Detroit Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
When your child or teen is accused of a crime, the experience can be shattering for the entire family. As a parent, you may not understand the juvenile justice system, what is at stake, and how it may impact your child’s future. This can cause extreme stress.
At The Law Offices of David I. Lee, we understand the emotional turmoil of these situations. Attorney David Lee has handled thousands of criminal cases, including those involving minors. He can provide clear guidance and aggressive advocacy for your son or daughter to give them the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Contact us online or at (313) 824-3497 for a free initial consultation with our Detroit juvenile crimes attorney for advice.
Notable Cases
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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PA Boys and BMF – U.S. District Court (Judge Nancy Edmunds, Judge Avern Cohn)
David represented Sherrod King in a large-scale drug conspiracy before Judge Nancy Edmunds,(03-80981, ED Mich, Judge Edmunds). King was a well-known Detroit rapper and an alleged member of the so-called “P.A. Boys.”
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People v. Govender (Judge Patricia Fresard, Wayne County Circuit Court)
David successfully represented an accomplished nurse in People v. Govender. In this case, Govender had killed her infant son and attempted suicide in a rage of postpartum psychosis.
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People V. Terri Sutton, (Judge Paula Humphries)
David represented Terri Sutton, the first of two 911 operators ever to be charged criminally in the United States. The case involved a young boy who called 911 after his mother had died. It was later determined that two operators acted criminally in the handling of the boy’s calls.
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United States v. Abro, 93-80140, ED Mich (Judge Barbara Hackett)
In 1993, David obtained his first federal not guilty verdict in the case of United States v. Abro, et al. This win came in the wake of David’s 20 consecutive “not guilty” state court verdicts.
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United States V. Baily, (Judge Julian Cook)
David represented a defendant in the “La Shish Restaurant” case, which included allegations of conspiracy to defraud the federal government, tax evasion and money laundering involving a well-known chain of restaurants, its employees and owner.
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United States V. Bartkus (Judge Gerald Rosen)
In 1989, David tried his first Federal case, United States v. Bartkus, wherein he represented the only defendant in this multi-defendant case to go to trial.
Understanding Michigan’s Juvenile Justice System
Michigan’s juvenile justice system is designed for reform and rehabilitation rather than punishment. Juveniles are treated differently from adults to steer them back toward a productive path. However, this approach does not guarantee leniency or dismissal of charges.
When a child is accused, the case is typically processed through the family division of the circuit court. Depending on the severity of the offense, the process may involve informal probation, a consent decree, or formal court proceedings.
Consent Decrees
A "consent decree" is an agreement between the juvenile, their attorney, and the court to resolve a case without a formal adjudication (or finding of guilt). Essentially, it’s a form of diversion that allows the juvenile to avoid a formal conviction or delinquency record, provided they meet certain conditions set by the court.
Why Choose The Law Offices of David I. Lee?
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Proven Legal ExperienceWith decades of courtroom experience, David Lee is prepared to defend your rights.
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Complimentary ConsultationStart with a free consultation to better understand your legal options.
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Always AccessibleYou’ll have direct, 24/7 access to your attorney for trusted legal guidance.
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Hands-On RepresentationDavid Lee provides respectful, one-on-one attention to every client and case.
Stay In The Know
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How Long Is Drug Court in Michigan?In the state of Michigan, the Drug Court program consists of three separate phases: the stabilization phase, an intensive treatment phase, and a transition phase. The program can be completed in as quickly as 18 months but can vary depending on the progress of the individual participating in the program.
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How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Michigan?There are several elements that factor into the total cost of a criminal defense lawyer in Michigan, including the overall severity of the case, the experience and reputation of the attorney, whether or not the case proceeds to trial, and the geographic location of the attorney. For example, a more experienced attorney in Detroit for a felony case is going to cost more than a misdemeanor case handled by a less experienced attorney.
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What Is the Penalty for Drug Possession in Michigan?The penalties for drug possession in Michigan vary largely based on the classification of drugs, the amount of drugs in possession, if it is your first offense or you are a repeat offender, and whether or not you committed other crimes while in possession of the drugs.
A possession conviction of a large amount of a Schedule I substance like heroin or cocaine can lead to likely jail time in addition to fines, whereas convictions for lesser classified drugs in a small quantity can still lead to fines and a driver’s license suspension, but may be able to avoid jail time.
The Formal Court Process
The formal court process refers to the structured legal proceedings when a juvenile is formally charged with an offense.
It includes the following.
- Filing a petition: Charges are officially filed in court.
- Preliminary hearing: The court reviews evidence to decide if the case proceeds.
- Adjudication hearing: Similar to a trial, the judge determines if the juvenile committed the offense.
- Disposition hearing: If found responsible, the court may impose consequences such as probation, community service, or detention.
- Post-disposition: The court monitors compliance with its orders.
This process can lead to a juvenile record, making strong legal representation essential to protect the child’s future.
For serious crimes, juveniles as young as 14 can be tried as adults, which significantly raises the stakes. Outcomes can vary from counseling programs to incarceration in a juvenile detention center.
Call The Law Offices of David I. Lee for a Free Consultation
It is critical in juvenile cases to have a knowledgeable attorney who will advocate for fair treatment and secure an outcome that prioritizes rehabilitation. Our firm protects minors through tenacious legal representation and seeks optimum outcomes.
Call (313) 824-3497 to discuss your needs with a Detroit juvenile crimes attorney today.