Shelby Township Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested or charged in Shelby Township, Macomb Township, or Utica, your case will be heard in the 41-A District Court on Van Dyke Avenue. Attorney Christopher Brown is a Shelby Township criminal defense lawyer and former Detroit police officer who defends clients in this court and throughout Macomb County, from first-time misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Recent Results in the 41-A District Court

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

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

Assault and Battery Charge Dismissed — Shelby Township

Our client was accused of assaulting a relative’s partner at a family gathering. We gave the prosecutor’s office additional information showing our client more likely than not acted reasonably, and the charge was dismissed.

41-A District Court — Shelby Township, Macomb County

See more of our Macomb County and other case results.

The 41-A District Court in Shelby Township

The 41-A District Court has two locations. The Shelby Township location handles cases from Shelby Township, Macomb Township, and the city of Utica. Cases from Sterling Heights go to the separate 41-A location in Sterling Heights.

41-A District Court — Shelby Township

Address: 52420 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Phone: (586) 739-7325
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Judge: Hon. Douglas P. Shepherd
Magistrate: James A. VerPloeg
Serves: Shelby Township, Macomb Township, and Utica

Case lookup: The court offers an online case search on its website, where you can look up your next hearing date by name or case number.

Court information can change. Always confirm your hearing date and time with the court or with your lawyer.

A Shelby Township Criminal Defense Lawyer in the 41-A District Court

Attorney Brown appears in Macomb County courts regularly and has appeared before every criminal court judge in the county. In the 41-A District Court, as elsewhere in Macomb, he has found the judges fair and conscientious and the prosecutors focused on reaching a just result. That’s why preparation matters here: a well-documented request, supported by evaluations, records, and a clear explanation of the client’s circumstances, is often what turns a serious charge into a manageable outcome, as it did for our third-offense OWI client.

When the defense asks the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office for a resolution outside its standard policies, such as a reduced charge, the request goes through a formal written deviation process with strict deadlines and approvals. Learn how deviation requests work in Macomb County.

What Happens After an Arrest in Shelby Township

Arraignment: Your first court date in the 41-A District Court is the arraignment, where you hear the charge and the judge sets bond and any conditions, such as no contact with a complainant or alcohol testing.

Misdemeanor cases: Misdemeanors stay in the 41-A District Court through pretrial conferences, any trial, and sentencing. Many are resolved at the pretrial stage.

Felony cases: A felony starts here with a probable cause conference and a preliminary examination. If the case is bound over, it moves to the 16th Circuit Court in Mount Clemens.

Charges We Defend in Shelby Township, Macomb Township, and Utica

• Drunk driving and OWI, including felony third-offense OWI
• Domestic violence and assault, including cases arising from family arguments
• Drug possession and possession with intent to deliver
• Retail fraud along the busy shopping corridors of Hall Road and Van Dyke
• Weapons and firearm charges
• Sex crimes
• Probation violations

Who Investigates Cases in Shelby Township

Cases in the 41-A District Court’s Shelby Township location typically come from three main agencies:

• Shelby Township Police Department: handles patrol and investigations in Shelby Township
• Macomb County Sheriff’s Office: provides police services to Macomb Township
• Utica Police Department: handles cases in the city of Utica

The Michigan State Police also patrol the area’s highways, including M-53 (the Van Dyke Freeway) and M-59 (Hall Road), where many drunk driving and traffic-related arrests happen.

As a former police officer turned Shelby Township criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Brown knows how these agencies document traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and arrests, and how to find the gaps. If a detective has contacted you before any charge, learn what to do before you talk.

Also Serving Macomb Township, Utica, and Nearby Communities

Because they share the 41-A District Court, a Shelby Township criminal defense lawyer handles cases from Macomb Township and Utica too, and we defend clients there just as often. We also represent clients in Sterling Heights, Washington Township, Clinton Township, and the rest of Macomb County, and our Troy office is a short drive away.

Choosing a Shelby Township Criminal Defense Lawyer

• Former Detroit police officer who knows how cases are built from the inside
• Licensed in Michigan since 2008, with experience before every criminal court judge in Macomb County
• Free consultations, available 24/7, in person in Troy or virtually
• Credit cards accepted and payment plans available

Call (248) 468-1468 or contact us online to talk about your case.