CriminalDefenseAttorney
Charged with a crime in Michigan? Don't speak. Don't post. Don't panic. From the first phone call to the final verdict, Oakes Law Group is the team prosecutors don't want across the aisle.
Aggressive Defense. Honest Counsel.
A criminal charge is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face — and the choices you make in the first 24 hours can shape the rest of your life. Don't talk to police. Don't post about it online. Don't try to handle it alone.
At Oakes Law Group, we defend Michigan residents against the full range of criminal charges — from minor traffic offenses to federal indictments. Our team prepares every case for trial, even when the goal is a dismissal or favorable plea, because prosecutors negotiate hardest with attorneys they know will fight.
Founder Michael L. Oakes has argued before the Michigan Supreme Court and built a reputation across Lansing, Saginaw, Muskegon, and Grand Rapids for taking the cases other firms turn down.
Every Charge. Every Court.
From your first arraignment to a jury trial, we handle the full range of criminal matters across Michigan's circuit, district, and federal courts. If you've been charged with it, we've defended it.
Felony Defense
Drug charges, assault, weapons offenses, theft, white-collar — when prison time is on the line.
Misdemeanor Defense
Reduce, dismiss, or expunge minor charges before they sit permanently on your record.
DUI / OWI Defense
Challenge the stop, the test, the procedure — and protect your license.
Domestic Assault
Sensitive, strategic defense for accusations that carry severe collateral consequences.
Drug Offenses
Possession, distribution, manufacturing, trafficking — state and federal cases.
Theft & Property
Retail fraud, larceny, embezzlement, breaking & entering, burglary.
Weapons Charges
Felony firearm, CCW violations, possession charges, and federal weapons cases.
Federal Crimes
Federal indictments demand federal experience. We're admitted and ready.
Probation Violations
Violations don't have to mean revocation. We negotiate, mitigate, and protect your status.
The First 24 Matter Most.
The decisions you make in the hours after an arrest or charge will shape every step that follows. Here's how to protect yourself before — and after — calling us.
Smart Moves
- Stay silent. You have the right to remain silent — use it.
- Ask for a lawyer. Then stop talking until one arrives.
- Write down what you remember. Names, times, badge numbers, witnesses.
- Preserve evidence. Texts, voicemails, photos, surveillance leads.
- Call 888-886-5711. Day or night — we answer.
Costly Mistakes
- Don't talk to police. Anything you say will be used against you.
- Don't post on social media. Prosecutors screen everything.
- Don't text the alleged victim. Even apologies become evidence.
- Don't consent to searches. Make them get a warrant.
- Don't hire the cheapest lawyer. Your record is forever.
What A Conviction Can Cost You.
Court costs and fines can climb into tens of thousands of dollars.
Even short sentences disrupt employment, family, and housing.
Convictions follow you onto every background check, forever.
Voting, firearms, professional licenses, immigration status — all at risk.
From Call To Closing Argument.
Every case is different — but every client follows the same straightforward path. No mystery. No legalese. Just clarity from day one.
Free Consult
Call us. We'll listen, ask the right questions, and tell you exactly where you stand — at no cost.
Strategy
We map your defense from day one — evidence, motions, witnesses, trial readiness.
Aggressive Action
We confront prosecutors, file the right motions, and move first while other firms wait.
The Result
Dismissal, reduction, acquittal, or favorable plea — we fight for the best possible outcome.
Got Questions?
What should I do if I've been arrested in Michigan? +
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost? +
Can my charges be dismissed? +
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor? +
What areas of Michigan do you serve? +
Every Hour Counts.
The decisions you make right now shape everything that follows. One conversation with The Mouthpiece is free, confidential, and might be the most important call you make all year.