Best Detroit Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal defense lawyers in Detroit handle cases in two very different court systems. Most felonies begin in the 36th District Court and then move to the Wayne County Circuit Court. Federal charges go downtown to the Eastern District of Michigan. The firms below have records in both state and federal courtrooms.

We research each listing using public records, verified reviews, and direct evaluation. Our rankings reflect reputation, reliability, and results.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Overall online reputation and verified user feedback

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Top-Rated Detroit Criminal Lawyers for State & Federal Charges

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

Davis Law Group is a criminal defense law firm in Detroit led by attorney Maurice Davis. As a former prosecutor, Davis knows how the other side builds and argues a case. That insight shapes the firm's defense strategy from the first court date.

The team defends DUI and OWI charges, drug and marijuana offenses, fraud, and white-collar crimes. They also handle traffic violations and help people clear past convictions through expungement.

The firm has earned more than 200 five-star reviews from Michigan clients. Davis Law Group offers free consultations across the Detroit metro area.

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

Since 1992, David J. Kramer has defended people across Michigan against serious criminal charges. His Novi firm serves clients throughout the Detroit area and the rest of the state.

Attorney Kramer handles criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence, drug crimes, and assault cases. He also defends DUI charges and retail fraud, takes federal criminal matters, and handles family law.

Kramer is a Super Lawyers honoree and a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 member. People facing trial often choose him as their Detroit criminal defense attorney for his courtroom record. The office answers calls 24/7.

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

George Law is a criminal defense and civil litigation firm with offices in Royal Oak and Birmingham. Founded by attorney Derrick George, the firm also keeps a presence in the Miami, Florida area.

Its attorneys defend DUI and OWI charges, drug crimes, gun offenses, sex crimes, and white collar cases. The team handles felonies, misdemeanors, probation violations, and federal charges across Michigan.

The firm pairs criminal work with business litigation, contract disputes, and emerging AI law matters. Clients in the Detroit metro area can call or text the office directly.

Screenshot of the Boria Law - Criminal Defense Attorney Website

Aaron J. Boria is a trial attorney who defends people charged with crimes throughout metro Detroit. Based in Plymouth, his firm appears regularly in district courts across western Wayne County.

Attorney Boria handles OWI and DUI cases, assault and domestic violence, drug charges, and retail theft. He also has a strong record in driver's license restoration hearings after a suspended license.

Boria has earned recognition from Super Lawyers and DBusiness Top Lawyers. He focuses his practice on courtroom trial work.

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

Based in Southfield, the Law Office of Julian J. Poota has handled criminal cases for more than 20 years. The firm serves clients throughout Metro Detroit and the rest of Michigan.

Attorney Poota defends felonies and misdemeanors, including drug crimes, assault, sex crimes, and weapons charges. He also takes DUI, federal cases, embezzlement, and expungement matters.

Poota holds a 10.0 Justia rating and Super Lawyers recognition. The office stays reachable 24/7 and can arrange virtual meetings.

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

Led by former prosecutor Lisa Kirsch Satawa, Kirsch Daskas Law Group brings more than 30 years of defense experience to Michigan cases. The Bloomfield Township firm focuses on serious matters, including child abuse allegations, sex crimes, and firearms and homicide cases. Its attorneys appear in juvenile, adult, state, and federal courts. The firm also handles expungement and educational law matters.

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

Jonathan Jones has practiced criminal defense exclusively for over 30 years. From his Royal Oak office, he represents clients in state and federal courts across Michigan and Oakland County.

Attorney Jones handles drug crimes, violent offenses, homicide, fraud, sex crimes, and DUI cases. Named to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list, he answers calls and texts personally and offers a free case evaluation.

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

The Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates defends clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in Detroit. Attorney Bessant brings more than 20 years of trial experience to drug cases, assault, gun charges, and DUI defense. The firm also handles bond hearings, juvenile cases, and record expungement. Bessant has earned Michigan Super Lawyers recognition.

Screenshot of the Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan Website

Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan defends people under federal investigation from its office in Detroit's Guardian Building. Lead attorney Sanford A. Schulman has handled more than 4,000 cases and argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. The firm takes on conspiracy, drug, fraud, RICO, and white collar charges. It represents clients across Michigan and nationwide.

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

Ellen Michaels is a Detroit criminal lawyer who has won dismissals and not-guilty verdicts in murder and assault cases. Her firm defends clients in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Monroe Counties. Attorney Michaels handles drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, and gun charges. The National Top 100 Trial Lawyers has recognized her work.

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

Samuel Bennett takes a personal approach to criminal defense, keeping clients and their families informed at every step. His Royal Oak firm serves Southfield, Troy, Warren, and the wider metro Detroit area. Attorney Bennett defends drunk driving, drug crimes, sex crimes, and federal charges, and handles expungements. He offers a free case review.

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

Edward Bajoka founded Bajoka Law Group to defend clients in federal criminal and immigration cases. He has handled white collar prosecutions, healthcare fraud, drug trafficking, and public corruption matters, some drawing national attention. Bajoka also wrote a LexisNexis practice guide on Michigan criminal law. The Detroit firm offers free, confidential consultations.

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

Founded in 1999 by Scott Grabel, Grabel & Associates handles only criminal cases anywhere in Michigan. Its attorneys carry more than 100 years of combined experience, and some are former prosecutors. The firm defends sex charges, DUI, drug, and assault cases, and answers emergency calls 24/7.

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

Salvatore Prescott Porter & Porter is a trial firm founded by accomplished female attorneys. The practice is best known for employment law and civil rights, with a focused white collar criminal defense group. Its partners hold more than 70 years of combined courtroom experience. The firm serves clients from offices near Detroit, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

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

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Michael A. Rataj has tried more than 100 criminal cases since opening his Detroit practice in 1989. He focuses on federal charges, including drug offenses, healthcare fraud, RICO, and white collar crimes. Rataj is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.

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

With more than five decades of practice, William W. Swor defends clients in federal and Michigan courts and handles appeals. He is a past president of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. Swor has tried several of the area's highest-profile cases, including the first post-9/11 terrorism trial.

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

A former Wayne County Prosecutor, Jeffrey G. Schwartz has practiced law for over 36 years. He opened his Detroit firm in 1986 and defends felonies, misdemeanors, and federal charges. Schwartz takes cases across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and several other Michigan counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Detroit cost?

Usually a flat or hourly fee. Criminal defense is not handled on contingency. Most Detroit attorneys charge a flat fee per charge or an hourly rate. Costs rise with felony and federal cases.

What is the difference between OWI and DUI in Michigan?

Michigan uses the term OWI. OWI means operating while intoxicated. The legal limit is 0.08 BAC. A high BAC charge applies at 0.17 or above, with harsher penalties.

Which court will hear my case in Detroit?

It depends on the charge. Misdemeanors and felony exams begin in Detroit's 36th District Court. Felony trials move to the Wayne County Circuit Court, and federal cases go downtown.

How long does a criminal case take in Detroit?

It varies widely. A simple misdemeanor may resolve in a few months. Felony and federal cases often take a year or longer. Trials add more time than plea deals.

What if the police made mistakes during my arrest?

That can help your defense. Illegal stops or searches may violate your rights. Evidence from those searches can be thrown out. A lawyer can file a motion to suppress it.

Can I get my record expunged in Detroit?

Often, yes. Michigan's Clean Slate law lets up to three felonies and many misdemeanors be set aside. Some convictions are now expunged automatically. The City of Detroit also runs a free Project Clean Slate program.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?

Yes, in most cases. Even a misdemeanor can mean jail, fines, and a permanent record. A conviction can affect jobs and housing. An attorney may get charges reduced or dismissed.

Types of Criminal Charges Detroit Lawyers Defend

DUI and OWI. Drunk and impaired driving charges are common across Wayne County. Penalties grow with high BAC results and repeat offenses.

Drug Crimes. These include possession, trafficking, and manufacturing. Federal drug charges carry the harshest sentences.

Assault and Domestic Violence. Charges cover simple assault, aggravated assault, and family disputes. A conviction can trigger protective orders.

Theft and Retail Fraud. Shoplifting, larceny, and embezzlement fall under this group. Felony theft brings prison time and restitution.

Weapons and Firearm Charges. Michigan limits who can carry a gun and where. Felon-in-possession cases are charged aggressively.

Sex Crimes. Criminal sexual conduct is charged in four degrees. A conviction may require sex offender registration.

White Collar and Federal Crimes. Fraud, RICO, and public corruption cases run through the Eastern District of Michigan. These cases need federal court experience.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Detroit

Check their trial record. Many cases settle, but you want someone ready for trial. Ask how often they take cases to a jury.

Match the lawyer to the charge. State and federal courts work differently. A federal case needs an attorney with Eastern District experience.

Look at local court experience. A lawyer who knows the 36th District Court and Wayne County judges has an edge. Local relationships matter.

Ask about fees upfront. Get the flat or hourly rate in writing. Find out what trial or appeal work costs extra.

Confirm they handle your charge. Some firms focus on DUI or drug cases. Others handle homicide, sex crimes, or white collar matters.

Criminal Sentencing and Outcomes in Michigan

Michigan uses sentencing guidelines to suggest a range for most felonies. Judges weigh the offense, your record, and the facts of the case. Plea deals can lower charges or reduce jail time. Some first-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs that avoid a conviction. Murder and first-degree criminal sexual conduct carry the most severe penalties. A Detroit defense lawyer can explain the likely range for your case.