Michigan Criminal Defense Attorneys
At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Michigan criminal defense attorneys who navigate the state’s indeterminate sentencing structure, HYTA (Holmes Youthful Trainee Act) for young defendants, the Clean Slate Acts of 2020/2021 (auto-expungement effective 2023), and recreational marijuana under the MRTMA.
- Free to use — fees quoted upfront, before you commit
- Matched with a Michigan attorney in 24 hours
- 30,000+ plaintiffs served nationwide
Free Michigan criminal defense case review
A Michigan attorney will take a look. Or call 1-833-WELEGAL.
How we match your Michigan criminal defense case
When you submit a Michigan criminal defense matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.
Case type
A criminal defense matter needs someone who handles criminal defense work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.
Size and complexity
Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.
Jurisdiction and licensing
Your matter is decided under Michigan law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in Michigan who regularly appears where your case would be heard.
Capacity and fit
Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.
Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.
DearLegal provides marketing and matching services and is not a law firm. Submitting a case does not create an attorney-client relationship. Matches depend on case type, jurisdiction and firm availability.
Exhibit A
What happens with a criminal defense claim in Michigan
Day 0
Arrest or charge.
Say nothing beyond identifying yourself and ask for a lawyer. Do not consent to searches. Everything after this is built on what you did not say.
Within 24 hours
Tell us what happened.
Two minutes on this page. A Michigan criminal defense attorney reviews it for free and, if it’s a fit, you’re matched within 24 hours.
Days 1–14
First appearance and bail.
Your attorney addresses release conditions and gets the charging documents. In Michigan, this is where the tone of the case is set.
Weeks to months
Discovery and motions.
Police reports, video, lab work, witness statements. Motions to suppress or dismiss are filed where the evidence was obtained improperly.
Before trial
Negotiation or trial.
Most cases resolve by dismissal or plea; some go to trial. Your attorney advises on the risk of each with the actual evidence in hand.
Resolution
Outcome and record.
Fees are quoted before you commit — hourly or a retainer, spelled out in writing at the free consultation.
Exhibit B
When to call a criminal defense attorney in Michigan
Does any of this sound like you? Tap what applies.
Exhibit C
Criminal Defense cases we take in Michigan
Which one is closest to yours?
OWI / Super Drunk / Felony OWI
Michigan OWI under M.C.L. § 257.625 (.08 BAC, .17+ Super Drunk). First offense: up to 93 days jail, $100-$500 fine, 30-day suspension then restricted. Super Drunk: 180 days jail, 1-year suspension, IID required. Third OWI in lifetime: felony, up to 5 years.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewDrug possession and delivery
Michigan legalized recreational marijuana 2018 (MRTMA, Proposal 1) — adults 21+ can possess up to 2.5 oz public, 10 oz home. Other controlled substances under M.C.L. § 333.7401 (delivery/manufacture) and § 333.7403 (possession) — weight-based felony exposure. Schedule II (cocaine, meth) delivery: 1, 7, 20, life depending on quantity.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewAssault and aggravated assault
Michigan assault: Simple Assault (M.C.L. § 750.81, misdemeanor 93 days), Aggravated Assault (§ 750.81a, misdemeanor 1 year), Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm (§ 750.84, felony 10 years), Assault with Intent to Commit Murder (§ 750.83, life).
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewDomestic violence
Michigan Domestic Violence under M.C.L. § 750.81(2) — misdemeanor 93 days first offense, 1 year for second, felony 2 years for third+ within 5 years (or with prior assault). Mandatory arrest discretion under M.C.L. § 764.15a. PPOs through Circuit Court. Federal § 922(g)(9) firearm ban attaches.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewLarceny and B&E
Michigan larceny tiers under M.C.L. § 750.356: under $200 misdemeanor 93 days, $200-$1,000 misdemeanor 1 year, $1,000-$20,000 felony 5 years, $20,000-$50,000 felony 5-10 years, over $50,000 felony 5-10. Breaking and Entering (§ 750.110) felony 5-20 depending on dwelling.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewWhite-collar crimes
Michigan prosecutes larceny, embezzlement (M.C.L. § 750.174), identity theft (§ 445.65), forgery, and securities fraud through prosecutors and Attorney General. Federal exposure for wire fraud, healthcare fraud (significant Detroit-area Medicare fraud), and auto industry fraud.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewGun and firearm charges
Michigan requires CPL (Concealed Pistol License) for handgun carry under M.C.L. § 28.421 et seq. — “shall issue” framework. Felon in Possession of Firearm (M.C.L. § 750.224f) felony 5 years. Felony Firearm (M.C.L. § 750.227b) — 2-year consecutive mandatory minimum on top of underlying felony. Federal § 922(g) aggressive.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewSex offenses
Michigan sex offender registration under SORA (M.C.L. § 28.721 et seq.) — Tier I (15-year), Tier II (25-year), Tier III (lifetime). CSC (Criminal Sexual Conduct) degrees under M.C.L. § 750.520b-e — CSC-1 carries 25-year mandatory minimum (life max), CSC-2 carries 15 years.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewHomicide
Michigan homicide: First-Degree Murder (M.C.L. § 750.316, mandatory life without parole; Michigan abolished death penalty 1846), Second-Degree Murder (§ 750.317, up to life), Voluntary Manslaughter (§ 750.321, up to 15), Involuntary Manslaughter (up to 15), Reckless Driving Causing Death (15 years). Felony murder included in First-Degree.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewJuvenile offenses
Michigan juveniles handled under M.C.L. § 712A. Raise the Age (2021) includes 17-year-olds. Designated case (§ 712A.4) for 14+ for serious felonies allows criminal-style sentencing. Waiver to adult court possible. Juvenile expungement under § 712A.18e.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewProbation and parole violations
Michigan probation revocation under M.C.L. § 771.4. Parole violations under M.C.L. § 791.240a. Indeterminate sentence allows reimposition up to maximum. Habitual Offender notice can be filed/applied on revocation.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewFederal crimes in Michigan
Eastern and Western Districts. Common: I-94/I-75 drug trafficking, U.S.-Canada border offenses (smuggling, immigration), § 922(g) felon-in-possession, wire fraud, healthcare fraud (Detroit Medicare fraud strike force), and federal auto-industry/UAW cases.
Sound like yours? A Michigan attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewExhibit D
How much do Michigan criminal defense attorneys cost?
Typical fee schedule
Michigan · Criminal Defense
Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.
Criminal Defense matters in Michigan are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.
Criminal defense attorneys in Michigan work on hourly or flat-fee retainers — contingency fees are prohibited in criminal cases under M.R.P.C. 1.5(d) and ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Misdemeanors and most felonies are flat-fee; complex cases use hourly billing. The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) and county public defenders represent indigent defendants — recent state-level reforms have improved indigent defense statewide.
A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.
Exhibit E
What your Michigan criminal defense compensation can include
A Michigan criminal defense recovery is built from several parts. Tap one to see what it covers.
Charge Dismissal
Outright dismissal through motion to quash, motion to suppress, speedy trial under M.C.R. 6.004 / People v. Williams (180-day rule for incarcerated defendants), or prosecutor motion to dismiss.
Charge Reduction
Reduction from felony to misdemeanor, from higher-penalty felony to lower, removal of Habitual Offender notice or Felony Firearm enhancement.
HYTA / Delayed Sentence / Cobbs Evaluation
Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (M.C.L. § 762.11) for 17-23 year olds — no conviction entered. Delayed Sentence (§ 771.1). Cobbs evaluation (People v. Cobbs, 1993) — judge indicates sentence in advance, allowing informed plea. Drug court, mental health court, veterans court.
Plea Agreement
Negotiated resolution under M.C.R. 6.302. Includes charge reductions, dismissed counts, recommended sentences, and probation in lieu of incarceration.
Trial Acquittal
Not guilty verdict by Michigan jury or judge. Michigan criminal juries are 12 for felonies, 6 for misdemeanors, and must be unanimous (Mich. Const. Art. I, § 14).
Post-Conviction Relief
Michigan Motion for Relief from Judgment (M.C.R. 6.500 et seq.) for IAC, newly discovered evidence, constitutional violations. Restrictive rules on successor motions (M.C.R. 6.502(G)).
DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.
Exhibit F
Michigan criminal defense questions, answered
Still unsure? Tell us what happened and a Michigan attorney will review it for free.
Criminal Defense attorneys by city in Michigan
Same Michigan rules and the same attorneys — with what’s local to each city.
