Criminal Defense in Michigan

Michigan classifies offenses as felonies (punishable by 1+ years) and misdemeanors (up to 1 year). Defense costs range from $2,000-$5,000 for misdemeanors to $8,500-$50,000 for serious felonies. Michigan has sentencing guidelines that create recommended minimum sentence ranges based on offense severity and prior record variables — judges may depart from guidelines with stated reasons. Wayne County (Detroit) has one of the highest criminal caseloads in the nation. Michigan's clean slate law (2020) allows automatic expungement of certain misdemeanors after 7 years and felonies after 10 years. The state offers Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) status for offenders aged 17-26, allowing record sealing upon successful completion. Michigan's marijuana legalization (2018) eliminated many cannabis possession charges but maintained penalties for unlicensed distribution.