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A Michigan Criminal Defense Law Firm

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"In the eyes of the law you are innocent until proven guilty. Criminal law requires the authorities to prove that you are in fact guilty as charged. This is why you need an attorney such as myself, who has the experience needed during this critical time. Call Now and I Will Fight For You."

Michael J. Smith
Criminal Defense Attorney

Michael J. Smith was born and raised in the Metropolitan Area of Detroit in the State of Michigan. Mr. Smith has been married since 1982 and has three young boys ages 22 – 28. Mr. Smith attended Central Michigan University and Wayne State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Law with distinction and was on the Dean’s List. He also played college baseball for three years at Wayne State University. Subsequently, Mr. Smith moved to Georgia and played professional baseball for the Valdosta Red Sox, a minor league affiliate. It was in the early stages of his baseball career that he made the decision to attend Law School. Mr. Smith moved back to Michigan and attended Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, and in 1984 he earned his Juris Doctorate Degree. Mr. Smith was an editor of the Detroit College of Law Review and has had his work published – Federal Election Commission vs. Florida for Kennedy Committee: Our Draft Committees, Political Committees within the meanings of FECA? 1679 Detroit College of Law Review, 1983.

In 1984, Mr. Smith was appointed Magistrate in Macomb County serving the cities of Clinton Township, Harrison Township and Mt. Clemens in the State of Michigan. He was one of the youngest Magistrates ever to serve in the State of Michigan. Subsequently, Mr. Smith was an Assistant Township Attorney in Clinton Township and was an associate lawyer and became a partner and then in 1991 he started his own law firm, Michael J. Smith & Associates, P.C. which is currently operating in Sterling Heights, MI. He is also the Founder and President of Barrister Legal Services, P.C.

Mr. Smith has been very involved with many areas of law and is a very respected Attorney throughout the State of Michigan. He has edited many books and has also taught classes at Macomb Community College pertaining to criminal law. He is or has been a member of various organizations such as the ATLA, MTLA, ABA, MABP, The State Bar of Michigan and the Macomb County Bar Association.

Mr. Smith has represented various well-known clients in the sports and entertainment industry. Mr. Smith has argued in the Court of Appeals and in the State Supreme Court and has had various cases published in Law Journals.

Education:

• J.D. - Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University
• B.S. - Wayne State University

Bar Admissions & Memberships:

• The State Bar of Michigan
  Macomb County Bar Association
• Michigan Association for Justice
• American Bar Association
• American Association for Justice

Facing Criminal Charges?

ARRESTED...

Felonies

Misdemeanors

Assault

Domestic Violence

Manslaughter

Drug Crimes

Theft Crimes

Property Crimes

Weapon Charges

DUI/DWI

We Will Aggressively Defend:

Competitive Rates

Payment Plans Available

Schedule A Consultation

Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney

Competitive Rates

Payment Plans Available

Schedule A Consultation

The first issue in any criminal case is the legality of the original encounter between the accused and the police. We need to know as many details as possible about that encounter, as even minor details can make all the difference. 
If the police did not have a 'reasonable and articulable' basis for your detention, all evidence seized must be suppressed, and the police will have no case.

1. The Arrest 

2. The Charge 

Each charge carries a different consequence. You may be facing a simple misdemeanor or a felony which may carry up to a life sentence. It is vital that you understand the ramifications of the charges you are facing, as even a misdemeanor can have serious consequences and completely alter the course of a person's life.

3. The Defense

Every criminal charge is unique. Strict procedures and laws must be followed in order for the charges to be upheld. Preparing the defense in criminal cases involves investigation of the facts (which includes the discovery of the government's evidence and interviewing witnesses, etc.), researching the law, and of course, discussing the case with the prosecutor. The point is, we need to get involved in the case as early as possible. With so much on the line, you cannot afford to chance your defense to an inexperienced attorney.