PRACTICE AREA
Criminal Defense of the accused in state and federal court; on trial and appellate levels. Extensive experience in complex litigation including professional misconduct, conspiracy and white-collar defense. Experienced in representing attorneys and other professionals. Experienced in the wide spectrum of state charges including capital drug and homicide charges. Practiced throughout Michigan , in several states and federal districts.
Appellate experience includes major cases in the United States Supreme Court, in the Michigan Supreme Court and en banc cases in the Sixth Circuit Court of appeals.
Constitutional litigation including civil litigation involving constitutional and civil rights.
I am the Executive Director of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM). Activities focus on continuing legal education, legislative change and amicus briefs in important cases.
LECTURER
I have had the opportunity to address, inter alia, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Legal Aid and Defender Association, Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, Michigan Judicial Institute, Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System, Criminal Advocacy Program, National Lawyers Guild, Wayne State University, University of Detroit, Federal Bar Association and many local bar Associations in Michigan.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- United States Supreme Court
- Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
- United States District Court (Eastern and Western District)
- State Bar of Michigan
- per case admissions in other states and federal districts
PROFESSIONAL RATING
Martindale Hubbell- A-V (highest rating)
FORMER MEMBER:
State Bar of Michigan Defender Services Committee; Michigan State Bar Jury Instructions Committee; Planning Committee, Criminal Advocacy Program, Detroit; Board of Directors, Women Arise; Planning Committee, Michigan Judicial Institute Cross-Professional Training Program on Sentencing in Michigan.
Traverse City Area:
113 N. Main • PO Box 565 • Leland, Michigan, 49654
Phone: 231-256-2200
Detroit Area:
1 Kennedy Square • Ste. 1930 • Detroit, Michigan, 48226
Phone: 313-962-7210
e-mail: karfonta@leelanau.com