Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Daniel T. Geherin
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 27 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Juvenile
Michigan State University
Daniel T. Geherin is a board-certified trial attorney with over 24 years’ experience practicing law. He graduated with Honors from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in Humanities/Pre-Law, and graduated cum laude from law school at California Western in San Diego, CA. In law school, he was an Executive Editor of his school's Law Review. Upon graduation, he joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted gang offenses, sexual assaults, narcotics violations, juvenile delinquency, and complex white-collar offenses.
As a criminal defense attorney, he has defended nearly every type of crime, including hundreds of criminal...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Sam Bernstein
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 13 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Family
Michigan State University
Every day I am in court fighting for someone just like you.
I am a real criminal defense attorney. I have tried cases to juries from East Lansing to Downriver and from Pontiac to Jackson.
Based in Ann Arbor, I have represented people on felonies and misdemeanors in 13 circuit courts and 39 district courts.
Many criminal defense attorneys advertise their past as prosecutors. The message from former prosecutors is they know the system well because they were a part of the system.
I advertise in the opposite way – I have never been a prosecutor. From the start I have been on your...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Scott Grabel
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 29 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Appeals, Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Scott Grabel is an experienced trial attorney with a strong history of positive results in drug, murder, criminal sexual conduct, and DUI/OWI cases. He has successfully argued cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals and has appeared as a commentator on Court TV's Best Defense for analysis of a murder case. Recently he was a guest on the Morning Blaze with Doc Thompson. He has served as an adjunct professor at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and as a mentor for the Ingham County Bar Association's Mentoring Program. He is proud to be rated as one of the 10...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
William Weise
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 29 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Juvenile and White Collar Crime
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
William Weise brings with him a history of getting exceptional results with criminal defense charges and experience handling major cases such as homicides and felony violent crimes. He also has familiarity with innovative defense and trial techniques stemming from evidence related to latent fingerprints, cellular triangulation and other tracking technologies. Bill Weise uses aggressive and creative defense strategies to give his clients the edge on getting the best possible results in all types of criminal cases including violent crimes, DUI defense, sex crimes and drug charges. Changes to the medical marijuana laws involving acceptable amounts of the drug to be...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Marcie Ridley
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 22 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Juvenile
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Marcie Ridley is a graduate of the University Tennessee Martin and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She began her legal career working at the Federal Public Defenders Office of Western Michigan and as a law clerk for Grabel & Associates. After passing the bar in 2002, Marcie became an associate attorney at Grabel & Associates. Marcie Ridley handles mostly driver's license restoration cases for Grabel & Associates, an area she excels in. In her free time, Marcie enjoys spending time with her family and being active in her community.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Eric J. Sheppard
Okemos, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 16 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Family
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
The Law Office of Eric J. Sheppard represents clients in criminal cases and divorce/custody cases, as well as many other areas of law. We fight for our client's rights. We provide diligent representation and give personalized attention to all of our cases. Contact us today at 517-618-1580.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Nicholas Leydorf
Lansing, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 18 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Elder and Estate Planning
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
Nicholas Leydorf is a graduate of Michigan State University and The Catholic University of America: Columbus School of Law. Nicholas has extensive experience in all types of criminal defense cases, including high profile criminal cases. He enjoys spending time with his family and has previously served the East Lansing Rotary Club as a board member.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
William Amadeo
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 12 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and White Collar Crime
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Mr. Amadeo felt driven to become an attorney after seeing the injustices during his youth in Atlantic City. His legal knowledge paired with his time spent in journalism drives him to thoroughly investigate all angles of a case. Mr. Amadeo understands the importance of creative thinking when it comes to defense strategies and works closely with his clients to ensure that every detail of the case is fully explored. He is extremely dedicated to his clients, and always puts their needs first. He strives to be available to his clients whenever they need him and gives 110% to every case....
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Peter Samouris
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 29 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Juvenile
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Mr. Samouris has been a part of the winning criminal defense team at Grabel & Associates for over a decade. During that time he has gotten favorable results for clients in an endless list of types and degrees of criminal offenses in counties all over the state of Michigan. Mr. Samouris credits his success with his client’s criminal cases to his thorough preparation and hardworking attitude. At Grabel & Associates, we understand being prepared is half the battle when getting the best possible results for our clients. Meticulous preparation along with exceptional knowledge and application of the laws that apply...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial MediaResponsive Law
Wesley Todd
Coldwater, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 13 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Family
Michigan State University College of Law
Wesley Todd is an attorney of the firm Lewis Reed and Allen.
He has been named a super lawyer for the past 6 years, and has more than a decade of experience.
He practices criminal law and family law in Calhoun County, Kalamazoo County and Branch County. He has successfully helped hundreds of clients during some of the most difficult times of their lives, with everything from a OWI/DUI charge to Divorce.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Jennifer Weise
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 21 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Appeals, Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
The University of Toledo College of Law
A former prosecutor, Jennifer Weise brings over a decade of trial experience to Grabel & Associates. With experience working in two prosecutor’s offices, she is a seasoned trial attorney with knowledge in all areas of criminal defense. She has also prosecuted hundreds of Criminal Sexual Conduct cases which gives her the ability to fight for her current clients while anticipating the prosecution’s next move. Former prosecutors bring the ability to “think as the other side” to their client’s defense strategy, which is why Jennifer Weise is such an asset to Grabel & Associates. She excels at client communication, enjoys trial...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Megan Smith
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
When it comes to winning driver’s license restoration cases, Ms. Mast knows that attention to detail and organization is critical. Success depends, in part, on having all the paperwork correctly filled out and submitted timely. Ms. Mast communicates with her clients every step to ensure they understand what is needed and how to prepare documents for the best chance of success. She will fight tirelessly and aggressively to ensure that her clients’ driver’s license privileges are restored. Ms. Mast prides herself on her history of winning driver’s license restoration cases and satisfactory outcomes in criminal cases for her clients.
Born and...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
William McCririe
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 42 years of experience
Domestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Juvenile
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
All attorneys go to trial, but there are a select few who truly live for it. William McCririe is proud to be one of those few. He thoroughly enjoys preparing for trial: reading and connecting with jurors, selecting the right experts, crafting succinct and probing witness questions and taking any necessary steps to make clients comfortable with the process. It is not unusual to find Bill McCririe meeting with clients and their families evenings and weekends before and during trial; he fights like it’s his own life on the line. Bill McCririe served as a Livingston County prosecutor for over...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Sara MacGregor
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 10 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Appeals, Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and Northern Michigan University
Sara MacGregor joined Grabel & Associates in 2015 with a passion for criminal defense. She was born in Arizona but raised in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where she has lived ever since. Sara is invaluable to Grabel & Associates for her relationships and experience with the courts in the U.P. She attended Manistique High School and graduated summa cum laude from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Pre-Law and a minor in Communications and Chemistry. Sara is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and passed the bar in 2014.
Sara MacGregor is ready to defend those charged with criminal...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Ravi Gurumurthy
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 10 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Appeals, Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Licensed in 2014, Ravi Gurumurthy has been an associate at Grabel & Associates for several years. He has experience in the aggressive defense of those charged with criminal sexual conduct, violent crimes, theft and drug charges and juvenile offenses.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Timothy Doman
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 11 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Appeals, Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
Wayne State University Law School
Timothy Doman joined Grabel & Associates in 2016 after leaving his position as a Pre-Hearing Attorney with the Michigan Court of Appeals to follow his passion and interest in criminal law. He believes criminal law is fascinating and was eager to join Grabel & Associates due to our exclusive focus on criminal defense and criminal appeals. Tim Doman’s vast experience working at the Michigan Court of Appeals allows him to quickly and accurately research relevant issues to a client’s criminal defense or appeal and craft well written, comprehensive legal briefs, memos and arguments. His unique background working for both the...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Sherilyn Foster-Tucker
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 1 year of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Traffic Tickets
Wayne State University Law School
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Jacob A. Perrone
East Lansing, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 16 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Family
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Jacob A. Perrone has represented hundreds of clients throughout the State of Michigan. He has represented clients in cases including, but not limited to: class action litigation, high profile criminal trials, complex civil litigation, international business transactions, and contentious divorce and child custody proceedings. His reputation for being an aggressive attorney is supported by the results he has achieved for his clients. He was an associate of the Ambrose Law Group in the Detroit area before forming Perrone Law, P.C. in December 2009. Ambrose focused on Criminal Defense, Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, and Family Law. He uses the principles of psychodrama...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Garry Kregelka
Holt, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 22 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Family
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
The Kregelka Law Firm, PLLC in East Lansing, is a general-practice law firm focusing on criminal defense, police civil liability, family law, estate planning, personal injury, and helping victims of stalking.
The owner and managing member, Garry Kregelka, is a former Michigan State Police trooper, undercover officer, detective sergeant, and post commander at Gladstone and Ypsilanti. He also served as chief of police in Beloit, WI and as the Meridian Township (Michigan) Prosecutor. He is currently a licensed private detective and an adjunct professor at Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Garry received his J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Nader Nassif
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Attorney
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Juvenile
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
Hillard Fried
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 39 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Insurance Claims
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
George Zulakis
Okemos, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 46 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Estate Planning
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
George Zulakis has successfully represented clients in criminal and juvenile matters for over 30 years. He is a recognized leader in the field of criminal defense and has been nominated by his peers for Lead Counsel Rating in state felonies and misdemeanors and for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (DUI subspecialty, 2009-2016). Mr. Zulakis has experience in many areas of criminal defense, including DUI/drunk driving, domestic violence, assault, breaking and entering, drug crimes, sex crimes, juvenile delinquency, embezzlement, fraud, shoplifting, MIP/minor in possession, and traffic offenses. For more details on Mr. Zulakis's extensive legal experience, honors, and...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Stephen Michael Cornish
Lansing, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 18 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Family
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
My practice focuses on criminal defense including misdemeanors and felonies in both the trial and appellant courts. He has a strong interest in complex constitutional law issues and their applicability in the criminal justice system. I am an active member of the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System commonly known as the MAACS; an organization responsibly for nearly 84% of all assigned criminal appeals cases in Michigan. My practice also includes a strong emphasis in family and estate law including: parent’s rights, divorce litigation, custody, parenting time, child support, guardianships, estate planning, probate litigation and juvenile matters. I...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Charles W. Widmaier
Brighton, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 39 years of experience
Domestic Violence, Civil Rights, Criminal Defense and Municipal
Wayne State University Law School
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Brian Montoye
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Joseph Simon
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 38 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and White Collar Crime
Mr. Simon has been practicing criminal law for 30 years and in that time has uniquely distinguished himself in his practice area. Notably, Mr. Simon is listed in The Best Lawyers in America under the specialty of criminal defense. He has also been named one of Michigan's criminal defense Super Lawyers from 2007-present. Mr. Simon is a Preeminent AV® Rated attorney attaining the highest possible ratings for professional excellence and ethical standards through Martindale-Hubbell peer review rankings and is rated a perfect 10.0 “superb” criminal defense attorney by AVVO Professional Review ratings. In over 30 years of practice, Mr....
Claimed Lawyer ProfileResponsive Law
Michael Dagher-Margosian
Ann Arbor, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 10 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Appeals, Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
Michigan State University
After graduating from Michigan State University College of Law in 2014, Mr. Dagher-Margosian practiced law in Washtenaw County, exclusively handling criminal defense matters. Most recently, Mr. Dagher-Margosian was a trial attorney in the Lenawee County Public Defender Office. At the Lenawee PD Office, Mr. Dagher-Margosian navigated a demanding docket, handling over 750 cases in just over 2 ½ years. Mr. Dagher-Margosian received numerous not guilty jury verdicts, as well as favorable outcomes through motion practice and negotiation. In addition to practicing at the trial level, Mr. Dagher-Margosian has practiced at the appellate level, resulting in...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
James R McGillie
Lansing, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 20 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Trademarks
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Richard L. Williams
East Lansing, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 46 years of experience
(517) 337-8100
411-C W Lake Lansing Rd
Suite 110
East Lansing, MI 48823-8445
Domestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Estate Planning
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Henry Legere
Holt, MI Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Immigration and Juvenile
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Sal Gani
Lansing, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 37 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Family
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Lyle Dickson
Howell, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic Violence, Business, Criminal Defense and Divorce
Former Assistant Prosecutor, Police Officer, Federal Agent. Professor of Criminal Justice. Advisor to Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee on Drunk Driving law. Ph.D Candidate in sociology (drunk driving), LL.M candidate in labor law.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
Derrick E. George
Royal Oak, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 18 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Family
University of Denver
For over a decade, George Law has successfully represented people facing legal obstacles. As a client of George Law, you will work with experienced attorneys and staff who understand the impact a legal issue can have on your future. Our number one priority is standing up for clients’ rights and giving them a voice through our confident and competent representation. We have successfully helped our clients manage complex legal challenges in a broad variety of cases including DUI/OWI, Criminal Defense, White Collar Crimes, Sexual Assault, Family Law and other legal matters that otherwise could damage a person’s business efforts personal...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
Nicole Blank Becker
Troy, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 22 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense and Personal Injury
Wayne State University Law School
Nicole Blank Becker of Blank Law, PC is a powerhouse in the field of law and has a unique skill set that sets her apart from every other Michigan defense attorney.
Prior to going into private practice, Nicole was a prosecutor given the awesome responsibility of running the Sex Crimes Unit and the Child Abuse Unit for years in Macomb County, Michigan.
With Lawyer Nicole Blank Becker’s prior experience as Chief of Sex Crimes Unit and Child Abuse Crimes Unit in Macomb County, she has been on both sides of the law for the past 20 years. Her journey as a successful...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ABlawg SearchSocial Media
Cy Matthew Abdo
Charter Twp of Clinton, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 44 years of experience
(586) 412-5555
42550 Garfield Rd #104-A
Charter Twp of Clinton, MI 48038
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Juvenile
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
For more than 40 years, ABDO LAW has delivered excellent results and is consistently rated the BEST in the areas of criminal & drunk driving defense in the counties of Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and St. Clair. ABDO LAW has achieved that highest possible local and national ratings including:
-Martindale-Hubbell's Highest Possible "PREEMINENT LAWYER" Rating
-Rated "SUPERB" by AVVVO, their highest rating
-Highest DB (Detroit Business) Rating: "TOP Criminal and DUI Lawyer"
-Super Lawyer!
CONTACT ABDO LAW 586-412-5555 if you are under a criminal investigation or if you are being charged with a criminal offense.
-Investigations, Warrants, Arraignments
-Probable Cause Conference
-Preliminary Examination
-Pretrial Conferences
-Motions to Dismiss
-Motion to...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Julian J. Poota
Southfield, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 20 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Family
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
A commitment to excellence is a personal quality you should expect from your attorney. At my office, you receive that commitment, and more, from start to finish of your case. I am a Michigan-born and educated lawyer who fights for your rights. My comprehensive knowledge of law and maximum availability to you can make a positive difference in your legal situation.
Contact the Law Office of Julian J. Poota, PLLC when we can be of service. We can be reached toll free at (888) 399-7979. Your initial consultation is free of charge and we are able to take your calls...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
Lisa Kirsch Satawa
Bloomfield Township, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 29 years of experience
(248) 792-3060
3883 Telegraph Rd
Suite 103
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Family and Juvenile
Detroit College of Law
I'm Lisa B. Kirsch Satawa, and together with Christina Daskas (deceased), I founded Kirsch Daskas Law Group in 2015 with a mission close to our hearts: preventing wrongful convictions by defending against false allegations, one client at a time. Our vision wasn't just about legal representation; it was about nurturing young lawyers into compassionate advocates who see beyond the accusations to the person behind them.
Born in Detroit, MI in the 1960s, I was raised with invaluable lessons by my parents—lessons in the importance of a strong work ethic, humility, gratitude, and family. Married to criminal defense attorney Mark Satawa...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
Philip G. Vera
Utica, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 18 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Family
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Our legal practice is focused on one thing, delivering results for our clients.
Philip Vera is a lifelong resident of Macomb County, MI. He is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township, MI. It was around that time he decided that the practice of law was his calling. “I was completely fascinated by the court system and the role attorneys have in it,” says Mr. Vera.
Upon graduating, Mr. Vera attended Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in psychology. From there, he enrolled at Thomas M. Cooley Law School...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Keeley D Heath
Greenville, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer with 19 years of experience
Domestic Violence, Civil Rights, Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Keeley Blanchard is a top criminal defense attorney in Michigan. She focuses her practice in the areas of defending those wrongfully accused of criminal sexual conduct, child abuse, domestic violence, assault, child pornography, and drug crimes. Her trial experience is significant, she has an excellent reputation for being aggressive, and will out-prepare any of the prosecutors she faces in court.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Aaron J Boria
Plymouth, MI Domestic Violence Attorney with 14 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Aaron Boria is one of the leading criminal defense lawyers in the state of Michigan. Aaron Boria has successfully litigated numerous complex criminal matters. Aaron Boria is also well versed in legal issues that stem from criminal convictions such as expungement and license restoration. Aaron Boria has the experience and stays up to date on current, and new law by spending over a hundred hours every year in continuing criminal defense legal education.
After completing law school at Thomas M. Cooley Law School in only two short years with honors, Aaron Boria began fighting for the accused and protecting their rights....