CRIMES OF VIOLENCE
▼ Domestic Violence
▼ Violent Felonies & Firearms Offenses
▼ Major Cases
Murder-for-Hire
RICO
Terrorism
High-Profile Public Cases
WHAT WE DO
Our Crimes of Violence practice group handles cases including domestic violence (DV), violent felonies, assault, and firearms offenses (including felon in possession of a firearm). We also handle major cases such as police misconduct, murder-for-hire, kidnapping, RICO, terrorism, and high-profile public cases garnering national attention. We represent clients in violent crime cases in state courts throughout Michigan and federal courts nationwide.
Our Approach
As a team led by former federal prosecutors, FBI special agents, and Army JAGs, we bring a unique understanding of how the government investigates and prosecutes cases. This knowledge and experience allow us to help our clients avoid, defend against, and minimize the fallout from criminal charges. Whether facing domestic abuse charges, a restraining order, contesting a restraining order, or defending a highly-publicized federal case garnering national attention, you need a team with an expert understanding of how state and federal criminal cases work
In every criminal case, we examine potential weaknesses in the investigation and charges. We work to reduce felony assault and domestic violence charges to misdemeanors, avoid charges altogether, and obtain outright dismissals following preliminary examinations based on victim/witness credibility issues. We regularly file successful motions to suppress evidence for illegal stops and searches, as well as motions to suppress statements taken in violation of Miranda rights. We carefully review all evidence against our clients, identify mistakes in the investigation, undermine the credibility of witnesses, advocate for bond while awaiting trial, seek alternatives to incarceration such as pretrial diversion or probation, and explore the potential benefits of cooperation. For clients who face sentencing after a conviction, we work to mitigate the sentence by challenging incorrect guideline scoring and arguing for a lesser sentence.
Crimes of Violence Charges
Domestic Violence
A charge of domestic violence (DV) is an assault or battery that occurs with someone with whom a person has a domestic or dating relationship. Domestic violence charges are almost always complicated by the human dynamics of the relationship between the person charged and the person alleging the assault. Our attorneys understand this complicated dynamic and help uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case involving victim/witness credibility. We have worked successfully in domestic violence cases throughout Michigan to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, avoid charges altogether, and obtain outright dismissals following the preliminary examination based on victim/witness credibility issues.
Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
616-458-5500
mike@sbbllaw.com
T E A M L E A D E R
Michael Bartish
Violent Felonies & Firearms Offenses
Violent felonies and firearms charges are serious and carry severe sentences. Our award-winning criminal defense attorneys have the experience and skill to defend clients facing charges in state cases throughout Michigan and in federal cases nationwide, including for:
Assault
Homicide & Manslaughter
Gang-Related Crimes
Firearms Offenses
Felon in possession of a firearm
Firearms prohibited by federal law
Firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking or in connection with crimes of violence (including federal 18 USC 924(c))
Dishonesty during the purchase of a firearm
Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) offenses by licensed dealers
FIREARMS CHARGES
in federal court require an attorney who specializes in federal court. When a person catches the attention of the FBI, DEA, or ATF, it is often because of a larger investigation or the person’s criminal history. There are striking differences between the state and federal courts, with federal firearms charges often carrying 5-20 years in prison or more, even for non-violent defendants. The interplay between the Armed Career Criminal statute, the Career Offender guidelines, and mandatory consecutive sentences makes federal sentencing outcomes complicated. We understand the importance of mitigating damage to our client from the outset and have unparalleled expertise to do so, from the investigation stage and grand jury through trial or sentencing.
T E A M L E A D E R
Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
616-458-5500
tessa@sbbllaw.com
Tessa Muir
T E A M L E A D E R
Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
231-924-8700
gary@sbbllaw.com
Gary Springstead
Major Cases
Our team is experienced in handling high-profile cases that garner high-pressure media attention. We handle federal cases nationwide and state cases throughout Michigan involving charges for murder-for-hire, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), terrorism, and other high-profile cases. We have successfully argued for bond in major federal cases, represented one of the defendants in the kidnapping involving Michigan’s governor, worked with clients facing charges stemming from the January 6th surge at the US Capitol, and defended police officers in high-profile use-of-force cases. We believe that every defendant deserves a full and fair process, uninfluenced by the media and public attention. Our attorneys are uniquely experienced and poised to handle these types of major cases.
T E A M L E A D E R
Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
616-458-5500
matt@sbbllaw.com
Matthew Borgula
T E A M L E A D E R
Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
231-924-8700
gary@sbbllaw.com
Gary Springstead
Contact Our Team
The attorneys at SBBL Law are experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to handling crimes of violence. Call us for a free case evaluation and consultation when you face serious allegations.