Royal Oak Criminal Defense Attorney

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney for Misdemeanor and Felony Cases in Royal Oak. Defense lawyers for when there is no room for mistakes and false promises.

Your Best Defense in the 44th District Court in Royal Oak

Suppose you face a felony or misdemeanor criminal charge in the 44th District Court in Royal Oak. In that case, you want a Royal Oak criminal defense attorney who is an expert in criminal law, very familiar with the judges, and highly respected and known in the court.

The Royal Oak District Court is a part of the Oakland County courts system. Oakland County is known statewide as one of the stricter counties in Michigan for crimes charged, plea bargaining, and sentencing. It is imperative that you have a reputable, highly experienced criminal defense attorney with you if you are accused of a crime. A defense attorney’s reputation with prosecutors and judges can make all the difference in how favorably your case is resolved.

The Procedure for a Criminal Prosecution in Royal Oak’s 44th District Court

In Royal Oak’s 44th District Court, the procedures for criminal prosecutions differ depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony.

Misdemeanor Prosecution and Court Procedures

Misdemeanor cases begin with an arraignment, where the court formally charges the defendant and explains their rights. During the arraignment, the judge addresses bond, determining whether the defendant will remain in custody or be released while the case proceeds. Afterward, the court schedules pretrial conferences to allow the defense attorney and prosecutor to negotiate potential resolutions, such as plea agreements, or to prepare for trial. If the case is not resolved through a plea, it proceeds to trial, where the judge or jury determines guilt or innocence, followed by sentencing if necessary.

Felony Prosecution and Court Procedures

Felony cases in the 44th District Court follow a more complex procedure. Like misdemeanors, felonies begin with an arraignment and bond hearing. However, because the district court only handles the initial stages of felony prosecutions, the next step is a probable cause conference. During this conference, the defense and prosecution discuss potential resolutions or address preliminary issues, such as the admissibility of evidence. If the case is not resolved at this stage, it advances to a preliminary examination. At this hearing, the prosecutor must present enough evidence to establish probable cause that a crime occurred and that the defendant committed it. If the court finds sufficient evidence, it binds the case over to the Oakland County Circuit Court for further proceedings, including potential trial and sentencing. The involvement of an experienced Royal Oak criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in navigating this process and protecting the defendant’s rights at every stage.

Misdemeanor and Felony Charges in the 44th District Court

Below are a few examples of offenses the Royal Oak criminal defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have helped clients favorably resolve in the 44th District Court:

Retail Fraud
OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)
Domestic Violence
Assault and Battery
Larceny from a Person
Larceny from a Building
Driving with a Suspended License
Violation of Probation
Disorderly Conduct
Reckless Driving
Weapons Crimes
Drug Crimes, and More

Probation Violations in Royal Oak

Probation violations in Royal Oak, such as missing a meeting, failing a drug test, or committing a new offense, can lead to severe consequences, including extended probation, fines, or jail time. Retaining a skilled probation violation defense lawyer is essential to fight the allegation or minimize penalties. An experienced attorney can challenge weak evidence, present strong defenses, and negotiate with the judge, prosecutor, and probation officer for reduced or alternative penalties, such as treatment programs instead of incarceration. Highlighting your progress, like counseling or steady employment, can further help avoid harsh outcomes and protect your future.

Is getting a court-appointed attorney in Royal Oak a good option?

There are some good court-appointed attorneys in Royal Oak, and some defendants have no choice but to get a court-appointed attorney due to economic factors. However, it is highly recommended that a private attorney be retained. Court-appointed attorneys rely upon the judges to appoint them. In some cases, a court-appointed attorney may not wish to push all legitimate defense arguments too hard for fear of alienating the judge by making the judge work harder and address all legitimate arguments. A court-appointed attorney is typically interested in quickly settling the matter through a plea bargain. A quick resolution may be in a court-appointed lawyer’s best interest but not your best interest.

If possible, you should also retain an attorney for a Royal Oak case because a court-appointed attorney will never have the same resources available to fight the charges entirely. In other words, they won’t have the resources to hire experts, interview all witnesses, file motions, and perform other critical functions that a reputable, top-rated attorney will always perform. The court-appointed lawyer will not be assigned until your case goes to court instead of a good retained lawyer who will take considerable time and effort to prepare for your case before entering the courtroom.

Your Best Defense to Criminal Charges in Royal Oak

Both city and state prosecutors in Royal Oak District Court mean business. You want an experienced, aggressive, and effective defense attorney who also means business and has no motive other than helping you achieve freedom from the charges you face to the greatest extent possible. The unique team approach used at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has achieved unparalleled success in Royal Oak, Oakland County, and throughout Southeastern Michigan.

The dedicated and zealous defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have successfully represented thousands of clients on misdemeanor and felony charges in Oakland County and southeast Michigan, including countless cases in Royal Oak. We have a well-earned reputation with judges and the community for providing the highest quality defense and aggressive representation, while showing empathy and care for each client. Call us for a free consultation today.

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.