Best Detroit Criminal Defense Lawyers

Top rated criminal defense attorneys in Detroit, MI, deliver expert legal representation. This curated list showcases the city's best criminal justice professionals, ready to protect your rights.

List of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Detroit, MI

Screenshot of the George Law Website
444 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA

Award-winning criminal defense distinguishes George Law in Royal Oak, Michigan. The firm earned recognition as a 2024 Top Lawyer by dBusiness and maintains over 200 five-star client reviews. Their attorneys specialize in DUI/OWI, family law, and business law with decades of experience. George Law handles violent crimes and white-collar offenses while providing personalized attention and robust legal representation. They offer free consultations throughout southeastern Michigan.

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Screenshot of the Davis Law Group PLLC Website
615 Griswold St Ste 719, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Detroit criminal defense attorney Maurice Davis brings former assistant state's attorney experience to Davis Law Group. The firm maintains over 200 five-star reviews while specializing in DUI/OWI defense, drug charges, and expungement services. Clients receive fast, dedicated legal representation throughout Michigan's court system. Davis Law Group offers free consultations and focuses on protecting the rights of individuals facing criminal charges in Detroit and surrounding areas.

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Screenshot of the Boria Law - Criminal Defense Attorney Website

Boria Law operates throughout Plymouth, Michigan, with attorney Aaron J. Boria achieving near-perfect success in license restoration cases. Recognized by DBusiness Top Lawyers and Super Lawyers, the firm handles assault, domestic violence, DUI/OWI, and expungement cases. Boria serves courts across Livonia, Redford, and Westland while providing award-winning representation. They focus on drug possession defense and driver license restoration with personalized, effective legal support for each client.

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Screenshot of the The David J. Kramer Law Firm, PLLC Website
42400 Grand River Ave, Suite 109, Novi, MI 48375, USA

The David J. Kramer Law Firm provides criminal defense services in Novi and Detroit, Michigan. Since 1992, Attorney David Kramer has defended clients in felony and misdemeanor cases. He handles criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence, drug crimes, and DUI charges. The firm also represents clients in family law and federal criminal matters throughout Southeast Michigan.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Julian J. Poota, PLLC Website
26555 Evergreen Rd #1220, Southfield, MI 48076, USA

Julian J. Poota is a Super Lawyer criminal defense attorney in Southfield, Michigan, with over 350 five-star Google reviews. He graduated magna cum laude from Wayne State University and earned his law degree from University of Detroit Mercy in 2004. The firm handles all misdemeanors and felonies throughout the state of Michigan. Poota offers free consultations 24/7 and serves Metro Detroit and statewide. Michigan-born and educated, he provides aggressive representation for DUI, drug crimes, and white-collar cases.

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Screenshot of the Jonathan Jones, Attorney at Law, PLLC Website

Jonathan Jones brings over 30 years of criminal defense experience to clients throughout Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties. His dedication earned recognition on the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list. The firm provides aggressive representation with personalized attention for those facing criminal charges. Jones offers free case evaluations and maintains 24/7 availability for consultations. His Royal Oak practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense and DUI cases with proven expertise.

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Screenshot of the Kirsch Daskas Law Group PLLC Website
2882 S Telegraph Rd STE 105, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302, USA

Kirsch Daskas Law Group is a Michigan criminal defense firm specializing in child abuse, sex crimes, and federal charges. Led by former prosecutor Lisa Kirsch Satawa, a Super Lawyers selectee. The team brings over 30 years of experience defending clients across Michigan. They serve Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, and Big Rapids with free consultations and strategic defense approaches.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates, PLLC Website

The Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates delivers criminal defense services across Detroit and Michigan. Attorney Kevin Bessant earned recognition as a Michigan Super Lawyer for his trial skills. The firm handles everything from traffic violations to serious felony charges. They serve multiple counties with aggressive defense strategies and free case evaluations.

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Screenshot of the Ellen K. Michaels and Associates, PLLC Website
500 Griswold St # 2340, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Ellen K. Michaels and Associates provides criminal defense representation in Detroit, Michigan. Attorney Ellen Michaels has won dismissals and not guilty verdicts in serious cases including murder and sexual assault. She serves clients in Macomb, Wayne, Oakland, and Monroe Counties. The firm offers free consultations and has extensive experience in domestic violence defense.

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Screenshot of the Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan Website

Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan is a top Detroit legal firm. They specialize in federal criminal defense nationwide. With over 30 years of experience, the firm handles complex legal matters. Sanford Schulman leads the team, having managed 4,000+ cases. The firm defends clients against fraud, theft, and drug charges. Their attorneys offer strategic advice to protect clients' rights. They strive for positive outcomes in high-stakes federal cases.

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Screenshot of the Bajoka Law Group PLLC Website
500 Griswold St Suite 1630, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Bajoka Law Group specializes in federal criminal defense throughout Detroit and Michigan. Edward Bajoka, Super Lawyers since 2019, authored the LexisNexis Practice Guide for Michigan Criminal Law. The firm handles white-collar crimes, healthcare fraud, drug trafficking, and immigration violations. They offer free confidential consultations and maintain offices in Detroit, Lansing, and Warren.

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Screenshot of the The Bennett Law Firm, PLC Website
25600 Woodward Ave #214, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA

The Bennett Law Firm is a Royal Oak criminal defense practice focusing on drunk driving, drug crimes, and assault cases. Attorney Samuel Bennett earned Super Lawyers Rising Star recognition for his compassionate approach. The firm provides free case reviews throughout Southeast Michigan, including Detroit and Bloomfield Hills. Bennett combines extensive experience with personalized client service.

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Screenshot of the Grabel & Associates Website
1345 Bridlewood Ln, Williamston, MI 48895, USA

Grabel & Associates delivers criminal defense across Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids with over 100 years of combined experience. The firm handles DUI, drug charges, sex crimes, and license restoration cases. They maintain 24/7 availability and offer free consultations. Their attorneys focus on avoiding jail time and protecting client records through aggressive representation.

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Screenshot of the Michael A. Rataj, PC Website
500 Griswold St #2450, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Michael A. Rataj specializes in federal criminal defense in Detroit, Michigan. With over 100 trials since 1989, he handles drug charges, healthcare fraud, RICO violations, and white-collar crimes. Attorney Rataj is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. His military background and trial experience provide fearless advocacy for federal cases.

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Screenshot of the Salvatore Prescott & Porter, PLLC Website
1010 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201, USA

Salvatore Prescott & Porter is an elite law firm founded by three female trial lawyers with 70+ years combined experience. Operating from Northville, Michigan, and Evanston, Illinois, they specialize in employment law, civil rights, white-collar criminal defense, and Title IX claims. The partners have secured seven-figure verdicts in high-profile cases. Jennifer Salvatore ranks among Michigan's Top 100 lawyers, while both she and Sarah Prescott made the Top 50 Women in Michigan list.

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Screenshot of the William W. Swor, PC Website
Guardian Building, 500 Griswold St #2450, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

William Swor & Associates operates from Detroit's historic Guardian Building. The firm handles federal criminal cases, serious state charges, and constitutional law matters. With decades of courtroom experience, their attorneys defend clients in high-profile cases throughout Michigan. The firm represents clients in federal court appeals, assault charges, and white-collar crimes.

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Screenshot of the Jeffrey G Schwartz Offices Website
400 Monroe St # 490, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Jeffrey G. Schwartz is a Detroit criminal defense attorney with over 36 years of experience. As a former Wayne County Prosecutor, he brings unique insight to felony and misdemeanor cases. Police, prosecutors, and judges respect his legal expertise throughout Michigan. His firm handles major felony offenses, drunk driving charges, and federal court cases. Schwartz serves Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties with aggressive criminal defense representation.

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Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Holland Locklear Website
607 Shelby St Suite 725, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

The Law Offices of Holland Locklear combines personal injury and criminal defense expertise in Detroit. Holland Locklear has secured millions for clients in car accidents, employment disputes, and civil rights cases. The metro Detroit native is a member of the National Lawyers Guild and the Michigan Association for Justice. He offers free consultations for all practice areas.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Matthew S. Erard, PLLC Website
400 Bagley St #1150, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

The Law Office of Matthew S. Erard represents clients in Detroit and throughout Michigan. This progressive law practice focuses on civil rights, criminal defense, and workers' rights cases. Attorney Matthew Erard graduated from Wayne State University Law School and clerked for the ACLU of Michigan. The firm handles police brutality, unlawful searches, workplace discrimination, and criminal appeals. Free consultations are available for all legal matters.

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Screenshot of the Goldman & Associates Website
3150 Livernois Rd. Suite: 335, Troy, MI 48083

Goldman & Associates offers criminal defense representation throughout Troy, Detroit, and Macomb County, Michigan. The firm handles DUI charges, drug offenses, and felony cases with a focus on reducing jail time and fines. Their attorneys provide free case evaluations and fight aggressively for clients' rights. With extensive courtroom experience, they know how to challenge evidence and negotiate favorable plea agreements. The team serves clients across Michigan with proven defense strategies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I'm arrested in Detroit?

If you're arrested in Detroit, immediately:

  • Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid discussing your case with anyone except your attorney
  • Request to speak with a criminal defense lawyer before answering any questions
  • Do not resist arrest or argue with law enforcement officers
  • Remember all details of your arrest, including officer names, times, and locations

How do I choose the right criminal defense attorney in Detroit?

When selecting a criminal defense lawyer, consider these crucial factors:

  • Years of experience handling similar criminal cases in Detroit courts
  • Track record of successful case outcomes and plea negotiations
  • Knowledge of local court systems and relationships with prosecutors
  • Client reviews and professional reputation in the Detroit legal community

What types of criminal cases do Detroit defense attorneys handle?

Misdemeanors Felonies
DUI/OWI Drug Trafficking
Petty Theft Violent Crimes
Simple Assault White Collar Crimes
Minor Drug Possession Criminal Sexual Conduct

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Detroit?

Legal fees vary based on case complexity and attorney experience. Most Detroit criminal defense attorneys offer:

  • Free initial consultations to evaluate your case
  • Flat-fee arrangements for straightforward cases
  • Hourly billing for complex cases
  • Payment plans to make legal representation more accessible

What are the potential outcomes of a criminal case?

Possible case resolutions include:

  • Case dismissal due to lack of evidence or procedural errors
  • Plea bargains with reduced charges or penalties
  • Diversion programs for first-time offenders
  • Trial verdict of guilty or not guilty
  • Alternative sentencing options like probation or community service

How long does a criminal case typically take in Detroit?

Case duration varies significantly based on:

  • Case complexity and severity of charges
  • Court calendar and scheduling
  • Prosecution's evidence gathering process
  • Defense strategy and negotiation process

Misdemeanor cases may resolve in weeks or months, while felony cases can take several months to over a year.

Can a criminal record be expunged in Michigan?

Michigan's Clean Slate laws allow for expungement of certain criminal records. Eligibility depends on:

  • Type and severity of the conviction
  • Time passed since the conviction
  • Criminal history and subsequent offenses
  • Completion of all court-ordered requirements

What sets Detroit criminal defense attorneys apart?

Top Detroit criminal defense lawyers offer:

  • Deep understanding of Michigan criminal law and local court procedures
  • Experience with Detroit's unique legal landscape and judiciary
  • Strong relationships with local prosecutors and law enforcement
  • Knowledge of available diversionary programs and alternative sentencing options
  • Familiarity with specific judges' tendencies and preferences