Criminal Defense Attorneys in Novi, MI
Drunk driving, drug, retail fraud, and assault charges in Novi are prosecuted through Oakland County. A Michigan-licensed criminal defense attorney serving Novi will review your case and explain your options for free.
- Free to use — fees quoted upfront, before you commit
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Free Novi criminal defense case review
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How we match your Novi criminal defense case
When you submit a Novi 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.
Criminal Defense cases in Novi
More about legal help in Novi →Novi draws large numbers of non-residents to its retail corridor and event venues, and traffic enforcement along I-96, M-5, Novi Road, and Grand River Avenue is steady, so many cases begin with a stop or a retail-related allegation. Misdemeanors and preliminary stages of felonies are handled in the district court serving Novi, and felony cases move to Oakland County Circuit Court for trial. Prosecutors in Oakland County make charging decisions, and some matters involving firearms, drugs, or fraud can draw federal attention instead. Early representation shapes bond, charges, and diversion options. DearLegal matches you with a Michigan-licensed attorney who handles criminal defense cases in Novi, with a free review.
- Novi cases start in the local district court for arraignment, misdemeanors, and felony preliminary examinations, with felonies then heard in Oakland County Circuit Court.
- Traffic and OWI stops on I-96, M-5, and the Novi Road retail corridor are a common source of charges, along with retail theft allegations near the shopping district.
- An arrest a short distance away in Northville or Livonia is prosecuted through Wayne County courts, and certain firearm, drug, or fraud cases can be charged federally instead.
Michigan criminal defense rules at a glance
Novi cases run under Michigan law. The full walkthrough — timeline, when to call, case types, and what a recovery can include — is on the Michigan page.
Read the full Michigan criminal defense guide →- Felony Statute of Limitations
No limit
No limit for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, terrorism; 10 years for most non-violent felonies; 6 years for assault felonies (M.C.L. § 767.24)
- Misdemeanor Statute of Limitations
6 years
6 years for most misdemeanors (M.C.L. § 767.24)
- Sentencing Structure
23 year
Indeterminate sentencing under M.C.L. § 769.8; Sentencing Guidelines advisory after People v. Lockridge (2015); Habitual Offender enhancement (M.C.L. § 769.10-12); HYTA (§ 762.11) for 17-23 year olds
- Expungement / Record Sealing
7 years
Clean Slate Acts (2020/2021 PA, M.C.L. § 780.621-624) — automatic expungement of many misdemeanors after 7 years and certain felonies after 10 years (eff. April 2023); broad petition-based expungement
- Bail / Pretrial Release
Bail
Bail under M.C.R. 6.106; constitutional right to bail with exceptions for capital and certain violent offenses (Mich. Const. Art. I, § 15); pretrial risk assessment encouraged
- Typical attorney fee
Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee
Exhibit D
How much do Novi 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 F
Novi 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.
