A criminal charge can threaten your freedom, reputation, employment, finances, and future. Contact Maesen Law for a confidential consultation about the allegations, the evidence, and the next steps in your defense.
Facing a criminal accusation can be intimidating and overwhelming. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the decisions you make now may affect your freedom, career, relationships, and reputation for years to come.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation in West Michigan, Maesen Law can examine the circumstances, review the government’s evidence, and build a defense suited to the facts of your case. Attorney Ryan Maesen brings more than 20 years of experience in the local criminal justice system to people facing criminal charges.
Maesen Law represents people accused of offenses ranging from misdemeanors to major felonies, including:
Every accusation presents different legal and factual issues. The appropriate defense depends on the specific charge, the available evidence, the prosecution’s theory, and the events leading to the arrest.
A criminal case may begin with:
An arrest does not prove guilt. The prosecution must prove every required element of the charged offense. Police reports may omit important context, witnesses may provide conflicting accounts, and physical or digital evidence may undermine the government’s version of events.
A criminal defense attorney may review:
Evidence can disappear quickly. Video may be overwritten, electronic communications may be deleted, and witnesses’ memories may become less reliable. Speaking with an attorney early can help identify and preserve information that may support your defense.
The appropriate defense depends on the facts and the offense charged. Potential issues may include:
Some offenses require proof that the accused acted knowingly, intentionally, or with a particular purpose. Accidental conduct or evidence that does not establish the required state of mind may undermine the charge.
When an accusation involves force or violence, the evidence may show that the accused acted in response to an imminent threat or attempted to protect another person.
Personal conflict, anger, financial disputes, custody disagreements, or other motivations can affect an accusation. Messages, recordings, witness accounts, and inconsistencies may help test the allegations.
Witnesses can make errors, particularly during stressful, fast-moving, or poorly lit events. Video recordings, location information, forensic evidence, and other records may contradict an identification.
Law enforcement must comply with constitutional requirements when stopping, searching, detaining, or arresting a person. Evidence obtained unlawfully may be subject to challenge.
The circumstances surrounding an interrogation may affect whether a statement is admissible or reliable. The defense may examine whether required warnings were given and whether law enforcement used coercive or misleading tactics.
The burden is on the prosecution. Conflicting testimony, missing evidence, credibility problems, or a lack of corroboration may create reasonable doubt.
The possible outcome depends on the charge, the alleged conduct, the defendant’s record, and other circumstances. Consequences may include:
Do not assume that a misdemeanor or first-time charge will resolve itself. Statements made to police, witnesses, an alleged victim, or online can affect the case.
Criminal allegations should be evaluated from the defense perspective, not solely through the initial police narrative.
Attorney Ryan Maesen brings more than 20 years of experience in the local criminal justice system. He personally examines the evidence and circumstances surrounding each case, which may include speaking with witnesses, reviewing police records, examining relevant locations, and consulting qualified experts when appropriate.
Maesen Law prepares each matter for negotiation or litigation based on the facts, available evidence, and needs of the client. The firm represents people in the criminal courts of Kent County, Allegan County, and Ottawa County.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, get legal guidance before making decisions that could affect your defense.
Contact Maesen Law at 616-821-7691 to discuss the allegations, the evidence, and the next steps available in your case.