Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

my name is Alex and i'm 17 and a minor in michigan, though i commited the crime when i was 16. i committed larceny in a building which is a felony and 4 years in jail. i just had a conference/inquiry which i guess i just pleaded guilty or not guilty. the judge recomended that i plead non-guilty because it it my first time offense. i just got my pretrial court date on march 3rd. the judge said i might be able to make a plea bargain to stay out of jail and and to expunge the felony from my record. i cant afford an attourney so ive been googleing anything i can to help me out. i was wondering if there was any special way to go about asking the prosecuting officer for my plea bargain or if there was any special underage programs that i can do to help me. i just got accepted into Ferris State University and i cant have a felony on my record. it was a one time thing and i have turned my life around. i have good grades, im now in student council, i participate in community service projects, i have written apology letters to everyone involved, im in college prep classes, and im starting counciling soon because when i went to the conference it was recommended that i start it. any advice is helpful. thank you.


Asked on 2/20/11, 12:09 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
William Morrison Action Defense Center

What I don't get is that your narrative describes procedures for adult defendants. Yet, if you were 16 at the time of the crime, you should be charged as a juvenile.

You "guessed' you just pleaded guilty?????

Ask for a court appointed attorney. You definitely need help.

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Answered on 2/20/11, 6:27 pm
Neil O'Brien Eaton County Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

If you were charged in juvenile court, then one possible outcome is to have the case handled under the juvenile court's "consent calendar" program -- you're on informal probation and the court can dismiss the petition (charging paperwork) if you complete the program successfully. If you are charged as an adult in district court (and possibly go to circuit court), a similar procedure is to that the case handled under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) which is similar to the juvie court consent calendar because the court has the power to dismiss the charges after you successfully complete probation. You should try to get a court-appointed attorney if you cannot afford to hire one on your own, so a trained attorney can analyze your case facts and counsel you on your best legal options.

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Answered on 2/22/11, 1:31 pm


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