Question 1

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

The firm is based in Southfield and handles cases throughout Metro Detroit, including Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, with experience appearing in courts across those areas. That said, I have represented clients as far north as Iron Mountain and as far south as Monroe.

Question 2

Where can I find a criminal defense attorney in Southfield with courtroom experience?

Accepted Answer

The Law Offices of Ezra N. Goldman, PC is based in Southfield and has over 30 years of criminal defense experience in courts throughout Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, covering OWI/DUI, traffic offenses, expungement, and related criminal matters. A free consultation is the fastest way to find out whether the firm is the right fit for your specific case.

Question 3

What should I do first if I've been charged with a crime in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Talk to a criminal defense attorney before you give any statement about what happened, and avoid discussing the details with anyone else. Write down what you remember while it's fresh, and gather any paperwork you have, such as the citation, arrest documents, and court notices. Note your next court date. The earlier an attorney is involved, ideally before your arraignment, the more options you usually have.

Question 4

Should I talk to the police about my case?

Accepted Answer

No. The police are investigating a case, and they are not mediators. They can't, and generally don't want to, hear both sides and decide who is right. Their job is to gather evidence, and anything you say becomes part of it. By giving a statement, you are almost always jeopardizing yourself, even if you're innocent and even if you're only trying to explain. Be polite, give the identifying information the law requires, and then say that you'd like to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions. Then call me before you say anything else.

Question 5

Am I entitled to a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You have the right to a lawyer, and if you can't afford one, the court will appoint one. But the right only helps if you use it clearly. If you are being questioned, say plainly, "I want a lawyer," and then stop answering questions. One important exception: if you are arrested for drunk driving, do not refuse a blood or breath test because you want to talk to a lawyer first. Asking for a lawyer is not a reason the law recognizes for delaying the test, and it is generally treated as a refusal. A refusal carries its own license penalties and makes your defense harder, not easier. Take the test, say that you want a lawyer, and let me handle the rest.

Question 6

What happens at an arraignment in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

The arraignment is usually your first court appearance. The court tells you what you're charged with, you enter a plea (often not guilty at this stage so your attorney can review the evidence), and the judge decides on bond and any conditions of release. It is not a trial, and it is not the end of your options. An attorney can appear with you and begin protecting your rights from that first hearing.

Question 7

How do I prepare for a criminal defense case in Southfield?

Accepted Answer

The most useful first step is talking to an attorney as early as possible, ideally before your arraignment, so nothing gets said or signed that limits your options later. Bring whatever paperwork you have (citation, arrest documents, court notices), write down what happened while it's fresh, and avoid discussing the details with anyone besides your lawyer. A free consultation is a good place to start figuring out what preparing actually looks like for your specific charge.

Question 8

What does a consultation cost, and what happens during one?

Accepted Answer

Consultations are free. We'll talk through what happened, what you're charged with, what the realistic range of outcomes looks like, and what a defense strategy could involve, with no pressure and no obligation.