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The criminal code of the state of Michigan carries a number of possible offenses. Charges can range anywhere from law level misdemeanors like being a disorderly person, open intoxicants, minor in possession of alcohol, possession of drugs, disturbing the peace, and the like, all the way to serious felonies such as murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, carjacking and more. McLaughlin Law has over a decade of experience handling thousands of criminal cases spanning the whole range of the criminal offenses. The unparalleled experience, know how, and tenacity of McLaughlin Law will serve your interests, protect your rights and your life. Please see all the experienced practice areas and provide your information today so that we may meet your criminal defense needs.

Accusations of domestic violence not only put your liberty at stake but also your reputation in the community. Often all it takes a single statement from an accuser and charges can be brought by the government. There are many specialized statutes in the state of Michigan pertaining to domestic violence. In addition, it takes a knowledgeable lawyer to properly navigate the specialized law and dynamics at play in defending a case of domestic violence. McLaughlin Law has many years of experience in just this field having handled hundreds of cases with successful outcomes. There are two sides to every story and here at McLaughlin Law, we aim to support you, protect your freedom and your reputation.

Anytime you are facing charges of child abuse there are concerns about criminal consequences, stigma, and interference with your ability to be a parent or guardian. Your ability to remain free and able to watch your children can depend on the lawyer you choose to hire. Here at McLaughlin Law, the firm has many years of experience handling child abuse cases and will have the know-how and tenacity to best position you for a positive outcome that can save your reputation and parental rights.

Weapons offenses in the state of Michigan can quickly ratchet up any possible penalty and increase the likelihood of jail or prison time. In particular, the charges we often see, known as the gun trifecta, include carrying concealed weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and, most significantly, felony firearm. The felony gun charges can impact your liberty, impact your ability to possess weapons in the future, and tends to draw more negative attention from the judge at sentencing. Felony firearm in particular comes with a two-year mandatory prison term! As a result, it is vital to have a firm that has handled hundreds of fun felony cases like McLaughlin Law on your side to put the government’s case to the test.

Operating while intoxicated offenses, otherwise known as a DUI or drunk driving, has the ability to not only result in incarceration but also heavy fines, costs, vehicle immobilization, costs of prosecution and even suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. Operating while intoxicated and other driving offenses such as reckless driving or driving with a suspended license all negatively impact your ability to drive in the state of Michigan and can even result in felony charges in certain circumstances. You need an attorney who is familiar with all the driving laws, the defenses available to challenge the stops, blood results, breath results and other vehicular evidence to put you in the best position to win. A successful outcome not only keeps your freedom but also maintains your ability to drive. McLaughlin Law has handled hundreds if not thousands of driving offenses and is prepared to defend you with the knowledge and attention to detail to protect your rights.

Retail fraud, larceny, embezzlement, and receiving and concealing stolen property are among the charges that can be issued in the state of Michigan for theft of property. They range, based on value from 93-day misdemeanors for amounts under $200 all the way up to felony offenses punishable by up to 10 to 20 years in prison when theft totals go above $20,000. The experience of McLaughlin Law can help you navigate these possible charges and punishments and see you get a result that helps you keep your liberty and your dignity.

The Federal Government often issues heavy charges that carry significant punishments. Racketeering, drug trafficking across state lines, trafficking in firearms, medical fraud, criminal enterprise and firearms charges are among the list of federal charges that will put you at severe risk of long-term incarceration in a federal prison. You need an experienced lawyer on your side to help you take on a goliath entity like the federal government. McLaughlin Law has the experience to take the case back to the government and really put the pressure on those federal agencies to keep them at bay.

No allegations affect someone in terms of reputation and exposure to jail quite like criminal sexual conduct. Allegations of rape are very often unaccompanied by supporting evidence, other witnesses, or even a definite date/time of the offense. Despite this the government will often take the word of the alleged victim and run with it. We know there is more to the story than what the accuser has said. You need a law firm with the experience to navigate this process and the ability to put the government on defense. Here at McLaughlin Law, we have the experience necessary to defend your case and we will fight for your story, reputation and freedom.

As a former prosecutor who specialized in auto theft charges for a period of years, Colin McLaughlin has developed the necessary experience to handle these matters with the knowledge and know how that you cannot otherwise find. He has handled cases involving allegations of maintaining a chop shop, receiving and concealing stolen motor vehicles, unlawful driving away auto, fleeing and eluding, possession of burglars’ tools and continuing criminal enterprise otherwise known as CCE aka racketeering. The hundreds if not thousands of cases he has handled in this area shaped the lawyer he is today. When you are faced with these charges, you need a lawyer who is capable, dedicated, and knowledgeable. Colin’s specialized training in this area allows him to be best positioned to defend you with the full force necessary to ensure a positive outcome.

Possession of controlled substances is a serious offense; most possession charges are felony offenses. When there are allegations that the drugs are being sold, the penalties sky rocket. Delivery or manufacture of narcotics charges come with severe penalties including a large period in prison and heavy fines. You need a lawyer with experience in addressing narcotic charges both possession and delivery. McLaughlin Law has the experience to handle these drug charges and see the way to a positive outcome.

Traffic tickets can result in suspension or even revocation of a driver’s license but so can convictions involving controlled substances or operating while intoxicated (drunk driving). Getting around in the state of Michigan is challenging enough when you have a license and nearly impossible without one. Here at McLaughlin Law, we understand the hardship you are experiencing and the absolute need to get your driver’s license restored. This niche area of law requires the experience and knowledge of the specialized laws involved in order to get back your license. McLaughlin Law will handle your license restoration with the urgency and knowledge required and guide you to the return of your driver’s license.

After you have been punished for a crime years ago and have managed to go back to a normal functioning life in society, it is only right that the government offer some relief from past transgressions. In particular, the state of Michigan's expungement laws have significantly expanded and contain a lot of legal nuance that you need an experienced firm to help you navigate. Similarly, removal from the sex offender registry is a long, cumbersome process and having a trusted, reliable advisor by your side to see you through to the other side is invaluable. McLaughlin Law will help ensure that society sees you as the productive citizen you are and not as a former criminal.

These charges are known in Michigan as 'capital offenses'. They are so known because they could result in imprisonment up to life in prison and they have sentences that usually result in you going to prison for at least 2-3 years at minimum. To defend these matters, you need a lawyer on your side who is used to handling big offenses in tough situations and can fight for your rights and stand up to the government. McLaughlin Law has you covered with the strength and experience to fight against the government and defend your liberty.

Colin McLaughlin

Colin McLaughlin is a highly-experienced, well-educated attorney specializing in a wide-range of practice areas including but not limited to: felony and misdemeanor crimes, homicide, criminal sexual conduct, auto theft and racketeering.

Prior to founding McLaughlin Law, Colin gained invaluable knowledge and skill working for a total of 12 years as a prosecuting attorney in Oakland and Wayne Counties. Before returning to his home State of Michigan, Colin also worked in New York City in the area of civil litigation.

Colin received his Juris Doctor Degree from Brooklyn Law School in New York, following completion of his undergraduate education at the University of Michigan. He is licensed to practice law in both Michigan and New York.

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Being charged with a crime in the state of Michigan can change your life forever, so it is critical to seek the legal expertise of someone you can trust to represent you through every step of the legal process. McLaughlin Law provides our clients with exceptional defense representation. If you have been charged with a crime, it is crucial to be represented by a Law Firm with the experience and skills to provide you with the best defense possible.

Colin McLaughlin founded McLaughlin Law after more than a decade of experience prosecuting criminal cases in Oakland and Wayne Counties. He is well-versed in the complexities of the criminal justice system and knows the tricks and strategies the prosecutors will use to attempt to convict you. He will use this knowledge to fight on your behalf every step of the way.

Contact Colin McLaughlin today for a free phone consultation.

Colin McLaughlin

Received his Juris Doctor Degree from Brooklyn Law School in New York, following completion of his undergraduate education at the University of Michigan. He is licensed to practice law in both Michigan and New York.