Michigan Juvenile Crime Defense Attorney

Protecting the Rights and Futures of Michigan’s Youth

When your child is accused of a crime, few moments in life feel more frightening. You want answers — and you want to protect your child’s future. Will they face jail? Will they have a permanent record? In Michigan, a juvenile accusation can have serious and lasting consequences, but with the right defense, many of those outcomes can be avoided or minimized.

At Brown & Associates Legal Services, attorney Christopher Brown brings over 25 years of law-enforcement and courtroom experience to every juvenile case. As a former police officer, Attorney Brown understands how investigators build cases, how prosecutors make charging decisions, and how to strategically dismantle those claims before they define your child’s future.

Understanding Juvenile Proceedings in Michigan

In Michigan, criminal cases involving minors (under age 18) are handled as juvenile delinquency matters through the family division of the circuit court. The goal of these proceedings is rehabilitation — not punishment. That means there are opportunities to protect your child’s record, secure diversion, and focus on counseling or education rather than incarceration.

The court that handles your child’s case typically depends on where the alleged offense occurred. For example, if the incident took place in Oakland County, the petition will usually be filed in the Oakland County Circuit Court, Family Division. However, in some cases the matter can be transferred to the county where the juvenile resides.

When a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Michigan

Certain serious allegations allow prosecutors to charge minors as adults. Depending on the nature of the offense and the juvenile’s age, this can happen through several legal mechanisms:

• Automatic Waiver – For juveniles 14 years or older accused of serious felonies such as murder, armed robbery, or first-degree criminal sexual conduct, the prosecutor can bypass juvenile court and file the case in district court like an adult case.
• Prosecutor Designation – For “specified juvenile violations,” the prosecutor may request adult treatment while keeping the case in family court. If convicted, the court decides between a juvenile disposition or an adult conviction.
• Court Designation – The prosecutor can petition the court to try the juvenile as an adult for other serious offenses. The judge must determine that doing so is in the best interests of both the juvenile and the public.
• Traditional Waiver – The prosecutor may ask the court to waive jurisdiction entirely and transfer the case to adult criminal court. This involves a two-step process: a probable-cause hearing and a best-interests hearing.

These processes can dramatically affect your child’s future — including whether they face juvenile rehabilitation or adult prison. Attorney Brown’s firsthand understanding of police investigations and prosecutorial decision-making provides a decisive advantage when challenging these designations.

Juvenile Sex-Offense Allegations and the Sex-Offender Registry

Juvenile sex-offense cases are particularly sensitive. In Michigan, minors can be required to register as sex offenders under certain circumstances — especially if tried and convicted as adults, or if the offense meets the criteria of a Tier III violation under MCL 28.722(w). Attorney Brown aggressively fights to protect his clients from mandatory registration, which can permanently affect education, employment, and community standing.

Possible Outcomes and Diversion Options

A juvenile case often begins with a petition filed in family court. From there, the case may be resolved through dismissal, plea agreement, or trial. If the juvenile is adjudicated responsible, the judge imposes a disposition — similar to sentencing — but focused on rehabilitation.

Michigan law also allows for important alternatives to formal adjudication:

• Juvenile Diversion – The child avoids court altogether and completes community programs designed to correct behavior.
• Consent Calendar – The child complies with conditions similar to probation. If completed successfully, no formal record or adjudication is entered.

Because juvenile records can be public, securing a deferral or diversion can be critical to protecting your child’s long-term opportunities.

The Brown & Associates Advantage

Attorney Christopher Brown has investigated juvenile offenses from both sides — first as a police officer, now as a criminal-defense attorney. His insight into interrogation tactics, charging discretion, and police procedures gives him the ability to anticipate the prosecution’s next move and expose weaknesses in their case. Every strategy is focused on one goal: protecting your child’s freedom and future.

Contact a Michigan Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today

If your son or daughter has been charged with a juvenile offense or is under police investigation, time is critical. Early intervention can mean the difference between a permanent record and a fresh start.

Contact Brown & Associates Legal Services today to speak directly with Attorney Christopher Brown, a former police officer and experienced Michigan juvenile-defense attorney.  Call 248-468-1468 for a confidential consultation or reach out online to get immediate help.