(586) 243-4140
    Law Offices ofScott E. Rabaut
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    Felony

    Prison time, permanent record, and lifelong consequences.

    A felony charge is the most serious criminal accusation you can face in Michigan. The consequences — prison time, a permanent criminal record, loss of civil rights — follow you for the rest of your life. Whether you're facing drug charges, criminal sexual conduct (CSC), assault, or weapons charges, you need a felony defense attorney who will fight without reservation.

    Call Now — (586) 243-4140

    Understanding the Charge

    Felony charges in Michigan cover a wide range of offenses including drug crimes, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, criminal sexual conduct (CSC 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degree), fraud, and weapons charges. Convictions carry sentences ranging from probation to life in prison depending on the charge and your criminal history.

    The felony process in Michigan includes an arraignment, probable cause conference, preliminary examination, circuit court arraignment, pretrial conferences, potentially a jury trial, and sentencing. Each stage presents opportunities for an experienced attorney to challenge the prosecution's case — in the 16th Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens, the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac, or federal court.

    Scott has defended clients against felony charges in courts across Southeast Michigan — Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, St. Clair County, and Lapeer County. He handles drug crime cases, sex crime cases, felonious assault, and federal charges. He knows how to investigate the facts, challenge unconstitutional searches and seizures, negotiate with prosecutors, and take cases to trial when necessary.

    Call Now — (586) 243-4140

    Charges Scott Defends

    Class M1 — Mandatory Life Without Parole

    • •First degree murder

    Class M2 — Up to Life with Possibility of Parole

    • •Second degree murder

    Class A — Up to Life

    • •Second degree murder
    • •Kidnapping
    • •Armed robbery
    • •Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to rob or steal
    • •Criminal sexual conduct — 1st degree (CSC 1)
    • •First degree arson
    • •Torture
    • •First degree child abuse
    • •Carjacking

    Class B — Up to 20 Years

    • •Second degree arson
    • •Second degree child abuse — repeat offense
    • •Production of child sexually abusive material / child pornography
    • •Certain serious drug trafficking offenses

    Class C — Up to 15 Years

    • •Manslaughter
    • •Robbery
    • •Criminal sexual conduct — 2nd degree (CSC 2)
    • •OWI / DUI causing death
    • •Human trafficking resulting in injury
    • •Larceny over $20,000
    • •Embezzlement over $20,000

    Class D — Up to 10 Years

    • •Assault with intent to do great bodily harm
    • •Possession of methamphetamine
    • •Breaking and entering
    • •Home invasion — 2nd degree

    Class E — Up to 5 Years

    • •Aggravated stalking
    • •Retail fraud — 1st degree (shoplifting over $1,000)
    • •Embezzlement over $1,000
    • •Forgery
    • •Home invasion — 3rd degree
    • •Third offense OWI / DUI

    Class F — Up to 4 Years

    • •Carrying a concealed weapon — CCW
    • •Certain drug possession charges

    Class G — Up to 2 Years

    • •Third degree child abuse
    • •Writing a bad check — over $500
    • •Vulnerable adult abuse
    • •Felony firearm — 2 Years Mandatory

    Class H — Jail, Probation, or Alternative Sentencing

    • •Credit card fraud / unauthorized use
    • •Welfare fraud — over $500
    • •Driving with suspended license — certain repeat offenses

    Drug Charges

    • •Possession of a controlled substance
    • •Possession with intent to deliver
    • •Delivery / distribution
    • •Manufacturing
    • •Conspiracy to distribute
    • •Maintaining a drug house

    Sex Crimes

    • •CSC 1st degree — Class A
    • •CSC 2nd degree — Class C
    • •CSC 3rd degree — Class C/D
    • •CSC 4th degree — High Court Misdemeanor
    • •Production of child sexually abusive material — Class B
    • •Accosting a minor for immoral purposes
    • •Child pornography — possession

    Weapons

    • •Assault with a dangerous weapon (felonious assault)
    • •Felony firearm — possessing a firearm during a felony
    • •Carrying a concealed weapon — CCW
    • •Felon in possession of a firearm

    White Collar Crimes

    • •Embezzlement
    • •Fraud — insurance, mortgage, bank
    • •Money laundering
    • •Tax evasion
    • •Securities fraud

    Internet Crimes

    • •Online solicitation of a minor
    • •Identity theft schemes
    • •Computer fraud and hacking
    • •Internet fraud / phishing

    Federal Crimes

    • •Federal drug trafficking
    • •Federal fraud charges
    • •Federal firearms offenses
    • •RICO / racketeering
    • •Federal conspiracy charges

    Vehicular / OWI

    • •Vehicular manslaughter
    • •Reckless driving causing death
    • •Moving violation causing death
    • •OWI causing death

    Public Corruption

    • •Bribery of a public official
    • •Misconduct in office
    • •Extortion

    Forfeiture — Civil & Criminal

    • •Asset forfeiture defense
    • •Vehicle forfeiture
    • •Currency / property seizure

    Potential Penalties

    OffensePenalty
    Class A Felony (e.g., First-Degree Murder)Life in prison without parole
    Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC 1st Degree)Up to life in prison, sex offender registry
    Class B Felony (e.g., Armed Robbery)Up to 20 years or more in prison
    Drug Delivery / ManufacturingUp to 20 years in prison depending on substance and quantity
    Felonious AssaultUp to 4 years in prison, up to $2,000 fine
    Class D/E Felony (e.g., Drug Possession)Up to 5–10 years in prison, fines, probation
    Facing These Penalties? Call Now — (586) 243-4140

    Why Hire Scott for This Case

    • ✓Experienced in defending serious felony charges — drug crimes, CSC/sex crimes, assault, weapons offenses
    • ✓Practices in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, St. Clair, and Lapeer County courts
    • ✓Skilled at challenging searches, seizures, and wrongful confessions
    • ✓Knows how to negotiate reduced charges and alternative sentencing
    • ✓Trial-ready — prepared to take your case before a jury
    • ✓Licensed in the U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Michigan
    • ✓Guides you through every step of the criminal process
    Call Now — (586) 243-4140

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A misdemeanor is any criminal charge that carries a sentence of one year or less in jail. A felony is any criminal charge punishable by more than one year, served in prison. Felonies also result in the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to possess firearms.

    In many cases, yes. Through skilled negotiation, Scott may be able to secure a plea to a lesser charge. The likelihood depends on the nature of the offense, the evidence, and your criminal history. Scott regularly negotiates reductions in courts across Macomb County and Metro Detroit.

    Yes. If the evidence is insufficient or was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, Scott can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Many cases are resolved favorably before ever reaching trial.

    Not necessarily. Many felony convictions result in probation rather than prison, particularly for first-time offenders. Scott fights for alternatives to incarceration whenever possible, including treatment programs and deferred sentences.

    A felony case in Michigan can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on complexity, court schedules, and whether it goes to trial. Scott keeps you informed at every stage and works to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.

    Scott offers flat fee pricing so you know exactly what your case will cost upfront — no surprises, no hourly billing. The fee depends on the charge and the complexity of the case. Call (586) 243-4140 for a free consultation.

    A preliminary examination is a hearing where the prosecution must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that you committed it. Scott uses this hearing to challenge the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and build your defense strategy.

    Yes. Michigan significantly expanded expungement eligibility under the Clean Slate Act, which took effect in 2021. Most felony convictions can now be expunged after a waiting period, and many convictions are eligible for automatic expungement. However, certain offenses — including life felonies, most CSC convictions, and crimes involving minors — are not eligible. If you have questions about your specific situation, call (586) 243-4140 to discuss your options.

    The Right Move Is the One You Make Right Now.

    Every day that passes without the right attorney in your corner is a day the other side uses to build their case.

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    (586) 243-4140

    Law Offices of Scott E. Rabaut

    38600 Van Dyke Ave., Suite 200
    Sterling Heights, MI 48312

    Callback within 24 hours — sooner when urgency requires it.