Saginaw Criminal Defense Attorney
Arrested or under investigation in Saginaw County? Don't talk. Call The Mouthpiece. Attorney Michael L. Oakes has stood in front of Saginaw judges, prosecutors, and juries — and he's ready to stand next to you.
Best Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me
When you search for a "criminal defense attorney near me" in Saginaw, you need more than a name on a billboard — you need a fighter who knows the judges, the prosecutors, and the courtrooms of Saginaw County. Michael L. Oakes, known throughout Michigan as The Mouthpiece, has built his reputation on aggressive, prepared, and personal defense for people facing the most serious moment of their lives.
Whether you were arrested in the City of Saginaw, Saginaw Township, Frankenmuth, Bridgeport, or anywhere else in Saginaw County, our firm is ready to step in immediately — before you say another word to police, prosecutors, or investigators.
The single most important step you can take right now: stop talking, and call The Mouthpiece at 888-886-5711.
Saginaw Criminal Defense Services
Michigan criminal law does not treat every charge the same way, and neither do we. Below are the most common charges we defend for clients throughout Saginaw County, along with the courts and consequences that come with each.
Misdemeanors
Retail fraud, disorderly conduct, domestic violence, and other misdemeanor charges are handled in Saginaw's 70th District Court. A conviction still creates a permanent record that can cost you a job, a license, or your reputation.
Misdemeanor Defense →Felonies
Felony charges begin at Saginaw's 70th District Court for arraignment and preliminary examination, then bind over to the 10th Circuit Court. These cases carry the risk of prison time and demand an attorney who tries cases, not just settles them.
Felony Defense →Major Crimes
Armed robbery, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, home invasion, weapons charges, and other high-stakes felonies require a defense strategy built from day one, before charges are even formally authorized.
Serious Felony Defense →DUI
A drunk driving arrest in Saginaw County triggers both a criminal case and a Secretary of State license action. We challenge the stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breath or blood evidence at every stage.
DUI Defense →OWI
Operating While Intoxicated charges (including high-BAC and repeat OWI) carry mandatory penalties under Michigan law. Our firm fights the underlying evidence and works to protect your license and driving privileges.
OWI Defense →Possession Charges
Drug possession — from marijuana to controlled substances — can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the substance and quantity. We examine every search, stop, and seizure for constitutional violations.
Drug Possession Defense →If you're facing a Michigan driver's license suspension connected to your case, our firm also handles license restoration. And if your case involves a personal injury component — such as an accident tied to a criminal charge — visit our personal injury page to learn how we can help there too.
Why Saginaw Chooses Oakes Law Group
A Voice That Prosecutors Recognize
Michael L. Oakes has argued before the Michigan Supreme Court and built a reputation across the state as an attorney who prepares every case as if it's going to trial.
Michigan Roots, Michigan Results
Born and raised in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, and educated Magna Cum Laude at Jackson State University and Cum Laude at MSU Law, Attorney Oakes brings a homegrown understanding of how Michigan courts — including Saginaw's — actually operate.
24/7 Access When It Matters Most
Arrests don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. Call any time, day or night, and speak directly with our team about your situation.
A Dedicated Team Behind Every Case
Paralegal Barb and legal assistant Natalie Borrego work alongside Attorney Oakes to make sure nothing about your case falls through the cracks — from paperwork to court dates to client communication.
Free, No-Pressure Case Review
You'll know exactly where you stand and what your options are before you commit to anything. No cost, no obligation, just straight answers.
Criminal Defense Is Our Focus
This firm is built around defending people accused of crimes. It's not a side practice — it's the reason The Mouthpiece exists.
We Know These Courtrooms
Every Saginaw County criminal case moves through one of two courts before it's resolved. Knowing the process — and the people inside it — matters.
70th District Court
Handles: Misdemeanors, arraignments, and preliminary examinations for felony cases.
Address: Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602
Walk-in arraignments: Tuesday–Friday, 8:30–11:00 a.m. and 1:30–4:00 p.m.
10th Circuit Court
Handles: Felony cases bound over from District Court, including arraignment on the information, trial, plea, and sentencing.
Address: Saginaw County Courthouse, 111 S. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602
Presided over by: Five elected Circuit Court Judges.
Steps To Take If You're Charged With A Crime
Stop Talking Immediately
Do not explain, justify, or "clear things up" with police, detectives, or anyone else. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney — then stop talking.
Call The Mouthpiece
Call 888-886-5711 as soon as possible, whether you've been arrested, released, or simply told you're under investigation. The earlier we're involved, the more options we have to protect you.
Do Not Consent to Searches
You have the right to decline consent to search your person, vehicle, home, or phone. Politely refuse and let your attorney handle any legal questions about warrants and probable cause.
Write Down Everything You Remember
As soon as it's safe to do so, write down names, times, locations, and anything said by officers or witnesses. Details fade fast, and small facts can become critical to your defense.
Avoid Social Media and Third-Party Conversations
Don't post about your case, discuss it with friends, or accept calls from anyone connected to the alleged victim or witnesses. Let your attorney control the narrative.
Attend Every Court Date
Missing a court date in Saginaw County can result in a bench warrant and additional charges. We'll make sure you know exactly when and where you need to be.
What Clients Say About The Mouthpiece
"I was terrified after my arrest, and Attorney Oakes walked me through every step. He knew exactly what to say to the prosecutor and got my charges reduced. I can't thank him enough."
— Former Client, Saginaw, MI
"The Mouthpiece lives up to the name. He fought for me in court like it was his own case. Barb and Natalie kept me updated the entire time and always answered my questions."
— Former Client, Saginaw County, MI
"I called at 11pm the night I was released and someone actually answered. That alone told me I picked the right firm. The result in my case confirmed it."
— Former Client, Frankenmuth, MI
Saginaw Criminal Defense FAQ
What should I do if I'm arrested in Saginaw County?
Say nothing beyond identifying yourself, invoke your right to an attorney, and call The Mouthpiece at 888-886-5711 as soon as you're able. Do not answer questions or explain your side of the story to police without an attorney present.
Will my felony case be heard in Saginaw or somewhere else?
Felony cases in Saginaw County begin at the 70th District Court for arraignment and preliminary examination, then bind over to the 10th Circuit Court for trial, plea, and sentencing.
Is a first-offense OWI a felony in Michigan?
A standard first-offense OWI is typically a misdemeanor, but circumstances like a high BAC, a minor in the vehicle, or a prior record can increase the severity of the charge. Every case is different, which is why a case-specific review matters.
Can a possession charge be dismissed or reduced?
It depends on how the evidence was obtained, the substance and quantity involved, and your criminal history. We review the legality of every stop, search, and seizure to identify opportunities for dismissal, reduction, or diversion.
How much does it cost to talk to Oakes Law Group?
Nothing. Your initial case review is free, with no obligation. Call 888-886-5711 to speak with our team.
Do you handle cases outside the City of Saginaw?
Yes. We represent clients throughout Saginaw County, including Saginaw Township, Frankenmuth, Bridgeport, Carrollton, Buena Vista, Zilwaukee, and Chesaning.
Don't Talk. Call The Mouthpiece.
If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with a crime in Saginaw County, every hour matters. Get a free, confidential case review right now.