You or someone you love has been arrested or charged in Detroit, and the next few days matter. Misdemeanors and arraignments run through the 36th District Court downtown, while felonies move to the Third Judicial Circuit Court for Wayne County. Michigan charges range from a drunk-driving OWI to serious felonies, and the right lawyer can mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissal, diversion, or reduced plea. Below are vetted Detroit criminal defense firms. Most offer a confidential consultation, and several handle cases statewide.
Updated May 14, 2026
Never talk to police about a criminal charge without a lawyer. In Michigan, what you say at the scene or in an interview is often the strongest evidence used against you, and you have the right to stay silent and ask for an attorney. A Detroit criminal defense lawyer steps in early, deals with the prosecutor, and protects you from decisions that follow you for years on a background check.
Whether this is a first OWI or a felony in Wayne County, an experienced lawyer reviews the police work, looks for constitutional problems with the stop or search, and pushes for the best outcome the facts allow.
Talk to a Detroit criminal defense lawyer if any of the following describes your situation.
Step 1: arraignment, usually in the 36th District Court for Detroit cases, where the charge is read and bond is set. Step 2: for a felony, a probable cause conference and preliminary examination decide whether there is enough evidence to send the case to Wayne County Circuit Court. Step 3: pretrial conferences, where your lawyer and the prosecutor exchange evidence and discuss a plea or dismissal. Step 4: motions to suppress evidence from a bad stop or search. Step 5: trial before a Wayne County jury if the case does not resolve, or a negotiated plea if it does. Most cases end in a plea or dismissal, but a lawyer who is ready to try the case usually gets a better deal.
Many Detroit criminal lawyers charge a flat fee for a defined case: roughly $1,500 to $5,000 for a misdemeanor, $2,000 to $7,500 for an OWI, and $5,000 to $25,000 or more for a felony depending on the charge and whether it goes to trial. Some bill hourly at about $150 to $400 an hour. Ask whether the fee covers trial or stops at a plea, what is included, and whether a payment plan is available. Get the fee agreement in writing before you hire anyone.
Updated May 14, 2026. Verified across Avvo, Super Lawyers, Justia, and firm records. We do not accept payment for placement. Where a firm's aggregate client rating is not yet compiled, we say so rather than invent one.
A long-established Michigan criminal defense team that takes felony and misdemeanor cases across Metro Detroit and is known for an aggressive, trial-ready approach. A good fit when you are facing a serious felony and want a firm that prepares every case as if it will go in front of a Wayne County jury.
A Royal Oak criminal defense firm serving clients across Metro Detroit, with hundreds of five-star Google reviews for work on OWI, domestic violence, drug crimes, and assault. A strong fit for a first-time OWI or domestic case where you want responsive, well-reviewed local counsel.
Led by Samuel Bennett, a fellow of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and a multi-year Super Lawyers Rising Star, this firm focuses on defending people accused of crimes in Detroit. A good fit if you want a credentialed solo who handles your case personally.
A Metro Detroit criminal defense practice handling DUI, drug, and felony charges, recognized in local "best of" criminal defense lists. A good fit for a defendant who wants an experienced, established lawyer focused on negotiated resolutions and trial when needed.
A Detroit-area criminal defense firm that appears on multiple local attorney directories for misdemeanor and felony work. We have not yet compiled an aggregate client rating for this office, so confirm reviews and fit during your consultation.
Tell us briefly what is going on. We route a confidential request to a best-fit Detroit firm in this directory. No obligation, and nothing is filed without you.