for licensing, stamping, collecting and paying the tobacco taxes. Our criminal law attorneys can assist on keeping your license, ensuring the correct taxes are paid, and tobacco tax audits. Call us today at 616.392.1821.
- Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Compliance & Gun Law - It is estimated that more than a million residents in Michigan have obtained their Concealed Pistol License (CPL). In order to keep your CPL current, you must follow all gun laws. One of the most important laws is you must disclose to police you are carrying & provide a copy of your CPL. In addition, there are specific locations where you cannot carry a weapon on you or in your car. These include banks, churches, courthouses, schools, hospitals, and bars to just name a few. If you are arrested and charged with a CPL or Gun Law violation in Michigan, please give us a call immediately at 616.392.1821.
- MDEQ Enforcement Defense - Cunningham Dalman works with clients providing counsel on permitting and environmental issues related to the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA, TSCA, NEPA, Endangered Species, wetland regulations & mitigations, along with all local and state environmental programs. Our Real Estate and Environmental Law practice provides us with additional expertise in this area of law.
