45B District Court Judge Michelle Friedman Appel

The 45B District Court for Oak Park is located at 13600 Oak Park Blvd, Oak Park, MI 48237.

The Honorable Michelle Friedman Appel

In the 45B District Court in Oak Park, Judge Michelle Friedman Appel is an intelligent judge who appreciates well-reasoned and innovative legal arguments. As attorneys who have frequently appeared before her know, Judge Appel is not a rubber stamp for the prosecution. She will consider challenges to the prosecution’s evidence based upon sound legal principles and legitimate interpretations of legal precedent. Appearing before a judge who has an open mind and is willing to let attorneys be creative and zealous on behalf of their clients makes the practice of law more pleasurable and rewarding. Most importantly, a fair judge can be a huge benefit to clients if the defense attorney can craft a winning legal theory to challenge the government’s evidence.

Professional History

Judge Michelle Appel in Oak Park obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan and her Juris Doctorate law degree from the University of Detroit. Judge Appel worked at a private law firm for over 20 years before being elected to the 45B District Court in 2003. She was an Oakland County Commissioner from 1999 to 2002 and was elected judge in 2003.

The 45B District court serves the Charter Township of Royal Oak and the cities of Huntington Woods, Oak Park, and Pleasant Ridge.

Types of criminal cases handled by Judge Michelle Appel in Oak Park

Like Judge Michelle Appel in Oak Park, District judges handle civil infractions, misdemeanors, and felony preliminary exams. Civil infractions such as traffic tickets are cases punishable by a fine and sometimes points on your driving record. Misdemeanors carry fines and possible jail time, ranging from 1 year in jail and 2 years on probation. Probation can be costly, arduous, and time-consuming. Felonies are criminal charges that carry a penalty of more than one year in jail, meaning imprisonment in state prison. The arraignment and preliminary examination in the district court are the only portions of the felony case that are handled.

A felony preliminary exam is an evidentiary hearing to determine if the prosecutor has enough evidence to support the charges against a defendant. If the district judge decides the prosecutor has made the case sufficiently, they will either send the case to the county circuit court for final disposition or will preside over a plea agreement to a charge which carries less than one year in jail. The defense lawyer’s job is to attack the prosecutor’s evidence, expose weaknesses, and challenge any illegally obtained evidence. Judge Appel can dismiss a case after a preliminary exam if she finds that the prosecutor has not met its burden of proof. Because Judge Appel is fair to both sides, she will carefully consider a creative and astute defense attorney’s winning legal argument and, if appropriate, dismiss felony charges.

Examples of misdemeanors for which a district court trial may be held before Judge Michelle Appel in Oak Park:

• Assault and Battery
• Domestic Violence
• Drunk Driving 1st or 2nd Offense
• Lower-level Drug Cases
• Retail Fraud 2nd or 3rd Degree (shoplifting)
• Violation of Probation (on any misdemeanor case)

Examples of felony cases for which a preliminary exam may be held:

• Felonious Assault
• Home Invasion
• Murder and Manslaughter
• Armed or Unarmed Robbery
• Retail Fraud 1st Degree
• Drug and Weapons Charges

A Criminal Defense Law Firm that Regularly Handles Criminal Cases Before Judge Appel

The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. regularly appear before Judge Appel in the 45B District Court in Oak Park, Michigan. We have had outstanding experiences in her court and maintain a mutually respectful relationship. Judge Appel’s standards are high, and we will do what it takes to get the best possible result on any felony or misdemeanor case pending in her court. If you have a case before Judge Appel, call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., and we will find a way to help you.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.

We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!

Michigan Judges