When you have serious problems, you need a serious attorney. Whether you’re facing criminal charges, divorce, someone is trying to take custody of your child, your bills are overwhelming, or you have another serious problem, you should hire an attorney who has the knowledge and skills to fight for you.

Attorney Joshua Blanchard provides aggressive legal services for clients throughout Michigan. Whether it’s an OWI in Escanaba or a Divorce in Detroit, you owe it to yourself to hire someone that will invest the time and effort necessary to solve whatever problem you may be facing.

Mr. Blanchard believes that you shouldn’t be afraid to contact an attorney to find out if you need professional legal assistance. For that reason, your initial consultation is free.

To schedule a no cost, no obligation consultation, please call 989-283-1300.

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.

For many people, being arrested or learning that they’ve been charged with a crime is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Many people have no idea what to do or who to call.

First of all, do not talk to the police (or anyone else) about the events surrounding the alleged crime. In my opinion, a very large percentage of my clients would receive better offers and would have much better odds at trial if they hadn’t confessed to all or a part of the crime when asked questions by a police officer. You need to understand that police officers are in the business of investigating crimes and arresting people. If the officer tells you that you’re only going to help yourself by talking to him, don’t believe it. The officer is trained in interrogation techniques. The officer is allowed to lie to you in order to get you to confess. Don’t say anything — anything at all — to a police officer. Tell the officer that you’d like to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.

Secondly, find a competent attorney that you’re comfortable dealing with. Fighting criminal charges is a stressful process which requires you to make some significant and life-changing decisions. You need to trust the person that you’re hiring to defend you.

Third, hire an attorney who is a criminal defense attorney. Being charged with a crime is a serious event. Don’t trust your future to your neighbor’s uncle’s estate planning attorney. Check with associations like the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan or the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys to find someone who is active in the practice of criminal defense.

To speak with Josh Blanchard regarding your case, call him at 989-283-1300.