Madison Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer

Arrested or charged with a crime in Madison Heights? Your case will almost certainly begin in the 43rd District Court on Thirteen Mile Road. You need a Madison Heights criminal defense lawyer who knows that court. Attorney Christopher Brown has represented clients in Oakland County courts since 2008, and his Troy office is only minutes away. Call (248) 468-1468 any time, day or night, for a free consultation.

Recent Result: Felonious Assault Charge Dismissed at the Preliminary Exam

Our client was charged with felonious assault in a stabbing case, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. At the preliminary examination, the prosecution tried to prove its case with statements the complainant made at the hospital. We argued that relying on those statements violated our client’s constitutional right to confront and cross-examine the witnesses against them. The court agreed, granted our motion, and dismissed the case before it could ever reach the Circuit Court.

Why this matters: The preliminary exam is not a formality. It is often the best chance to stop a felony case early, and it takes a lawyer who knows how to challenge the evidence.

See more of our case results.

The 43rd District Court

Madison Heights cases go to:

43rd District Court – Madison Heights Division

Address: 200 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Phone: (248) 583-1800
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am-4:15pm
Judges: Chief Judge Joseph Longo, Judge Brian C. Hartwell, and Judge Keith P. Hunt

The 43rd District Court is one court with three courthouses, in Madison Heights, Ferndale, and Hazel Park. The same three judges serve all three divisions. Call the court to confirm hours before your court date.

Look up your case on MiCOURT.

What to Expect at the 43rd District Court

A few practical details can save you trouble on your court date:

• Expect security screening. Courthouses often restrict cell phones, recording devices, and drinks, so leave them in your car unless you know they’re allowed.
• Dress for court. Some judges in the 43rd do not allow jeans, and appearing in inappropriate clothing can get your case adjourned to another day. That means another trip to court and more time with the case hanging over you. In short, dress as you would for a job interview.
• Finally, arrive early. Allow time for parking and the security line so you are not late when your case is called.

Experience in the 43rd District Court

Christopher Brown appears in the 43rd District Court regularly. We know how this court runs, from its procedures to what each hearing requires. That knowledge helps our clients avoid unnecessary mistakes, starting with how they dress and what they bring. It also helps us present each case in the way most likely to be heard. Some cases call for a fight, as our result above shows. Others call for a strong mitigation presentation that shows the court who our client is beyond the charge. We prepare for both.

How a Madison Heights Criminal Case Moves Through Court

The 43rd District Court handles misdemeanors from start to finish. These include drunk driving, retail fraud, and domestic violence charges. Arraignment, pretrial conference, plea or trial, and sentencing all happen there.

Felony cases also start in the 43rd District Court. The court holds the arraignment and the preliminary examination. If the judge binds the case over, it moves to the Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac. Learn more about Oakland County criminal defense and the Circuit Court process.

The judge sets bond conditions at arraignment. For a Madison Heights criminal defense lawyer, the preliminary exam is often the best chance to challenge weak evidence. As our result above shows, a felony can sometimes end right there.

Charges We Defend in Madison Heights

• Drunk driving (OWI), including stops on I-75, I-696, John R Road, Dequindre Road, and Thirteen Mile Road
• Drug crimes
• Assault, felonious assault, and domestic violence
• Retail fraud and theft
• Sex crimes
• Weapons and CCW charges

Who Investigates Cases in Madison Heights

The Madison Heights Police Department makes most arrests in the city. Ferndale and Hazel Park each have their own police departments. The Michigan State Police patrol I-75 and I-696.

As a former Detroit police officer (1996–2003), Christopher Brown knows how officers write reports and run investigations, and where those investigations go wrong.

Also Serving Ferndale and Hazel Park

Because they share the 43rd District Court, we also defend clients charged in Ferndale and Hazel Park.

Ferndale Division: 305 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220 · (248) 547-8700
Hazel Park Division: 43 E. Nine Mile Road, Hazel Park, MI 48030 · (248) 547-3034

Choosing a Madison Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer

• Former Detroit police officer
• Assigned counsel in Oakland and Wayne County Circuit Courts from 2009 to 2020
• Licensed in Michigan since 2008
• Office in neighboring Troy, minutes from Madison Heights
• Free consultations, available 24/7
• Virtual meetings, credit cards, and payment plans accepted

Learn more about Attorney Christopher Brown, or visit our Metro Detroit criminal defense lawyer home page.

Talk to a Madison Heights criminal defense lawyer today. Call (248) 468-1468 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Get directions to our office: 755 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 2020, Troy, MI 48084