Samuel Bennett
Criminal Lawyer
Samuel represents individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies throughout the State of Michigan, from Detroit to Grand Rapids, and Ferndale to Traverse City. In 2017, 2018, and 2019 he was selected by Super Lawyers as a Rising Stars attorney, which is only awarded the top 2.5% of attorneys in the State of Michigan.
Samuel graduated from Oakland University in 2011, with a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law. He earned his J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2014. During his time at Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Samuel earned the Certificate of Merit in Trial Skills, which is awarded to the highest performing student. The following term Sam served as a teaching assistant, aiding students with trial preparation and strategy. He was also selected as a member of the National Mock Trial team for Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2014.
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Stars | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
| 10 Best Attorney-Client Satisfaction | American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys | 2018 |
| 10 Best Law Firms – Client Satisfaction | American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys | 2018 |
| Elite Lawyer | Elite Lawyers of America | 2018 |
| Rising Stars | Super Lawyers | 2017,2018,2019 |
| National Assc. of Distinguished Counsel | National Assc. of Distinguished Counsel | 2019 |
| National Trial Lawyers (40 Under 40) | National Trial Lawyers (40 Under 40) | 2019 |
Aaron Boria
Criminal Lawyer
Aaron Boria is one of the leading criminal defense lawyers in the state of Michigan. Aaron Boria has successfully litigated numerous complex criminal matters. Aaron Boria is also well versed in legal issues that stem from criminal convictions such as expungement and license restoration. Aaron has the experience and stays up to date on current and new law by spending countless hours every year in continuing criminal defense legal education.
After completing law school at Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in only two short years, with honors, Aaron Boria began fighting for the accused and protecting their rights. Several hundred cases later, Aaron continues to fight for his clients, obtaining tremendous results that include dismissals and not guilty verdicts saving his clients thousands of dollars in fines and years in prison.
When Aaron has a few moments of downtime, he enjoys working out at the local CrossFit gym and hanging out with his best friends, twin Weimaraner puppies, Amelia and Winston. Aaron also loves to cook, and is a major movie buff. Aaron is a lifetime resident of Michigan and co-founder of the Plymouth Lawyers Bar Association. Aaron Boria has an open-door policy, so if you are in the area feel free to drop by.
Awards & Recognition
• Super Lawyers 2022, 2023, 2024
• Super Lawyers Rising Star 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
• Detroit Business Magazine – Top Lawyer in Criminal Defense 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025
• AVVO 10 out of 10 Top Criminal Defense Attorney
• Clients’ Choice Criminal Defense 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
• Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion – Gold, 2024
• National Trial Lawyers Top 100
• American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys “10 Best” Attorneys for the State of Michigan
• American Institute Criminal Law Attorneys “10 Best” Attorneys for the State of Michigan
• American Society of Legal Advocates Top 40 Under 40 – Criminal Defense Lawyers in Michigan
Maurice Davis
Criminal Lawyer
Michigan criminal defense lawyer Maurice Davis is driven by a desire to help people in his city who have been wrongfully accused and are facing criminal charges.
In a criminal prosecution, the state wields a lot of power. People accused of crimes often have little or no voice in the system — but as a defense lawyer, Davis knows that he can be their voice, tell their side of the story, advocate for their rights under the Constitution, and bring some balance to criminal proceedings.
He attended college at Michigan State University in Lansing, where he made the dean’s list while majoring in political science. He also was a parliamentarian for Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, which helps its members develop leadership skills, and promotes brotherhood and academic excellence. Davis found inspiration from past Alpha Phi Alpha members, including Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, civil rights activist Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and social justice pioneer and author W.E.B. Du Bois.
He knew that a career in law would allow him to help people, and he found he had a talent for persuasion that would serve him well as a trial lawyer. He earned his Juris Doctor degree at Florida State University, one of the top-ranked law schools in the country. While at FSU, he honed his skills as a member of the Public Interest Law Society Association, Dispute Resolution Society, and a recipient of the Florida Bar Association Summer Fellowship.
DERRICK GEORGE
Criminal Lawyer
For over fifteen years Derrick has delivered unexpected and exceptional results to thousands of clients all over Michigan. Clients’ accessibility to Derrick and his holistic approach are what sets him apart from other attorneys. Derrick receives consistent feedback from judges, prosecutors, and clients about the level of detail and the amount of work that he and his staff put into each client’s case. Whether it is a business issue, an investigation, or a criminal matter, Derrick goes above and beyond to learn about the client as a person and not just a case. His results are impressive, his work ethic is unmatched, and he is known as a negotiations genius by many of his clients.
Derrick earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law in 2005. Before that Derrick received a Master of Science graduate degree from Columbia University in New York. His Bachelor’s degree was earned from James Madison College at Michigan State University.
His background in business, between graduate degree programs includes the management of large investment funds in New York City and managing programming for ABC World News Tonight, Nightline and 20/20. While attending law school, Derrick served as a judicial law clerk for two major judges and worked on high-level contracts on behalf of U.S. Fortune 500 companies.
Following graduation from law school, Derrick returned to Michigan where he created an energy-drink company that grew to have an international reach. His products were sold all over the United States and South America. During this time, Derrick realized the need and value in having good legal support in his business. He started to identify more with his legal background and began using his legal training and education to continue to find success in his businesses and to do the same for others. Derrick has a passion for entrepreneurship and people who are embarking on entrepreneurial endeavors, and he wanted to use his legal education to support clients going down the same path he did.
Derrick also found himself also drawn to the criminal justice system and began to take on cases for criminal defendants. Throughout his years of practice he has successfully represented over one thousand clients in their criminal defense cases. His ability to negotiate and represent his clients as a whole person and not just a defendant is a talent that any client facing a criminal case absolutely needs!
Derrick’s law firm is based in the heart of downtown Royal Oak, and his team of attorneys provides legal services to clients all over Michigan. Derrick is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Oakland County Bar Association, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and he is a member of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Advisory Council.
Loren Dickstein
Criminal Lawyer
Mr. Dickstein received his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. He practices law in all Michigan state-level district, circuit, and appellate courts, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He’s handled major felony cases in courts throughout the United States. Before becoming a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Dickstein worked as a judicial and legal research clerk for multiple circuit court judges. His previous experience working as a clerk in the Circuit Court has given him invaluable insight into the inner workings of the criminal justice system and the ability to work with the courts to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients.
As a trial attorney, Mr. Dickstein’s practice focuses on felony and misdemeanor charges in both state and federal courts. Mr. Dickstein is passionate about defending the falsely accused and those mistreated by the authorities or the legal justice system. He has served as the lead trial attorney on numerous complex cases, and other lawyers hire him to assist in cases throughout Michigan. He has training from and courtroom experience with nationally prominent medical, psychological and scientific experts. Mr. Dickstein has obtained dismissals and ‘not guilty’ verdicts throughout Michigan.
He frequently participates in continuing legal education to keep himself updated on the most current laws, techniques, areas of expertise, and court rulings that might affect his clients. Mr. Dickstein’s professional memberships have included the State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Law Section, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan.
Sterling Coleman
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney Sterling Coleman has practiced law for twenty-six years, starting off in Oakland. The Honorable David Breck, then judge of the Oakland County circuit court swore in attorney Coleman. His past clients have been found not guilty in many different types of felony litigation, including murder 1, armed robbery, criminal sexual conduct 1st degree, bank robbery, and assault with intent to murder – to name a few.
This third generation attorney (grandfather Nathan Benjamin Young graduated from Yale Law and uncle Ira Young graduated from Washington University Law School) is a Wayne State Law School alumni (class of 1988). Attorney Coleman has a B.A. degree from Talladega College (1977), and an M.B.A. from the University of Detroit, (1980).
Attorney Sterling Coleman will guarantee his best effort on behalf of every client he represents based on his experience and his zeal for the law.
Bradley J. Friedman
Criminal Lawyer
When people come to us for help, we’re seeing them at what is probably one of the worst moments in their lives. They have defeat in their eyes. Fear. Concern for their future and their family. At The Law Offices of Bradley J. Friedman, we take however long is needed to listen to those fears and concerns. We find out more about their backgrounds and how they came to be in the situation they currently face. That way, we can defend them against criminal charges in the best way possible. After listening to our explanation of their rights and talking through different options, we typically see a noticeable change in clients. In most cases, prior to the resolution of their case, our clients feel empowered and in control of their future.
Our practice is focused entirely on criminal defense in Farmington Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield, Sterling Heights, Warren, Detroit, and the surrounding areas in southeastern Michigan, including federal courthouses in Ann Arbor and Flint. We have helped countless individuals get charges dismissed and reduced so that our clients can have a better future.
Whether your charge is minor or serious, you can rest assured that we will act quickly and aggressively on your behalf to eliminate risks and defend your rights. Our dedication to resolving matters as quickly and efficiently as possible has allowed us to earn a reputation as respected and successful attorneys for criminal defense and federal crimes.
Ellen K. Michaels
Criminal Lawyer
Ellen Michaels is a well-educated, aggressive criminal defense attorney who does not back down. She is a winner. She is currently accepting new clients in Michigan.
Background
Ellen Michaels is an experienced attorney with a stellar education from some of the country’s top schools. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan in 1986, and she went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in 1990. She has been practicing law for several decades.
After graduating from law school, Ellen Michaels spent time working as a Public Defender, which gave her exposure to and experience with a multitude of crimes. During this time, she was in the courtroom all day, every day. Because of these experiences, Ellen Michaels knows the courtroom inside and out, and she was also able to develop deep relationships with all of the different courts, which helps her to better serve her clients today.
Approach
Ellen Michaels is a smart, results oriented attorney who knows that every client’s case is unique. She is also an empathic person. She understands that clients sometimes find themselves in difficult situations, and she is always respectful of every client regardless of his or her background. She also works hard to be accessible to her clients at all times. If you have any questions or concerns about your case, she will make herself available to address the issue quickly.
Whatever charges you are facing, you can count on Ellen Michaels to act as your fierce advocate, protecting your rights every step of the way. She handles all types of criminal defense cases, including gun charges, assault and battery, drug offenses and more. In every case, she is not afraid to take on the courts and win.
Court Discusses the Right to Offer a Defense in Michigan Criminal Trials
A recent discussion in Michigan courts has focused on the right to offer a defense in criminal trials, emphasizing the importance of this right within the judicial process. Here are the key points regarding this topic:
Overview of the Right to Offer a Defense
- Constitutional Basis: Defendants in Michigan are constitutionally protected in their right to present a defense. This includes the ability to introduce evidence and call witnesses that support their case, which is fundamental to a fair trial.
- Trial Court’s Role: The trial court must ensure that defendants have the opportunity to present their defense adequately. If a trial court restricts this right, it may lead to grounds for an appeal. The appellate court evaluates whether such restrictions compromised the defendant’s ability to present a complete defense.
- No Obligation to Testify: Importantly, defendants cannot be compelled to testify in their own defense. This means they can choose whether or not to take the stand without facing coercion from the prosecution or the court.
- Impact on Verdicts: The ability to present a defense can significantly influence trial outcomes. If a defendant is unable to present crucial evidence or witnesses, it may unfairly tilt the proceedings in favor of the prosecution, potentially leading to wrongful convictions.
- Recent Case Insights: Recent cases have highlighted instances where courts have had to reconsider decisions that limited defendants’ rights, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to uphold these constitutional protections.
In summary, Michigan courts are actively addressing and reaffirming the critical right of defendants to offer a defense in criminal trials, ensuring that justice is served through fair procedural practices.