Michigan was the first state in the country to ban capital punishment. However, the death penalty can still be imposed if the crime is categorized as federal felony offense. Anyone convicted of committing a federal capital crime, such as murder during a bank robbery or committing murder on federal property will be eligible for the death penalty.
Michigan Serious Crimes and Penalties
The State of Michigan does not classify felonies by a letter or numbering sequence, as they typically do in other states. The penalties for felonies are broken down into the terms of years the defendant will face according to the severity of the crime. These include:
Life Felonies and Capital Crimes
Any individual who commits any of the following offenses will be charged with a felony and face a term of life imprisonment:
- Premeditated killing of another person
- Murder of a law enforcement or corrections officer while engaged in their duty
- Murder committed during the commission or attempted commission of:
- Arson
- Criminal sexual conduct in the first, second, or third-degree
- First-degree child abuse
- Robbery
- Carjacking
- First or second-degree home invasion
- Breaking and entering a dwelling
- Larceny
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- First or second-degree adult abuse
- Torture
- Aggravated stalking
20-Year Felonies
These include a group of extremely serious offenses, such as, breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny or assault. If convicted, they will be sentenced to a term of not more than 20 years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
15-Year Felonies
People who commit forgery, criminal sexual conduct with a person under age 13, or second-degree home invasion will face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $3,000.
10-Year Felonies
Examples of crimes in this category would be embezzlement of more than $20,000 but less than $50,000. If convicted of the offense, they will serve up to 10 years in state prison.
Third Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Conviction
Anyone convicted of a third DUI will be charged with a felony and face a term of 1 to 5 years in prison, fines of up to $5,000 and license suspension for a minimum of 1 year. The court can order the defendant to forfeit their vehicle or install an ignition interlock device.
How an Attorney Can Help
The job of the District Attorney is to prosecute and convict people of crimes committed in the state. Their goal is to put you in jail and make you pay for your crime. Michigan residents who are facing serious criminal charges need to get legal help immediately. When you hire a criminal defense attorney, they are tasked with defending your rights and obtaining the best possible outcome for your situation.
