Detroit Murder & Homicide Defense Lawyers

Homicide cases in Detroit are felonies that move through a specific two-court process. Understanding these stages is essential for you and your family as your defense strategy takes shape.

1. Investigation, Arrest, and Booking

Most murder investigations in Detroit are handled by the DPD Homicide Task Force, often involving forensic units, the Michigan State Police, and federal partners. An arrest can occur after a lengthy investigation or immediately following an incident. After arrest, you will be taken to the Detroit Detention Center, booked, and held for arraignment. It is common for police to attempt to interrogate you during this period; it is vital you exercise your right to remain silent.

2. 36th District Court: Arraignment and Bond

Your first court appearance is the felony arraignment, held at Detroit’s 36th District Court located at 421 Madison Street. A judge or magistrate will formally read the charges, advise you of your rights, and address the issue of bond.

Under Michigan law, murder is a non-bondable offense unless “the proof is not evident or the presumption is not great.” This means that to secure your release, your attorney must be prepared from day one to challenge the strength of the prosecutor’s case. We present comprehensive bond arguments with supporting documentation, evidence of community ties, and detailed supervision plans (such as GPS tethers or home confinement) to advocate for your pretrial freedom.

3. 36th District Court: Probable Cause Conference and Preliminary Examination

Within 21 days of your arraignment, the case proceeds through two critical hearings at the 36th District Court:

• Probable Cause Conference (PCC): Typically held within 7–14 days of arraignment, this is a formal hearing where the defense and prosecution discuss the case, exchange initial discovery (police reports, witness statements), and address any potential plea negotiations or scheduling issues.
• Preliminary Examination (“Prelim”): This is a mini-trial where the Wayne County Prosecutor must present live witness testimony and evidence to convince the judge there is probable cause that a crime was committed and that you are the person who committed it. This is a crucial opportunity for your defense team to cross-examine police officers and key witnesses, challenge weak evidence (such as unreliable identifications or questionable forensic links), and lock witnesses into their testimony under oath. The outcome of this hearing can lead to a dismissal, a reduction of charges, or leverage for future negotiations.

4. Bindover to the Wayne County Circuit Court

If the district court judge finds probable cause, your case is “bound over” to the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, home of the Wayne County Circuit Court, for all further proceedings. This includes an Arraignment on the Information (the formal charging document), pretrial conferences, extensive motion practice (such as motions to suppress evidence or statements), and ultimately, a jury trial if the case is not dismissed or resolved through a plea. Mamat Law has extensive experience litigating complex motions to challenge unconstitutional searches, coerced confessions, and flawed expert testimony in this court.

5. Trial and Sentencing

Jury selection in a Detroit homicide case requires deep understanding of Wayne County demographics and local perspectives. If a jury returns a guilty verdict, the case proceeds to sentencing. Michigan law imposes severe penalties for homicide convictions, including mandatory life without parole for First-Degree Murder. Our firm prepares detailed sentencing memorandums and mitigation packages, often including expert reports, to advocate for the most lenient outcome possible and to influence charging decisions throughout the process.