Metro Detroit Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you are charged with a crime, you need a Metro Detroit criminal defense lawyer who knows how the other side builds its case. Christopher Brown is a former police officer with more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, prosecution, and criminal defense. From our Troy office, he defends clients throughout Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties.

Why Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Was a Police Officer?

Attorney Brown has worked as a street officer and investigator. As a result, he knows how police reports are written, how evidence is collected, and where investigations go wrong. Then, he uses that knowledge to rebuild your case from the ground up.

For example, he looks for unlawful traffic stops, improper searches, flawed sobriety tests, and inconsistent witness statements. He also knows how prosecutors evaluate cases. That insight helps him negotiate from a position of strength and prepare for trial when needed.

Attorney Brown served with the Detroit Police Department from 1996 to 2003 before becoming a defense lawyer. That experience shows in our results: charges dismissed at the preliminary exam, felonies reduced to misdemeanors, acquittals at trial, and investigations closed with no charges filed. Review our case results, organized by type of case.

Personal Attention From Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

At Brown & Associates, you work directly with Attorney Brown. Also, you will not be handed off to an assistant or treated like a case number. In addition, we offer same-day appointments and answer calls 24/7, because arrests do not wait for business hours.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

We defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in every stage of the process. Choose a practice area below to learn more.

DUI and OWI Defense

Michigan’s OWI penalties grow with each offense, and a conviction can cost you your license. However, as an Oakland County DUI lawyer, Attorney Brown challenges traffic stops, sobriety tests, and breath and blood results.

Domestic Violence Defense

A domestic violence charge can bring no-contact orders, jail, and the loss of gun rights. However, our Oakland County domestic violence lawyer looks for self-defense, inconsistent statements, and deferral options.

Drug Crime Defense

Drug cases often turn on how police searched you, your car, or your home. Because of this, as an Oakland County drug crime lawyer, Attorney Brown challenges unlawful searches and pursues first-offender programs.

Sex Crime Defense

A sex crime accusation can threaten your freedom and lead to registration. An Oakland County sex crime lawyer who steps in early can protect you both before and after charges.

Weapons and Firearm Charges

Gun charges such as CCW and felony firearm can carry serious prison terms. Our Oakland County gun crime lawyer challenges possession, intent, and the legality of the search.

Theft, Retail Fraud, and Property Crimes

Retail fraud, larceny, and embezzlement charges can damage your record and your career. However, as an Oakland County theft lawyer, Attorney Brown works to keep first-time offenders’ records clean.

Assault and Violent Crimes

Assault cases often depend on witness credibility and self-defense. An Oakland County assault lawyer can expose inconsistent statements and weak evidence.

Juvenile Defense

A juvenile case can shape a young person’s future. Our Oakland County juvenile defense lawyer protects young clients and guides families through each step.

Criminal Investigations

If a detective calls, do not give a statement until you speak with a lawyer. A Michigan criminal investigation lawyer can step in early and, in some cases, prevent charges.

Probation Violations

A probation violation can mean jail time, even when the original case was minor. We defend clients accused of failed drug or alcohol tests, Soberlink and tether alerts, missed appointments, and new charges while on probation, and we work to keep them out of jail. Talk to an Oakland County probation violation lawyer.

View all criminal defense practice areas

How We Build Your Defense

• Review every piece of evidence. First, we examine police reports, video, test results, and witness statements.
• Challenge the stop and the search. Next, we look for constitutional violations that can lead to suppressed evidence.
• Use the preliminary examination. In felony cases, we test the prosecution’s evidence early and push for dismissal or reduction.
• Negotiate or go to trial. Finally, we pursue the best outcome, whether that means a dismissal, a diversion program, or a not-guilty verdict.

A Metro Detroit Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties

Our Troy office sits just off I-75 at Big Beaver and Crooks Road. From there, we appear in the Oakland County Circuit Court and in Oakland County’s district courts, as well as courts in Macomb and Wayne counties. We also defend clients in nearby communities such as Rochester Hills.

In Macomb County, we represent clients in the 16th Circuit Court and in district courts in Warren, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Roseville, and St. Clair Shores. In Wayne County, we handle cases in the 3rd Circuit Court and in district courts in Detroit, Livonia, Westland, and Dearborn.

Communities We Serve

We defend clients throughout Oakland County, including Troy, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield, West Bloomfield, Novi, Farmington Hills, Pontiac, Waterford, Clarkston, Oak Park, and Madison Heights.

Metro Detroit Criminal Defense FAQ

What should I do if I’m arrested in Metro Detroit?

Stay calm and don’t resist. Tell officers you want to remain silent and want a lawyer, then stop answering questions. Don’t discuss your case on jail phones, since those calls are recorded. Call a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so your defense can start before your first court date.

A detective wants to talk to me. Do I have to?

No. You can politely decline and ask the detective to contact your lawyer. Many cases are decided before charges are ever filed, when police send a warrant request to the prosecutor. Learn what to do on our criminal investigations page.

Which court will my case be in?

Most cases start in the district court for the city or township where the offense allegedly happened. Felony cases that are bound over move to the county’s circuit court: the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac for Oakland County, the 16th Circuit Court in Mount Clemens for Macomb County, or the 3rd Circuit Court in Detroit for Wayne County. Our Oakland County page lists every district court in the county.

Can my charges be dismissed or reduced?

Often, yes, depending on the evidence and how early your defense starts. Illegal stops, improper searches, weak witness accounts, and problems at the preliminary exam can all lead to dismissals or reduced charges. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, but you can see examples in our case results.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. Consultations are free and available 24/7, in person at our Troy office or virtually. We accept credit cards and offer payment plans. Call (248) 468-1468 or contact us online.

Talk to a Metro Detroit Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Your freedom, your record, and your future are on the line. Therefore, the sooner you get experienced help, the more options you may have. Call an Oakland County criminal defense lawyer at (248) 468-1468 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.