Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you’re under investigation for or have been charged with a crime in Ann Arbor, you’ve come to the right place. With an office conveniently located in the heart of the city, our Ann Arbor criminal defense attorneys at Grabel & Associates are here to help.

Experienced Attorneys for Criminal Defense in Ann Arbor

Having been in business for more than 20 years, Grabel & Associates has handled hundreds of cases in the Ann Arbor courts. Here are just some kinds of cases we routinely handle in Ann Arbor:

• Firearm Possession
• Murder/Homicide
• Domestic Violence
• Larceny
• Breaking and Entering
• Assault
• Juvenile Defense
• Criminal Sexual Conduct
• Internet Sex Crimes and Sexting
• Statutory Rape
• Child Molestation
• Drug Distribution and Sale
• Drug Possession
• Narcotic Possession with Intent to Deliver
• DUI, OWI, OUIL, DWI Charges

We know what it takes to achieve the best result in your Ann Arbor criminal case.

Our Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Law Firm’s Case Results

Every attorney will tell you that they’re knowledgeable and experienced, that they know the lay of the land in a particular jurisdiction. So why choose us over them? One word—results. We have consistently obtained outstanding results for our clients in the Ann Arbor courts. Here’s just a sampling of some of our recent and notable success stories:

• First-degree criminal sexual conduct conviction overturned on appeal, vacating client’s 12-year prison sentence
• Second-offense driving while license suspended charge dismissed
• Probation violation dismissed after hearing
• First-degree criminal sexual conduct charges dismissed
• Driving while intoxicated with a high blood alcohol content (“superdrunk”) reduced to impaired driving with no jail
• Criminal sexual conduct charges reduced to assault with no jail time and no sex offender registration

It’s fair game to ask any prospective attorney about their case results. We’re happy to stack our results next to any other firms.

Our Ann Arbor Defense Law Firm Values

Treat clients like family. That’s the philosophy we practice law by. Our goal in every case is to achieve the best possible result for the client, just like we would for a family member.

Every case is unique. Sometimes, we can get a case dismissed. Other times, we can beat a case at trial. In many cases, the best result might be a favorable plea bargain. We can’t promise a result in your case. We can promise, though, that we will do everything in our power to help you.

Should I hire a local attorney for my Ann Arbor criminal case?

Yes, you should retain an attorney based in Ann Arbor if you’re charged with a crime there. We get this question a lot. There’s a sense among some clients that a local attorney—one who often practices in the local courts and has developed relationships with the prosecutors and judges—is a part of the “system,” a cog in the machine. In other words, some clients fear that a local attorney will simply go along to get along rather than really fight for you.

That’s not true. Attorneys have an ethical obligation to achieve the best possible result for their clients in every case. We take that obligation seriously. And our results bear it out. So don’t think that we won’t file a motion or take a case to trial because it will upset the prosecutor or judge.

On the flip side, knowing the lay of the land is a tremendous asset for us. Knowing what arguments, a prosecutor is likely to make or how a judge is likely to rule on a motion often goes a long way in achieving great results for our clients. In all, then, local knowledge is a help, not a hindrance.

Are criminal charges prosecuted aggressively in Ann Arbor?

Today, criminal charges are prosecuted fairly in Ann Arbor. This wasn’t always the case. In years past, the Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney’s office aggressively prosecuted cases under harsh zero-tolerance policies. For example, prosecutors would typically refuse to plea bargain to reduced charges in any case involving a gun, regardless of the equities in each case.

So if you’re charged with a crime in Ann Arbor, you should expect to be treated like a person, not a case number. This is a common-sense change that we hope other prosecutors’ offices will adopt.

Local Ann Arbor Defense Lawyer

When we said the heart of the city, we meant it. Our office is located within walking distance of both the Ann Arbor District Court and the Washtenaw County Circuit Court. We have attorneys based in Ann Arbor who practice in these courts almost every day. We have worked extensively with the judges and prosecutors in Ann Arbor. Rely on our local knowledge to obtain the best result in your case.

Ann Arbor Courts

15th District Court
301 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48107

The 15th District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases in Ann Arbor. Felony cases also begin in the district court, where a preliminary examination (probable cause hearing) is held. (Some hearings in Ann Arbor cases are also heard in the 14A-1 District Court, located at 4133 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, which is in Pittsfield Township). Three judges preside over the 15th District Court: Judge Joseph F. Burke, Judge Miriam A. Perry, and Judge Karen Quinlan.

22nd Circuit Court
101 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

The 22nd Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony cases in Ann Arbor and the rest of Washtenaw County. Seven judges preside over the 22nd Circuit Court: Judge Archie C. Brown, Judge Patrick J. Conlin, Judge Timothy P. Connors, Judge Carol Kuhnke, Judge Darlene A. O’Brien, Judge Julia B. Owdziej, and Judge Tracy Van den Bergh.

Ann Arbor Prosecutors

Ann Arbor City Attorney
301 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

The Ann Arbor City Attorney’s office prosecutes alleged violations of the Ann Arbor city ordinances. The current city attorney is Stephen K. Postema.

Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

The Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney’s office prosecutes alleged violations of state law committed in Ann Arbor and the rest of Washtenaw County. The current prosecuting attorney is Eli Savit, who was elected in 2020.

Crime Statistics

Although Ann Arbor consistently ranks as one of the country’s best cities to live in, it still has its share of crime. In fact, you have roughly a 1 in 39 chance of being a victim of a crime in Ann Arbor. That’s higher than 87% of Michigan’s other cities. And being home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor plays host to the crimes endemic to any college town—drug possession, petty theft, date rape, sexual assault, and so on.

Call Us

Grabel & Associate’s Ann Arbor office is located at 202 E. Washington Street, Ste. 407, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. For a free and friendly consultation about your Ann Arbor case, call us 24/7 at (800) 342-7896.