A criminal charge threatens your freedom, your job, your driver’s license, your reputation and, for non-citizens, your immigration status. What happens in the first days — what you say, what evidence is preserved, how bond is set — can shape the entire case. David Goukassian defends people charged with crimes in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties and throughout Michigan, from first-time misdemeanors to serious felonies.
David interned in the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office and clerked for Judge Leo Bowman of the Oakland County Circuit Court, so he has seen cases from the prosecution’s side and the bench. He is admitted to practice in all Michigan state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and he is a published contributor to ICLE’s Michigan Drunk Driving Law and Practice.
Charges we defend
- OWI & drunk driving — OWI, “Super Drunk” high BAC, OWVI, drugged driving, OWI 3rd offense felonies, OWI causing injury or death, breath-test refusals.
- Drug crimes — Possession, possession with intent, delivery and manufacturing, prescription fraud, marijuana beyond legal limits, maintaining a drug house.
- Assault & domestic violence — Assault and battery, aggravated and felonious assault, AWIGBH and strangulation, domestic violence, stalking, PPO violations.
- Theft & retail fraud — Shoplifting and retail fraud, larceny, receiving stolen property, home invasion, unlawfully driving away an automobile.
- Weapons & gun charges — Carrying a concealed weapon, felony firearm, felon in possession, CPL violations, brandishing, extreme risk protection orders.
- Violent crimes — Homicide and manslaughter, armed and unarmed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, arson.
- Sex crimes — Criminal sexual conduct in all four degrees, indecent exposure, internet-related allegations, sex offender registry issues.
- Fraud & white collar — Embezzlement, identity theft, forgery and uttering, credit card and insurance fraud, false pretenses.
- Probation violations — Technical violations, new-offense violations, bench warrants and show-cause hearings.
- Expungement — Setting aside convictions under Michigan’s Clean Slate law, including a first-offense OWI.
We also handle driving while license suspended, fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing police, minor in possession, disorderly conduct, trespassing, malicious destruction of property, juvenile matters and traffic misdemeanors. If you don’t see your charge, call us.
Misdemeanors vs. felonies in Michigan
Michigan classifies crimes by their maximum possible punishment:
| Category | What it means | Maximum punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Civil infraction | Not a crime | Fines and costs; points on your driving record for traffic infractions |
| Misdemeanor | 93-day or 1-year misdemeanor | Up to 93 days or 1 year in county jail, plus fines |
| High court misdemeanor | Treated like a felony for many purposes | Up to 2 years |
| Felony | Handled in circuit court | More than 1 year in state prison, up to life |
Maximum penalties for a typical first offense under Michigan law. Prior convictions, weapons, injuries and other factors can increase them. Actual sentences are usually far below the maximum and depend on Michigan’s sentencing guidelines and the facts of the case.
Felonies and misdemeanors both create a public criminal record. But felony convictions carry serious additional consequences, including the loss of the right to possess firearms, barriers to professional licenses and housing, and harsher sentences for any future offense.
How a Michigan criminal case works
- Arrest or ticket. Some cases start with an arrest; others with a citation or a letter asking you to appear.
- Arraignment in district court. The charge is read, your rights are explained and bond is set.
- Pretrial conference. Your lawyer reviews the evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor. Many cases are resolved here.
- Probable cause conference and preliminary examination (felonies). Generally held within about three weeks of arraignment. The prosecutor must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that you committed it. This is an important chance to test the evidence and question witnesses under oath.
- Circuit court. Felony cases that aren’t dismissed or resolved move to circuit court for another arraignment, motions and pretrial hearings.
- Motions. We challenge illegal stops, searches, statements and unreliable evidence. A successful motion can end a case.
- Plea or trial. You decide whether to accept a negotiated resolution or go to trial before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing. For felonies, Michigan’s sentencing guidelines are a key factor. We present everything that supports the lowest possible sentence.
Programs that can keep a conviction off your record
- Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA). For many offenses committed between ages 17 and 26. If you complete probation successfully, the case is dismissed without a conviction and the record is sealed. (For ages 24–25, the prosecutor must agree.)
- Section 7411 (drug offenses). For first-time possession or use charges, the case can be dismissed after successful probation.
- Domestic violence first-offender deferral. A first-time domestic assault charge can be dismissed after successful probation.
- Delayed and deferred sentences. Courts can hold a plea in abeyance and dismiss or reduce the charge if you meet the conditions.
- Specialty courts. Sobriety, drug, mental health and veterans treatment courts offer treatment-focused alternatives to jail in many Michigan counties.
- Expungement. Even after a conviction, Michigan’s Clean Slate law lets many people clear their records. Learn about expungement.
Courts we appear in
We defend clients in district and circuit courts throughout Michigan. Not sure which court your case is in? Use our court finder to look it up by city. For many of the busiest courts in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties, we’ve put together local guides:
- 48th District Court: Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield
- 52nd District Court: Novi, Clarkston, Rochester Hills and Troy divisions
- 47th District Court: Farmington and Farmington Hills
- 44th District Court: Royal Oak and Berkley
- 51st District Court: Waterford Township
- 46th District Court: Southfield, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Franklin
- 50th District Court: Pontiac
- Oakland County Circuit Court: felony cases from across Oakland County
- 37th District Court: Warren and Center Line
- 41A & 41B District Courts: Sterling Heights, Shelby, Macomb Township, Utica, Clinton Township, Mount Clemens and Harrison
- 36th District Court: Detroit
Just charged? What happens next
- What happens at an arraignment in Michigan?
- I have a warrant in Michigan. What should I do?
- Felony vs. misdemeanor in Michigan
How we build your defense
Every case is different, but we examine the same core questions every time. Was the stop, search or arrest legal? Were you properly advised of your rights before questioning? Is the physical evidence, lab testing or breath testing reliable? Are the witnesses credible, and do their stories match? Does the evidence actually prove every element of the charge? And if the evidence is strong, what resolution protects your record, license and future the most?
An arrest is not a conviction. The prosecutor must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Until then, you are presumed innocent, and you have the right to a vigorous defense.
Frequently asked questions
Should I talk to the police if I haven’t done anything wrong?
Be polite, give your name and identification when required, and then say you want to speak with a lawyer. Innocent people are often convicted on statements they made trying to explain themselves. Police are allowed to be untruthful during questioning; you are not required to answer.
Will I go to jail for a first offense?
Many first-time offenders in Michigan avoid jail, especially for misdemeanors. Options such as probation, diversion programs, deferred sentences and the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act can reduce or even eliminate a conviction. The outcome depends on the charge, the court and the facts, which is why early representation matters.
Can the charges against me be dropped?
Yes, it happens — when evidence was gathered illegally, a witness isn’t credible, or the facts don’t support the charge. Charges can also be reduced to a less serious offense. A defense lawyer’s job is to find those weaknesses and use them.
Do I really need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor conviction can mean jail, a permanent record, lost job opportunities, license consequences and immigration problems. A lawyer can often get a charge reduced, dismissed or handled through a program that keeps it off your record. The cost of a lawyer is usually far less than the long-term cost of a conviction.
What happens at an arraignment?
An arraignment is your first court appearance. The judge reads the charge, advises you of your rights, and sets bond. For a misdemeanor you’ll enter a plea — usually not guilty at that stage. Having a lawyer there can make a real difference in the bond conditions you receive.
Do you handle cases outside Oakland County?
Yes. We represent clients in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties and in courts throughout Michigan.