Criminal Defense Attorney Brandon Charter Township

Individuals facing criminal charges in Brandon Charter Township require legal counsel familiar with the specific courts and judges in Oakland County. At Mamat Law, we provide aggressive criminal defense representation for clients in Brandon Township. We understand the local judicial landscape, including the 52-2 District Court in Clarkston and the Oakland County Circuit Court.

Criminal charges in Michigan carry serious statutory penalties, including mandatory license sanctions, potential jail or prison time, and permanent criminal records. Our firm handles a comprehensive range of felonies and misdemeanors, from Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and drug offenses to domestic violence and financial crimes.

Brandon Charter Township Court Jurisdiction

If you are arrested or ticketed in Brandon Charter Township, your case will likely begin in the 52-2 District Court. This court handles arraignments, bond hearings, and preliminary examinations for all felony criminal cases, as well as trials for all misdemeanor offenses.

52-2 District Court
5850 Lorac Drive
Clarkston, MI 48346

The presiding judges are Hon. Joseph G. Fabrizio and Hon. Kelley Kostin. Both judges are known for maintaining strict courtrooms and adhering closely to sentencing guidelines. Understanding their specific preferences and procedures is a critical component of a robust defense strategy in this jurisdiction.

Felony cases that proceed past the preliminary examination stage are bound over to the Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac for trial and sentencing.

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Defense

Michigan law imposes strict penalties for drunk driving offenses under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 257.625. Oakland County prosecutors aggressively pursue these convictions. The penalties depend on the specific charge and prior driving record.

In addition to the penalties listed above, OWI convictions often carry mandatory vehicle immobilization, significant driver responsibility fees, court costs, and participation in alcohol education or treatment programs. For certain repeat offenses or high BAC cases, an ignition interlock device is required. Oakland County also operates a robust Sobriety Court program for eligible defendants, which can offer an alternative path to rehabilitation and case resolution.

In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a reduction to Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI), which carries lesser sanctions, particularly regarding driver's license points and suspension periods.

Domestic Violence Representation

Domestic violence charges, which involve assault or assault and battery against a family member, household member, or dating partner under MCL 750.81, are common in the 52-2 District Court. A conviction for a first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. However, collateral consequences are severe and include the loss of firearm rights and a permanent public criminal record.

For eligible first-time offenders, Mamat Law advocates for the use of MCL 769.4a. To be eligible for MCL 769.4a (often referred to as '769.4a deferral'), the defendant must typically plead guilty or no contest, and the court, often with the victim's consent or the prosecutor's agreement, defers entering a judgment of guilt. Upon successful completion of a term of probation, which frequently includes domestic violence counseling, anger management, and remaining free from new offenses, the court dismisses the charge without a public conviction. This outcome prevents the charge from appearing on a public criminal background check and is a crucial opportunity to avoid the long-term consequences associated with a domestic violence conviction.

Retail Fraud (Shoplifting)

Retail fraud charges in Brandon Township are categorized by the value of the merchandise involved. The 52-2 District Court handles these cases frequently.

• First Degree (Felony): Theft over $1,000, or a second or subsequent offense of Retail Fraud Second Degree. Punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 or 3x the value of the property.
• Second Degree (Misdemeanor): Theft between $200 and $1,000, or a second or subsequent offense of Retail Fraud Third Degree. Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000 or 3x the value of the property.
• Third Degree (Misdemeanor): Theft under $200. Punishable by up to 93 days in jail and fines up to $500 or 3x the value of the property.

It's important to note that prior retail fraud convictions can significantly elevate the severity of new charges. We meticulously examine the evidence for issues regarding intent, mistaken identity, or procedural errors and work diligently to minimize the long-term impact on your record.

Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA)

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 (inclusive) may be eligible for status under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA). This statute allows a judge to assign a "youthful trainee" status to a defendant who pleads guilty or no contest to certain offenses. Upon successful completion of a court-ordered probation, the court dismisses the case, and no conviction is entered on the public record. This is a vital tool for protecting the future employment and educational opportunities of young clients in Brandon Charter Township.

While an incredibly beneficial option, HYTA status is not available for all offenses. Serious felony charges such as major controlled substance offenses, criminal sexual conduct in the first or third degree, armed robbery, and certain traffic offenses causing death or serious injury are generally excluded. Eligibility is at the discretion of the judge, who will consider the nature of the offense, the defendant's prior record, and their potential for rehabilitation.

Contact Mamat Law

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime in Brandon Charter Township, prompt legal intervention is necessary to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Our attorneys are prepared to represent you in the 52-2 District Court and throughout Oakland County.