Criminal Defense Attorney Redford Charter Twp

Individuals facing criminal charges in Redford Charter Township require legal representation that understands the local judicial landscape. At Mamat Law, we provide robust defense services for residents and visitors accused of crimes within this jurisdiction. Navigating the Michigan criminal justice system involves interacting with specific courts, judges, and law enforcement agencies unique to Redford and Wayne County. This guide outlines the critical local information necessary for anyone dealing with criminal matters in this area, emphasizing the importance of securing experienced legal counsel early in the process.

The 17th District Court

Criminal cases originating in Redford Charter Township are primarily processed through the 17th District Court. This court holds original jurisdiction over all misdemeanor offenses and handles the critical preliminary stages of felony cases. If you receive a traffic citation, are charged with a misdemeanor offense such as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), simple assault, domestic violence, or retail fraud, your case will likely be adjudicated here from start to finish. This includes arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, and trials.

The 17th District Court is conveniently located within the Redford Charter Township government complex on Beech Daly Road. It is absolutely essential to arrive on time for all scheduled hearings. Failure to appear for a court date can result in serious consequences, including the issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest, bond forfeiture, and potentially new criminal charges. The presiding judges for the 17th District Court are Chief Judge Karen Khalil and Judge Krista Haroutunian, both of whom preside over a diverse caseload including criminal matters.

Court Entity	Details
Court Name	17th District Court
Address	15111 Beech Daly Rd, Redford, MI 48239
Phone Number	(313) 387-2790
Judges	Hon. Karen Khalil (Chief Judge), Hon. Krista Haroutunian

Felony Case Procedures in Wayne County

The legal process in Michigan differs significantly depending on whether the charge is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor offenses, which carry a maximum penalty of one year in county jail, probation, and/or fines, are handled entirely at the 17th District Court. However, felony charges, which are punishable by more than one year in state prison, follow a distinct procedural path that involves both the District and Circuit Courts.

A felony case always begins at the 17th District Court. The initial stages include:

• Arraignment on the Warrant: Here, the defendant is formally informed of the charges, advised of their rights, and bond conditions are set. For felonies, a plea of not guilty is typically entered.
• Probable Cause Conference (PCC): This is an opportunity for the prosecutor and defense attorney to discuss the case, exchange information, and potentially explore plea negotiations.
• Preliminary Examination (PX): This crucial hearing determines if there is probable cause to believe that a felony crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. The prosecutor must present sufficient evidence to convince the judge that such probable cause exists. This is not a trial to determine guilt or innocence, but rather a screening to ensure the case warrants proceeding to Circuit Court.

If the District Court judge finds sufficient probable cause at the Preliminary Examination, the case is "bound over" to the Third Judicial Circuit Court in Detroit. The Circuit Court then takes over for all subsequent felony proceedings, including arraignment on the information, further motion hearings, pre-trial conferences, plea negotiations, jury or bench trials, and ultimately, sentencing if a conviction occurs. The stakes are significantly higher at the Circuit Court level, often involving potential state prison time.

Third Judicial Circuit Court (Criminal Division)
Frank Murphy Hall of Justice
1441 St. Antoine
Detroit, MI 48226

Redford Township Police Department

Criminal investigations within Redford Charter Township are primarily conducted by the Redford Township Police Department. If an individual is arrested in Redford, they will typically be processed and may be temporarily held at the police department's lockup facility before being arraigned, transferred to the Wayne County Jail, or released on bond. Information regarding an arrest or the status of an inmate prior to transfer to county jail can often be obtained by directly contacting the department's non-emergency line.

Redford Township Police Department
25833 Elsinore St
Redford, MI 48239
Phone: (313) 387-2500 (Non-Emergency/Records)

It is critically important to understand and exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent if questioned by law enforcement. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Immediately requesting an attorney before answering any questions is your Sixth Amendment right and is the most effective way to protect yourself and prevent inadvertently damaging your defense during police interrogations, whether you are under arrest or simply being questioned voluntarily.

Legal Services We Provide

Mamat Law represents clients in Redford Charter Township across a wide spectrum of criminal charges, providing a vigorous defense tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Our extensive experience spans from minor traffic offenses to serious felony allegations. We meticulously examine the evidence, challenge procedural errors, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate fiercely for our clients' rights in both the 17th District Court and the Wayne County Circuit Court.

• DUI and OWI Defense: Comprehensive representation for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), OWI Causing Injury/Death, and repeat violations.
• Drug Offenses: Defense against charges of possession, possession with intent to distribute, delivery, or manufacturing of controlled substances, including marijuana, opioids, and other illegal drugs.
• Assault and Violent Crimes: Legal counsel for charges such as domestic violence, assault and battery, felonious assault, and aggravated assault.
• Theft and Property Crimes: Defense for retail fraud (shoplifting), larceny (theft), burglary, breaking and entering, receiving stolen property, and related property offenses.
• Traffic Violations: Assistance with civil infractions (e.g., speeding, improper turn), driving with a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding, and other serious traffic offenses.
• Probation Violations: Representation for alleged violations of probation terms from either District or Circuit Court.
• Expungements: Guiding eligible individuals through the process of setting aside prior convictions to clear their criminal record.

Contact Mamat Law

Effective criminal defense requires early intervention. If you or a family member are facing prosecution in Redford Charter Township, securing legal counsel promptly allows for a thorough investigation of the facts, preservation of evidence, and proactive engagement with the legal process. Mamat Law is prepared to review your case, explain the potential consequences, and discuss the legal options available to you. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.