Best Detroit Criminal Defense Lawyers

A criminal charge can turn your life upside down. Your job, your family, and your freedom are all at stake. Finding the right Detroit criminal defense lawyer matters. These attorneys have the courtroom experience and track records to fight for the best outcome in your case.

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

George Law is a Royal Oak criminal defense firm serving clients across Metro Detroit. Founded by Derrick George, the team has earned over 250 five-star Google reviews for their work on DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, and assault cases.

The firm takes a hands-on approach to defense. Attorneys Derrick and Maggie George handle each case personally. They also practice in South Florida, giving them broad courtroom experience. Super Lawyers and DBusiness Top Lawyers have recognized their work.

George Law offers 24/7 availability and free case evaluations. Whether you face misdemeanor or felony charges, their team provides direct attorney contact from day one.

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

Davis Law Group is a Detroit criminal defense firm led by Maurice Davis, a former Wayne County assistant prosecutor. His background gives clients a strategic edge. He knows how prosecutors build cases and where to find weaknesses.

The firm handles DUI charges, drug crimes, fraud, firearms offenses, and violent crimes. Maurice has over 20 years of trial experience in Michigan courts. His team maintains offices in Detroit, Flint, Port Huron, and Southfield.

Clients get fast response times and dedicated representation. Studies show defendants with private attorneys are 17% less likely to be convicted than those using public defenders. Davis Law Group operates on that principle.

Screenshot of the Boria Law - Criminal Defense Attorney Website

Aaron J. Boria runs this Plymouth-based criminal defense practice with a near-perfect record on license restoration cases. He has received the Super Lawyers designation from 2017 through 2024 and DBusiness Top Lawyers recognition since 2019.

Boria handles DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug possession, and retail fraud. His trial experience sets him apart. He trains other attorneys on courtroom strategy and has served on the National Mock Trial team.

The firm offers free consultations. Boria takes phone calls and texts directly. He treats clients like family members, not just case numbers.

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 has defended Michigan residents since 1992. David Kramer brings a U.S. Marine Corps background to criminal defense. His disciplined approach shows in courtroom results.

The firm handles criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI, assault, retail fraud, and federal charges. Offices in Novi and Detroit serve Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties. Kramer has earned Super Lawyers recognition and America's Top 100 Attorneys listing.

He offers no-cost initial consultations with 24/7 phone availability. The firm also handles family law matters for clients needing comprehensive legal support.

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

Julian J. Poota is a Southfield criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of courtroom experience. His centrally located office serves Metro Detroit and courts statewide. Super Lawyers has recognized his work multiple times.

The firm handles all misdemeanors and felonies. Practice areas include DUI/OWI, drug crimes, sex offenses, assault, weapons charges, and federal crimes. Poota also takes pre-warrant investigation cases. He has won acquittals and dismissals for clients facing serious charges.

Virtual meetings and 24/7 phone access make the firm easy to reach. Initial consultations are free.

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

Jonathan Jones has practiced criminal defense exclusively since 1995. His Royal Oak firm handles misdemeanors and felonies at the state and federal levels. The 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list includes his name.

Jones takes sex crimes, violent crimes, fraud, domestic violence, drug charges, weapons violations, DUI, and cyber crimes. His direct approach means clients can reach him by text or phone anytime. Each client gets personal attention from an attorney, not a paralegal.

With offices in Royal Oak and Romulus, he serves Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties.

Screenshot of the Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan Website

Sanford A. Schulman founded this Detroit firm with a focus on federal criminal defense. He brings over 35 years of experience to cases involving drug conspiracy, fraud, child pornography, RICO violations, and weapons charges. CBS News and NPR have featured his legal commentary.

Schulman served as co-counsel in the Kwame Kilpatrick public corruption trial. He has earned two writs of certiorari from the U.S. Supreme Court. His firm handles cases nationwide, not just in Michigan.

Free case reviews help clients understand federal court procedures and potential defense strategies.

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

Lisa Kirsch Satawa leads this Bloomfield Township firm with over 30 years of criminal defense experience. She previously worked as a prosecutor, which sharpens her defense strategy. Her team handles child abuse allegations, sex crimes, and child pornography cases in juvenile, adult, and federal courts.

The Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan awarded her the Right to Counsel Award in 2020. She has made the Michigan Top 50 Women Lawyers list since 2014. The New York Times has named her a Top Attorney in Michigan.

Offices in Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, and Big Rapids serve clients statewide.

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

Kevin Bessant is a Detroit criminal attorney with over 20 years of trial experience. Michigan Super Lawyers has recognized him from 2015 through 2025. DBusiness Magazine named him a Top Lawyer in 2017.

His firm handles DUI, drug charges, domestic violence, gun offenses, federal crimes, assault, juvenile matters, and expungement. Offices in Detroit, Eastpointe, and Southfield serve Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, and Washtenaw counties.

The firm advises clients to stay silent with the police and call immediately after arrest. Payment plans available.

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

Ellen K. Michaels delivers results-focused criminal defense in Metro Detroit. Her track record includes not guilty verdicts in first-degree murder trials and dismissals in assault cases. The National Trial Lawyers named her to their Top 100 list.

The firm handles drug crimes, gun charges, sex offenses, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, federal charges, and violent crimes. She serves Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Monroe counties from offices in Birmingham and West Bloomfield.

Free 24/7 consultations help clients start building their defense strategy right away.

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

Edward Bajoka wrote the LexisNexis Practice Guide for Michigan Criminal Law. That expertise shapes his defense work on federal conspiracy, white-collar crime, health care fraud, drug trafficking, and public corruption cases. He also handles immigration crimes and deportation defense.

The firm operates from Detroit's Guardian Building. Bajoka has defended clients in high-profile matters that drew national media attention. His blog covers cryptocurrency money laundering, anti-kickback violations, and pandemic fraud enforcement.

Consultations are free and confidential.

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

Samuel Bennett earned Super Lawyers Rising Star recognition in 2017, 2018, and 2019. This honor goes to only 2.5% of Michigan attorneys. His Royal Oak firm serves Southfield, Warren, Troy, Novi, and Bloomfield Hills.

Bennett handles DUI, drug crimes, sex offenses, assault, theft, and juvenile matters. He received the Certificate of Merit in Trial Skills during law school and later served as a teaching assistant for trial preparation courses.

Free case reviews available.

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

Scott Grabel founded this Michigan criminal defense firm in 1999. The team combines over 100 years of legal experience. They practice statewide from offices in Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor.

The firm maintains a 97% success rate on driver's license restoration cases with a written guarantee. They handle sex crimes, DUI, drug charges, domestic violence, and federal offenses. Their appellate practice has won significant victories at the Michigan Supreme Court.

Free consultations available 24/7.

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

Michael A. Rataj opened his Detroit practice in 1989 and has since handled over 100 criminal trials. He earned admission to the American Board of Criminal Lawyers as a Fellow. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he brings military discipline to case preparation.

Rataj served as co-counsel in the Kwame Kilpatrick corruption trial. His federal practice covers drug offenses, RICO charges, healthcare fraud, and white-collar crimes. He has represented clients facing the death penalty in federal court.

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

Salvatore Prescott Porter & Porter combines employment law, civil rights litigation, and white-collar criminal defense. Founded by Jennifer Salvatore, Sarah Prescott, and Julie Porter, the firm brings over 70 years of combined trial experience. They have secured seven-figure verdicts in complex cases.

Their criminal defense practice handles grand jury investigations and white-collar matters. Offices in Michigan, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. serve clients facing federal investigations.

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

William W. Swor has practiced criminal defense for over 50 years. He served as the past president of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and sits on the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan board. His Detroit office handles federal and state cases.

Swor defended Arab Americans falsely accused of terrorism after 9/11. He has tried politically charged cases involving government conspiracy charges. Awards include the Justice for All Award and Defender of Justice Award.

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

Jeffrey G. Schwartz practiced as a Wayne County prosecutor before opening his defense firm in 1986. He handled major felony and high-profile cases for the prosecution. Now he uses that knowledge to defend clients in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and five other Michigan counties.

His practice covers murder, armed robbery, sexual conduct, DUI, and federal matters. Offices in Detroit and Southfield serve the region.

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