When you have serious criminal problems, you need an effective Michigan criminal defense attorney. Whether you’re facing criminal sexual conduct, rape, drunk driving, assault, domestic violence, or some other charge, you should hire a Michigan criminal defense attorney who has the knowledge and skills to fight for you. With offices throughout Michigan, criminal defense attorneys Joshua Blanchard and Keeley Heath have the training and experience to effectively represent you from plea negotiations through trial in any Michigan court.

Both Ms. Heath and Mr. Blanchard are members of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan and engage in frequent training to stay on the cutting edge of the law. Both are graduates of the Trial Lawyers College and the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Trial College.

Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree – Kent County: Our client was charged with one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct – First Degree (CSC1), two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct – Third Degree (CSC3), one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct – Fourth Degree (CSC4), and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Attorneys Keeley Heath and Joshua Blanchard were hired to substitute in for previous counsel the evening prior to the start of the first scheduled jury trial after the previous attorney told our client to plead guilty or face decades in prison. We were successful in obtaining an adjournment of the jury trial on the morning that it was set to begin. Prior to trial, we moved to dismiss one count of CSC3 and the sole count of CSC4. After months of preparation, we conducted a week long jury trial on the remaining counts. In the end, the jury found our client NOT GUILTY of both the CSC1 and the CSC3. We we able to avoid a felony conviction and sex offender registration for this client.

Domestic Violence – Kent County: Our client was charged with domestic violence following a heated encounter with her long-time boyfriend. On the morning of jury trial, the prosecution made an even better plea offer, but out innocent client rejected it. Attorney Joshua Blanchard conducted a full day jury trial. After deliberating for only 30 minutes, the jury found our client NOT GUILTY of Domestic Violence.

Operating While Intoxicated – Allegan County / City of Douglas: Our client was charged with Operating While Intoxicated (DUI) after a traffic stop for speeding. The officer attempted to perform some field sobriety tests, but failed to conform to the standards prescribed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Datamaster breath test result was .14 BrAC. Through effective cross examination of the investigating officer and the Datamaster technicians, Attorney Joshua Blanchard was able to convince the jury that the government had not proven that our client was operating a motor vehicle with an unlawful bodily alcohol content. After a very short deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

Assault & Battery / Disturbing the Peace – Clare County: Our client was charged with one count of assault and one count of disturbing the peace following an incident in a public parking lot involving his brother. Through effective story-telling and cross examination, Mr. Blanchard was successful in convincing a jury that his client was innocent. After a couple hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

Domestic Violence 2nd Offense – Clare County: Our client was charged with two counts of second offense domestic violence. Despite our opposition, the judge ruled that evidence of prior acts of domestic violence against the same complainant would be presented to the jury. Attorney Josh Blanchard conducted a jury trial which was prosecuted by the Michigan Attorney General’s office. After a short deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY on both counts.

Possession of Marijuana – Montcalm County: Client was charged with possession of marijuana following surveillance by a local police officer. Attorney Joshua Blanchard filed a motion to suppress evidence of the marijuana because there had been a violation of our client’s 4th Amendment rights to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. After a two-hour evidentiary hearing, the judge SUPPRESSED the marijuana. Shortly thereafter the prosecutor DISMISSED the charges.

Operating While Intoxicated – Montcalm County: Our client was charged with OWI following a traffic stop because the officer had allegedly observed client’s vehicle to be weaving in his lane. Attorney Joshua Blanchard filed a motion to suppress evidence of the breath test because our client was detained for an unreasonable time prior to his arrest. On the day before the hearing on our motion to suppress, the prosecutor’s office DISMISSED the charges.

Possession of Marijuana – Montcalm County: Medical Marijuana patient was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana after being found with a small amount of medicine despite being in possession of a medical marijuana card. At the pretrial conference, the prosecutor refused to dismiss the charge. Attorney Keeley D. Heath filed a motion to dismiss based on Section 4 of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. Prior to the hearing on Ms. Heath’s motion, the prosecutor DISMISSED the charge.

Malicious use of a Telephone – Montcalm County: Our client was charged after he left a telephone message for his ex-wife. The message was alleged to contain vulgar words as well as harassing, and threatening statements. Attorney Keeley D. Heath conducted a jury trial where she was able to successfully argue that while our client’s message may not have been polite, it wasn’t criminal. After deliberations, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

Assault & Battery – Clare County: Our client and a co-defendant were charged with Assault & Battery for allegedly beating a man. It was undisputed that the complaining witness had been severely injured. At trial, attorney Joshua Blanchard established that the alleged victim’s story had changed radically from the night of the alleged assault. Mr. Blanchard was also able to emphasize that the investigating officer omitted details of a witness from his reports. After a full day jury trial, it took the jury roughly 20 minutes to return a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

Misuse of 911 – Clare County: Client was charged with misuse of a 911 service. The prosecutor’s best offer was 30 days in the county jail. Our response was to demand a jury trial. Attorney Joshua Blanchard argued that no real crime had been committed. After closing arguments, the jury was out for just 10 minutes before they returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

Manufacture / Delivery of Marijuana – Montcalm County: Client was charged with felony manufacture / delivery of marijuana. Our client had applied for a medical marijuana card pursuant to the MMMA. At the time of the raid, 20 days had passed since our client submitted his application, but he had not yet received a card from the MDCH. Attorney Keeley D. Heath filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to section 4 of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. On the morning before the motion hearing, the prosecutor dismissed the charges.

Assault & Battery / Larceny – Montcalm County: Client was charged with assault and larceny related to a neighborhood dispute. During the trial, it became apparent that the witnesses for the government had been conspiring — unknown to the prosecutor — to coordinate their testimony in an attempt to convict our client. Attorney Joshua Blanchard brought this violation of the court’s sequestration order to the trial judge’s attention. After examining several of the witnesses under oath, Mr. Blanchard moved for a mistrial, which was granted. Following the mistrial, the prosecutor decided to do the right thing and not re-try our client.

OWI 2nd / Assault & Battery – Grand Traverse County: Our client was charged with Operating While Intoxicated – 2nd Offense and Assault & Battery. With their normal “no-deals” approach to drunk driving, the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor refused to make any reasonable offers. Accordingly, attorney Joshua Blanchard prepared for a jury trial. After a full day jury trial, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY on all counts.

Assault & Battery / Illegal Entry – Montcalm County: Our client was charged following a dispute with her ex-mother-in-law. The government made several plea offers that were not acceptable to our client, so Attorney Keeley D. Heath conducted a jury trial. After just minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY on both counts.

Aggravated Assault – Montcalm County: Client was charged with aggravated assault. Our client was acting in self-defense and refused all plea offers extended by the prosecution. Attorney Joshua Blanchard tried the case to a jury. After approximately one hour deliberating, the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

OWI 2nd – Leelanau County: Client was charged with operating while intoxicated, second offense. On the eve of trial, the government offered a plea to reckless driving / disorderly conduct.

OWI 3rd – Montcalm County: Client was charged with felony operating while intoxicated. We filed a motion to suppress the blood test results based on non-compliance with Michigan’s Implied Consent law. After filing the motion, the prosecutor agreed to a plea to reckless driving with no jail or probation.

OWI – Oscoda County: Client charged with OWI after a roll-over accident and .18 BrAC breath test. Reduced to reckless driving.

Use of Marijuana – Montcalm County: Client was charged with use of marijuana. We tried the case and client was acquitted at a bench trial.

OWI – Bay County: Client was charged with OWI. We concluded that the police had insufficient evidence to request a breath test or arrest client. After filing a motion to suppress, client accepted plea offer to having open intoxicants in a motor vehicle.

Assault & Battery Jury Trial – Montcalm County: Original charge was assault & battery. After a jury trial, the judge declared a mistrial when the jurors were unable to reach a verdict.

Contempt of Court Appeal – Montcalm County: We filed an appeal for a client who was sentenced to serve consecutive sentences. On appeal it was ordered that his sentences run concurrently, thereby releasing him from jail earlier than originally scheduled.

OWI 2nd – Clare County: Client was charged with operating while intoxicated, second offense. After review and negotiation, the charges were dismissed without prejudice.