One of my favorite courts to practice in is the 44th District Court that is located in Royal Oak. The 44th District Court handles cases that arise in Royal Oak and Berkley. While I have practiced extensively in courts around Michigan, Royal Oak is considered one of my “home bases.” One of my offices is located directly across the street from the Court and I have served the community myself as a prominent local leader for over 11 years. Furthermore, as a criminal defense attorney I have taken cases to jury trials and have prevailed in Royal Oak. All of this combined brings a level of respect from the Judges, prosecutors, and other court staff. My relationships with all parties in Royal Oak and Berkley is very warm, but my firm has absolutely no problem taking a case all the way and fighting as hard as needed to get a desired result. 

Because Royal Oak is a destination city for socializing, many of the cases we see are alcohol related. I have represented countless DUI and OWI clients in Royal Oak and Berkley. Other common misdemeanor charges include Public Intoxication, various driving misdemeanors such as Driving While License Suspended, Retail Fraud, Assault and Battery, and Domestic Violence to name just a few.

I also have represented many clients on serious felony charges with very good results. If your case is charged as a felony, it will begin in Royal Oak, but will eventually make its way up to the Oakland County Circuit Court that is located in Pontiac, unless the case is dismissed or there is a misdemeanor resolution. Felony cases that go to trial do not go to trial in Royal Oak but will be heard up in Circuit Court. Misdemeanor cases, on the other hand, are fully heard in Royal Oak and if there was a trial, the trial would be in Royal Oak as well. Common felony cases in Royal Oak can include, felony drunk driving, home invasion, drug crimes such as possession or delivery of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances, felonious assault, breaking and entering, and many others. 

While I have gotten clients many amazing outcomes in courts that I rarely practice in, there is certainly a benefit to having an attorney who is extremely familiar with a given court and knows the lay of the land well. If you are charged with a crime in Royal Oak or Berkely, it will either be handled by a local city prosecutor or by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. The case will either be heard by Judge Jamie Wittenberg or Judge Derek Meinecke. Both are excellent Judges though they have different styles. I have a great relationship with each and think highly of them both. Both have treated my clients very fairly in the past.

If you are facing a criminal case of any kind arising out of Royal Oak or Berkley and need a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer, call me immediately at (810) 394-2952. Barnwell Law has consistently secured excellent results out of Royal Oak and countless other courts. 

In my practice, I have defended a number of cases involving Indecent Exposure or Aggravated Indecent Exposure. Recently I had positive resolutions in the felony cases of Aggravated Indecent Exposure case in St. Clair County, Macomb County, Oakland County and Wayne County. These cases originated out of Port Huron, Warren, Ferndale, and Detroit. I have handled these types of cases in multiple counties and other cities as well. The difference between the two cases are significant. An “Aggravated” offense carries a two-year maximum penalty and is treated in a procedural fashion as a felony. A regular Indecent Exposure is a serious misdemeanor that carries up to one-year in the county jail.

Depending upon certain prior offenses, a conviction for Indecent Exposure or Aggravated Indecent exposure could land a client on the SORA Registry (Sex Offender Registry Act).
Most Courts and Probation offices look at any offense involving sexuality with a particular ire. Sometimes these types of cases can be wrongly charged. Other times, client’s might be dealing with tough issues that bring them to a point where they act out in ways where they otherwise wouldn’t have acted out.

With years of experience as a counselor and non-profit leader, I’ve learned never to judge people who have made mistakes, who are contrite, and are willing to take responsibility.

The bottom line is many Indecent cases can be beat if the Prosecution cannot meet their burden of proof.

But many other times, the Prosecution has a strong case. And I, as the defense attorney, have to assist the client in getting the help they need to avoid a jail term.

Also, for many offenders, sometimes the case can be wiped off a client’s public record after a successful term of probation.

Many possibilities exist depending upon the facts and circumstances. The “Barnwell Defense” will be able to judge what is the best approach. Call an attorney who not only has experience with these cases, but will look at you as a human being, and not condemn you. An attorney who will help paint a broader picture to the Court that the police report and Probation Department often don’t see.

If you are facing a charge of Indecent or Aggravated Indecent Exposure, contact Barnwell Law today at (810) 394-2952 for your free consultation and to begin formulating an effective defense.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in the 37th District Court, you could be facing a misdemeanor or a felony. The 37th District Court has a court in Warren and a court in Center Line. There are four Judges in the 37th District Court: The Hon. John Chmura, the Hon. Suzanne Faunce, the Hon. Michael Chupa, and the Hon. Matthew Sabaugh.

If you are charged with a misdemeanor offense such as retail fraud, larceny, domestic violence, assault and battery, DUI or OWI, or any other charge that carries a maximum sentence of one year in the county jail your case will stay and ultimately be decided in the 37th District Court.

After you are arraigned, your case will be a set for a “Pretrial Conference.” At this later court date your defense attorney will meet with either an Assistant Prosecutor from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office of an Assistant City Attorney depending on whether the county or the city is charging the case. Occasionally a case can be prosecuted by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

There may be one or more pretrials. During the pretrials, your attorney will help you determine whether your case is best suited for a trial or for a favorable plea. Barnwell Law begins each case as the law requires: That accused individuals are presumed innocent. However, if a case results in a favorable plea it may be sentenced on the day of your plea or it may be sentenced at a later date.

Bill Barnwell has won jury trials in the 37th District Court, has had cases dismissed, and reached various favorable plea agreements. Certain plea agreements even can keep a criminal charge off your public record. Each case is fact specific and requires its own analysis and attention.

Each Judge in the 37th District Court has their own style in terms of setting bails, bond conditions, and sentencing. Bill has practiced extensively in front of each of the four judges in this Court, and also is very acquainted with the prosecutors for both Macomb County and Warren and Center-Line, as well as the probation department in the court.

If you have been charged with a felony of possession or dealing of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines (meth), LSD, and other illegal substances your case will begin in the 37th District Court and unless dismissed eventually be heard in the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County. The same is true if you’ve been charged with any other felony such as embezzlement, felonious assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, home invasion, murder, homicide, criminal sexual conduct, sex crimes cases, or any other felony charge by the State of Michigan. We will talk more about the “bindover” process that takes a felony case from District Court to Circuit Court in a future post.

Bill has practiced before every single Judge in Macomb County Circuit Court and helped many clients produce solid outcomes and even dismissals and acquittals for felony cases.

The entire criminal process can be confusing for clients and overwhelming. This is why you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who is well-known throughout Michigan including Warren, Center Line, and Macomb County.

If you are looking for help, don’t wait, call Bill today at (810) 394-2952.