Warren, MI Domestic Violence Lawyer

Aggressive Defense Against Domestic Violence Charges in Macomb County

Being accused of domestic violence is one of the most stressful and damaging experiences a person can face. A single allegation can threaten your freedom, your family, your job, and your reputation — even before you’ve had a chance to defend yourself.

At Barnwell Law, PLLC, Attorney William Barnwell provides experienced, strategic defense for clients charged with domestic violence and related offenses in Warren, Macomb County, and throughout Michigan. Whether you were arrested after a family argument, a misunderstanding, or a false accusation, you deserve a strong advocate who will fight to protect your rights.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Michigan

Under Michigan law (MCL 750.81 and 750.81a), “domestic violence” can include any alleged assault or battery against:

• A spouse or former spouse
• Someone you live with or used to live with
• Someone you’re dating or previously dated
• The other parent of your child

Even a first-offense misdemeanor can carry serious consequences — including jail time, probation, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record. Repeat offenses or allegations involving injury can result in felony charges and possible prison time.

Common Domestic Violence Allegations We Defend

Attorney Barnwell has represented hundreds of clients facing domestic-related accusations, including:

• Domestic Assault / Battery
• Aggravated Domestic Assault
• Violation of Personal Protection Order (PPO)
• Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm (GBH)
• False Imprisonment or Kidnapping Allegations
• Child Abuse or Neglect Investigations
• Resisting or Obstructing Police in Domestic Situations

Every case is unique — and domestic incidents are often emotionally charged and misunderstood. Barnwell Law’s role is to separate fact from assumption and build a defense based on evidence, not emotion.

Defending Against False or Exaggerated Allegations

It’s common for domestic violence accusations to arise during heated family disputes, divorces, or custody battles. False or exaggerated claims can lead to immediate arrest with little or no evidence.

At Barnwell Law, we take a fact-based, investigative approach:

• Examining police reports for inconsistencies or errors
• Interviewing witnesses and reviewing 911 recordings
• Analyzing photos, texts, or social media evidence
• Challenging unreliable or biased statements
• Ensuring your side of the story is heard
• Preparing you for trial, and preparing testimony if it makes most sense to testify (or not testify)

Attorney Barnwell has successfully negotiated dismissals, reduced charges, and not-guilty verdicts for clients throughout Macomb County courts, including the 37th District Court in Warren and the 16th Circuit Court in Mount Clemens.

Possible Outcomes and Defense Strategies

Depending on your record and the circumstances of the case, defenses may include:

• Self-defense or defense of others
• Lack of intent or accidental contact
• False allegations or credibility issues
• Insufficient or inconsistent evidence
• Constitutional violations (unlawful arrest, Miranda violations, etc.)
• Bias and motivation to lie (custody dispute, divorce, finances, etc)

For some clients, it may be possible to resolve the case through dismissal, reduction to a non-assault offense, or participation in a domestic violence deferral program (MCL 769.4a) — which can keep your record clean if completed successfully. Note that while keeping the charge “off your record” is often a good deal, there will remain a private record of the offense. If you were to ever get charged with Domestic Violence again, you would still be charged with a second offense in Michigan. And Macomb County, like many other counties, now requires extensive 26 week “Batter Intervention” classes and programs along with other probationary conditions. The choice whether to accept a plea like this or to “truly” keep a charge off both your public and private record by taking your case before a jury is a decision you will make with an experienced attorney who has won many Domestic Violence cases before a jury.

Why Choose Barnwell Law, PLLC

• Over a decade of criminal defense experience
• Licensed in Michigan and Florida — with extensive courtroom experience
• Known for thorough preparation and aggressive negotiation
• Personal attention — you work directly with Attorney Bill Barnwell, not an associate
• Proven track record in Warren and Macomb County courts
• Winning trial attorney with a record of Not Guilty verdicts

Your case deserves careful attention and a defense tailored to your situation — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Take Action Immediately After an Arrest

If you’ve been arrested or accused of domestic violence in Warren, MI, time is critical. Judges often issue no-contact orders or PPOs immediately after an arrest. Before you speak with police or attend any hearing, contact attorney William (Bill) Barnwell who will guide you through the process and protect your rights.

📞 Contact a Warren Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

Call Barnwell Law, PLLC today at (810) 394-2952 or fill out our secure online contact form for a free consultation.
We defend clients in Warren, Sterling Heights, Roseville, Clinton Township, and all of Macomb County, as well as Oakland County and Wayne County and beyond.