Assault and Violent Crime Defense Attorneys in Michigan

Aggressive Defense Backed by Prosecutorial Insight

Facing charges for assault or any violent crime in Michigan can be one of the most frightening experiences in a person’s life. These are not minor accusations, they can carry long prison sentences, felony records, and lifelong social stigma. If you’ve been charged with assault, battery, or any violent offense, you need an experienced legal team that understands the system from every angle.

At Rabaa and Nachawati, we are former prosecutors who now fight for the accused. We’ve handled complex violent crime cases in Michigan courts, and we know how prosecutors think, what strategies they’ll use, and where their cases often fall short. Whether you acted in self-defense, were wrongfully accused, or simply made a mistake, we are here to fight for your rights and future.

Common Assault and Violent Crime Charges in Michigan

Violent crimes range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the nature of the incident, the alleged victim, and whether a weapon or serious injury was involved. Common charges we defend include:

• Simple Assault and Battery (MCL 750.81)
  – Unlawful physical contact or threat of contact, usually a 93-day misdemeanor

• Aggravated Assault (MCL 750.81a)
  – Assault causing serious injury but without a weapon

• Felonious Assault (MCL 750.82)
  – Assault with a dangerous weapon (e.g., knife, bat, gun)

• Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder (MCL 750.84)
  – A felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison

• Assault with Intent to Murder (MCL 750.83)
  – One of the most serious assault charges, carrying potential life imprisonment

• Domestic Assault (charged separately)

• Resisting or Obstructing a Police Officer (MCL 750.81d)
  – Includes physical resistance or even non-violent obstruction

• Homicide-related charges
  – Including involuntary manslaughter or second-degree murder

In many cases, prosecutors will charge multiple offenses at once or “stack” charges to increase pressure on the accused. We help clients untangle this web and respond with a clear, assertive defense strategy.

What Evidence Matters in an Assault or Violent Crime Case?

Unlike property crimes or financial offenses, assault cases are often highly emotional and fast-moving. The most important evidence may include:

• Eyewitness accounts

• Surveillance or cellphone video footage

• Body cam footage from police officers

• Statements made to police or during 911 calls

• Medical records or photos of injuries

• Weapons allegedly used in the incident

• Self-defense injuries on the accused

• Any prior criminal history (or lack thereof)

In some cases, credibility is everything. A good defense will dissect the timeline, challenge inconsistencies in the prosecution’s version of events, and present a complete picture of what really happened.

Legal Defenses to Assault Charges

Every case is unique, but possible legal defenses to assault or violent crime charges include:

• Self-defense – If you were protecting yourself or another from imminent harm

• Defense of others – Particularly if the other person was vulnerable or threatened

• Lack of intent – If the injury or contact was accidental

• Mutual combat – Both parties willingly engaged in a fight

• Mistaken identity or false accusation – Especially in chaotic or poorly documented incidents

• Violation of your constitutional rights – Including illegal arrest or search

As former prosecutors, we know how to challenge the state’s narrative, and how to forcefully assert yours.

What’s at Stake with an Assault Conviction?

Even a misdemeanor assault conviction can result in:

• Jail time

• Probation

• Mandatory anger management or counseling

• Fines and restitution

• No-contact orders

• Immigration consequences

• A permanent criminal record that limits job, housing, and educational opportunities

Felony convictions carry even harsher consequences, including long prison terms and the loss of civil rights such as voting and gun ownership.

You can’t afford to go through this process alone or hope that the truth will simply come out on its own. You need a team that will make the truth matter in court.