Macomb County Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Macomb County Criminal Defense Lawyer With a Police Officer’s Perspective

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Macomb County, the first few weeks of your case matter most, and that’s when a Macomb County criminal defense lawyer can make the biggest difference. Attorney Christopher Brown is a former Detroit police officer who now defends people accused of crimes throughout Macomb County, from the district courts in Warren, Sterling Heights, and Clinton Township to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Mount Clemens.

Attorney Brown appears regularly in Macomb County courts and has appeared before every criminal court judge in the county. In his experience, Macomb’s prosecutors, at the district court level, in felony trials, and in the office’s specialized units, apply their policies fairly and focus on seeking justice, not just winning convictions. Macomb’s judges are fair and conscientious, and they respond to a well-prepared, well-reasoned argument. That makes careful preparation one of the most valuable things a Macomb County criminal defense lawyer can bring to your case.

Recent Macomb County Results

Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Two Counts of CSC Second Degree Dismissed Before the Preliminary Exam — Romeo

Police searched our client’s home under a search warrant. He made no statements. We were retained before any charge was filed, and we immediately sent the officer in charge a letter demanding that all evidence be preserved, including the phone messages of the child’s mother. A year later, our client was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, each a 15-year felony. We subpoenaed the mother’s phone, which held audio recordings of her coaching the child. We retained a highly qualified expert to review the CARE House forensic interview and the mother’s recordings for suggestibility and memory taint. The expert, who had reviewed more than 1,000 child forensic interviews, concluded this interview was among the three worst he had ever reviewed. Our client also passed a polygraph examination. Faced with the expert’s findings, the prosecutor dismissed both counts before the preliminary examination.

42-1 District Court — Romeo, Macomb County

Felonious Assault With a Firearm Dismissed at the Preliminary Exam — Warren

We challenged the case early in district court. The prosecutor could not meet the burden of proof at the preliminary examination, and the court granted our motion to dismiss.

37th District Court — Warren, Macomb County

Felony Aggravated Stalking Dismissed at the Preliminary Exam — Clinton Township

The prosecutor could not prove our client had actual notice of the personal protection order that barred contact with the complainant. The felony was dismissed at the preliminary examination.

41-B District Court — Clinton Township, Macomb County

Third-Offense OWI Felony Reduced to a Misdemeanor, No Jail — Shelby Township

Our client had two prior felony convictions, two prior OWI convictions, and a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit. Our client followed our plan precisely, and we convinced the prosecutor that leniency served the interest of justice. The felony was reduced to a misdemeanor OWI. The probation department recommended 90 days in jail, but we convinced the court to impose probation with no jail time.

41-A District Court — Shelby Township, Macomb County

See all of our Macomb County and other case results.

How a Criminal Case Moves Through Macomb County Courts

A Macomb County felony case usually begins in a local district court. If the case is bound over after a preliminary examination, or the examination is properly waived, it moves to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Mount Clemens for further proceedings. Starting in district court does not mean the charge is a misdemeanor.

Misdemeanor Cases

Misdemeanors stay in the district court that covers the place where the offense allegedly happened. That court handles the arraignment, pretrial conferences, any trial, and sentencing.

Felony Cases

A felony case moves through several stages:

• District court arraignment: you’re told the charges and your rights, and the judge decides on release and bond conditions.
• Probable cause conference: often the first real opportunity to negotiate with the prosecutor.
• Preliminary examination: the prosecutor must show probable cause that a felony was committed and that you committed it. This is not a trial, but it’s a critical chance to test the evidence. Many of our Macomb results came at or before this stage.
• Bindover to circuit court: if probable cause is found, the case moves to the 16th Circuit Court for motions, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing.

Macomb County District Courts

Your case starts in the district court that serves the city, township, or village where the alleged offense happened:

• 37th District Court – Warren and Center Line
• 38th District Court – Eastpointe
• 39th District Court – Roseville and Fraser
• 40th District Court – St. Clair Shores
• 41-A District Court (Sterling Heights) – Sterling Heights
• 41-A District Court (Shelby Township) – Shelby Township, Macomb Township, and Utica
• 41-B District Court – Clinton Township, Harrison Township, and Mount Clemens
• 42-1 District Court (Romeo) – Romeo, Washington Township, Armada, Armada Township, Bruce Township, Ray Township, Richmond, Richmond Township, and Memphis (south of Bordman Road)
• 42-2 District Court (New Baltimore) – New Baltimore, Chesterfield Township, Lenox Township, and New Haven

The 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Mount Clemens

Felony cases bound over from every Macomb County district court are heard at the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Mount Clemens. Circuit court is where motions to suppress evidence are argued, plea agreements are finalized, felony trials take place, and sentences are imposed under Michigan’s sentencing guidelines.

Macomb County Treatment Courts

Macomb County has treatment courts addressing substance use, repeat impaired driving, mental health needs, and veterans’ needs. The 16th Circuit Court operates an Adult Drug Court, a DWI/Sobriety Treatment Court, a Mental Health Court, and a Veterans’ Treatment Court, and several district courts run their own sobriety or drug court programs. Admission depends on the particular court, the charge, eligibility screening, and required approvals, so it’s important to raise these options early.

How the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Handles Requests

Macomb and Oakland follow the same Michigan criminal statutes and court rules, but local procedures differ. Macomb’s prosecutor uses a formal, written deviation request process when the defense asks for a resolution outside the office’s standard policies, such as a reduced charge.

A deviation request must be complete and submitted at least seven days before court, and it requires approval from the assigned assistant prosecutor, the officer in charge, and the victim, followed by a unit chief. Some case types need more:

• OWI and drugged driving cases: a substance abuse evaluation done after the offense, showing a low risk of reoffending, plus proof that recommended treatment has started
• Gun cases: a current assessment from a qualified mental health professional, and an approved request requires a plea to a lesser gun charge

These requirements take time to meet, which is one more reason to involve a lawyer early. A well-documented request, built on real evaluations and a clear rationale, gives you the best chance of approval.

Statutory Options for First-Time Offenders

Depending on the charge and your record, Michigan law offers several ways to resolve a case without a conviction, including HYTA for eligible young adults, deferred proceedings under MCL 333.7411 for certain drug possession charges, and deferred proceedings under MCL 769.4a for certain first-offense domestic violence cases. Each has its own eligibility rules and consent requirements, and none is automatic.

Police Agencies in Macomb County

Macomb criminal investigations may involve the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, local city or township police, the Michigan State Police, or a joint investigative unit. The Sheriff also provides local patrol services in several communities, including Macomb Township, Washington Township, Harrison Township, and Mount Clemens. Many cases come from departments such as the Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, St. Clair Shores, Roseville, Eastpointe, and Chesterfield Township police. As a former police officer turned Macomb County criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Brown knows how these investigations are built and where they tend to go wrong. If a detective has contacted you but you haven’t been charged, learn what to do before you talk.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Macomb County

• Drunk driving and OWI, including felony third-offense OWI
• Drug possession and possession with intent to deliver
• Assault, felonious assault, and other violent crimes
• Domestic violence and PPO violations
• Criminal sexual conduct and other sex crimes
• Weapons and firearm charges
• Retail fraud and other theft offenses
• Probation violations

Macomb County Communities We Serve

We defend clients throughout Macomb County, including Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, St. Clair Shores, Roseville, Eastpointe, Chesterfield Township, Harrison Township, Mount Clemens, Utica, Fraser, Center Line, New Baltimore, Romeo, and Washington Township.

From our Troy office, a short drive from the Macomb County line, we also defend clients throughout neighboring Oakland County.

Macomb County Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQs

Will my Macomb County case go to Mount Clemens?

Only if it’s a felony that is bound over. Every case starts in the local district court that covers the place where the offense allegedly happened. Felony cases bound over after the preliminary examination move to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Mount Clemens.

Which district court will handle my case?

It depends on where the alleged offense happened, not where you live. For example, a case from Macomb Township goes to the 41-A District Court in Shelby Township, and a case from Harrison Township goes to the 41-B District Court in Clinton Township. See the list of Macomb County district courts above.

Does Macomb County have a sobriety court?

Yes. The 16th Circuit Court has a DWI/Sobriety Treatment Court, and several district courts run their own sobriety or hybrid drug and DWI programs. Eligibility and admission depend on the court, the charge, and screening.

What is a deviation request?

It’s the Macomb County prosecutor’s formal written process for asking for a resolution outside the office’s standard policies. It has strict requirements and deadlines, including evaluations in OWI and gun cases, so it should be prepared carefully and early.

Talk to a Macomb County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you’re facing charges in Macomb County, call before your next court date. Attorney Christopher Brown offers free consultations 24/7, in person at our Troy office or virtually. Call (248) 468-1468 or contact us online.