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Margaret Sind Raben
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Margaret Sind Raben
Gurewitz and Raben, PLC
333 W. Fort St.
Suite 1100
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 628-4718 | Fax: (313) 628-4701
http://www.detroitwhitecollarattorney.com/
Defending and Protecting You
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
Michigan or federal trial level, appeal, or post-conviction representation.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- False Identification
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving without a License
- Hacking
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Money Laundering
- Racketeering & RICO
- Smuggling
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
MI, Nov 1986
Bar Number: P39243
Other Court Admissions
All Michigan state courts and all federal courts with jurisdiction over Michigan.
Association Memberships
ABA, FBA, Michigan State Bar, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Women Lawyers of Michigan.
Continuing Education
I attend two multi-day criminal law conferences a year. I also act as a judge for the Trial Skills classes at Cooley Law School.
Papers and Publications
"No More Mandatory Minimums", Criminal Defense Newsletter, January 2003, Vol.26, No. 4
Example Cases
1. In a recent case, my review of the evidence convinced me that the state would convict my client at trial. I negotiated a plea bargain for my client that exposes him to a sentence which is less than half of the sentence he would receive if he had been convicted at trial.
2. In a recent appeal regarding the accuracy of Breathalyzer results, my argument that the Breathalyzer results were not reliable convinced the prosecutor to offer my client a plea to a non-DUI offense, saving my client from Michigan's harsh penalties for drunk driving.
3. In a recent federal habeas matter, I obtained an order setting aside my client's conviction for second degree murder and his sentence of 28-70 years.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Philosophy
School:
Monteith College
City:
Detroit
State:
MI
Year:
1969
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Wayne State University Law School
City:
Detroit
State:
MI
Year:
1986
Focus and Accomplishments:
Chancellor of Moot Court; Oralist/Brief Writer Dayton Criminal Law Moot Court Competition
Degree:
Master of Arts in teaching
School:
Wayne State University
City:
Detroit
State:
MI
Year:
1972
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
Michigan
Firm Focus and History
I established Gurewitz and Raben PLC in 1995 along with Harold Gurewitz. We have practiced law together since 1986, and worked together since 1982, when Harold hired me as a researcher.
Gurewitz and Raben PLC provides experienced representation to people accused or convicted of crimes which occurred in Michigan. We are experienced in pre-charge proceedings, trials, appeals, and post-conviction proceedings.
Previous Employment Summary
Over the last 20+ years, I have worked in several small law firms in the Detroit area. I have always done criminal defense and appellate work. In the early years of my practice, I did family law and insurance defense. When I realized the only part of my practice I loved was the criminal defense part, I stopped doing everything else to concentrate on what I most enjoyed.
Activities and Awards
• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Michigan "Super Lawyer" 2007 and 2008
• MI Policy Advisor to FAMM (Families Against Mandatory Minimums) 1998-current President, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM) 2007-current
• "Justice for All" Award (2004) for defense of North African person accused of terrorism activities
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients should educate themselves on legal issues. Unfortunately, much of what clients learn on their own is superficial and incomplete and may not apply under Michigan law.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will read most documents written by clients, but I will not file them under my name nor will I adopt their reasoning or facts as my own without doing my own review and research of the facts and law. I do not give legal advice to people who are not my clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I will not "coach" a person who is representing himself or herself.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was bored and decided to go to law school. I loved the study of the law. Once I started practice, I was lucky to associate myself with several extraordinary lawyers for whom the law was a vocation, not a job. I share this attitude.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I became a lawyer after careers as a teacher, artist, wife and mother and community activist. All of these experiences make me a better person, help me be more patient with clients, and more creative in seeking the best resolution of a client's case based on its particular circumstances.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
In criminal cases, the prosecutor (state or federal) ALWAYS has the upper hand. The accused needs someone to stand with them and against the power of the prosecutor. That's my job.
What do you like best about your career?
The ability to use my knowledge of the law, intelligence, and creativity to protect an accused person from the over-reaching of the prosecutor.
Tell us about your law firm:
Each of the lawyers in my firm has their own clients. I answer my own phone and my clients and their families can expect to speak to me most of the time. I write my own pleadings and appear in court with my clients almost always. My assistant, Kathy Deja, is my second "right hand" and has my confidence and that of my clients.
What are your strengths and style?
I am patient, caring and very skilled in law. I realize people who are accused or convicted of crimes are often frightened and angry. Their emotional needs are important to me. Judges expect me to be a vigorous advocate for my clients, and I am.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my extended family, reading and gardening.
Office Manager/Assistant
Kathy Deja.
Fax
(313) 628-4701
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. (and often later)
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Yes. My associate Amy Parekh speaks Gudrathi.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Appeals and post-conviction matters are usually flat rate and range from $500 to $20,000, depending on the work involved.
Hourly Rates
$150-250/per hour, depending on the difficulty of the representation.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes. One to two hours is typical.
Typical Retainer
50% of the anticipated final fee.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
