Oakland County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Charged with a crime anywhere in Oakland County? The Oakland County criminal defense lawyer you choose can shape how your case ends. From a misdemeanor in a local district court to a felony in the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac, your outcome depends on knowing how Oakland County courts, prosecutors, and police agencies actually work. Attorney Christopher Brown has defended clients in Oakland County courtrooms for more than 15 years, from his office at the Top of Troy on Big Beaver Road.

An Oakland County Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Knows Both Sides

Christopher Brown served as a Detroit police officer from 1996 to 2003 before becoming a lawyer. He knows how police reports are written, how investigations are run, and where they break down. From 2009 to 2020, he was assigned counsel in the Oakland County Circuit Court, handling felony cases in the same Pontiac courthouse where serious Oakland County charges are decided today. Licensed in Michigan since 2008 and a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, he brings that firsthand knowledge to every case.

How a Criminal Case Moves Through Oakland County Courts

Every Oakland County criminal case starts in a local district court, determined by where the offense allegedly happened. What happens next depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors such as first-offense drunk driving, retail fraud, and simple assault stay in district court from arraignment through plea or trial. Many can be resolved without a conviction through careful negotiation or a strong defense.

Felonies

Felony cases also begin in district court, where bond is set at arraignment. The case then goes to a probable cause conference and, if not resolved, a preliminary examination, where the prosecutor must show there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed.

The preliminary exam is one of the most important stages in a felony case: it is the first chance to cross-examine the officers and witnesses under oath, test the evidence, and sometimes get charges reduced or dismissed before the case ever reaches circuit court.

If the judge binds the case over, it moves to the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac for circuit court arraignment, pretrial proceedings, motions, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing under the Michigan sentencing guidelines.

Oakland County District Courts

Your case starts in the district court that covers the city or township where the arrest happened:

• 43rd District Court – Ferndale, Hazel Park, Madison Heights
• 44th District Court – Royal Oak, Berkley
• 45th District Court – Oak Park, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Township
• 46th District Court – Southfield, Lathrup Village, Southfield Township
• 47th District Court – Farmington, Farmington Hills
• 48th District Court – Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield Township, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake
• 50th District Court – Pontiac
• 51st District Court – Waterford
• 52-1 District Court – Novi area, including Wixom, Walled Lake, Commerce, Milford, and South Lyon
• 52-2 District Court – Clarkston area, including Independence, Springfield, Brandon, and Holly
• 52-3 District Court – Rochester Hills area, including Rochester, Auburn Hills, Orion, Oxford, and Oakland Township
• 52-4 District Court – Troy and Clawson

The 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac

All Oakland County felony cases that are bound over are heard at the Oakland County Circuit Court (6th Judicial Circuit), 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341. The court’s Civil/Criminal Division handles felony cases and also runs specialty programs, including the Adult Treatment Court and the Combat Veterans Treatment Court, which can offer eligible clients an alternative to traditional sentencing. An experienced Oakland County criminal defense lawyer can tell you whether you qualify and how to present your case for these programs, which can make a major difference in the outcome.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Oakland County

• Drunk driving and OWI, including high-BAC “super drunk” and repeat offenses
• Drug possession, delivery, and manufacturing charges
• Sex crimes, including criminal sexual conduct allegations
• Assault, domestic violence, and weapons charges
• Retail fraud, embezzlement, and other theft offenses
• Probation violations and warrants

Oakland County Communities We Serve

We represent clients throughout Oakland County, including Troy, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield, Pontiac, Waterford, Farmington Hills, Novi, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Auburn Hills, Madison Heights, Ferndale, Clawson, Oak Park, and surrounding communities.

Recent Oakland County Result

Not Guilty – Three Counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct, Second Degree

6th Judicial Circuit Court, Oakland County – Jury Trial

Our client was wrongfully accused of criminal sexual conduct in the middle of a bitter divorce and faced three counts of second-degree CSC, each a 15-year felony. At trial, we showed the jury that the State’s forensic interviewer improperly influenced the complaining witness, and that the officer in charge of the case destroyed evidence that may have helped the defense. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all three counts.

Oakland County Criminal Defense FAQs

Do I need a lawyer for my preliminary exam?

Yes. The preliminary exam is often the best early opportunity to challenge the evidence, lock in witness testimony, and push for reduced or dismissed charges. Going in without a lawyer, or with one who treats it as a formality, can give up a major advantage.

Will my case be heard in Pontiac?

Misdemeanors stay in your local district court. Felonies begin in district court and move to the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac only if they are bound over after the preliminary exam stage.

Can I get out on bond?

Bond is usually set at district court arraignment. A lawyer can argue for a lower bond or reasonable conditions, and can ask the court to modify bond later if circumstances change.

Talk to an Oakland County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you or a family member has been arrested, charged, or contacted by police anywhere in Oakland County, call before you make any statement. Brown & Associates, Legal Services offers free consultations, answers calls 24/7, meets virtually when needed, and accepts credit cards and payment plans.

Call (248) 468-1468 or contact us online.

Brown & Associates, Legal Services, PLLC
755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 2020, Troy, MI 48084

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