Turn Legal Setbacks Into Powerful Comebacks
25 Years of Appellate Expertise Guiding Michigan Clients in Criminal Appeals and Habeas Corpus Cases
Michigan’s Trusted Experts in Appeals and Habeas Corpus
Skinner Law Office specializes in appellate law, providing expert representation for Michigan criminal and civil appeals, federal habeas corpus cases, and pardon applications, helping clients pursue justice when other options are exhausted.
An "expert in Michigan appellate law." - Detroit Free Press
25 Years Winning Appeals
Sharp Focus on Relief for Our Clients
Legal Expertise Backing Every Step
Our collaboration with legal specialists ensures comprehensive, innovative solutions tailored to your needs. From criminal appeals and habeas corpus to federal cases, we deliver exceptional advocacy and strategic expertise. Discover how our services can support your case.
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A Track Record of Success
Murder
In this self-defense case, I argued for, and the Court of Appeals granted, a new trial based on the ineffective assistance of my client’s trial attorney. The trial attorney failed to have physical evidence tested for gunshot residue that would have proved my client was innocent.
Solicitation to Commit Murder
In this case, the Court of Appeals vacated my client’s 40 to 60-year sentence for solicitation to commit murder because he was tried in the wrong county.
People v. Houthoofd, 487 Mich. 568 (2010)
Criminal Sexual Conduct
My client was convicted of first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct. I successfully argued for a new trial before the trial judge because the trial attorney failed to present favorable evidence to the jury, and the Court of Appeals upheld the trial judge’s decision.
People v. Shaul, Mich. C. App. 326905 (vacate jury trial CSC charge and remand for resentencing on other convictions)
Larceny over $20,000
The prosecution tried to convict my client of an armed robbery at the store where she worked when she was actually one of the victims of the crime. The Court of Appeals vacated her conviction, and she subsequently won a $1.7 million judgment in a civil lawsuit against the Detroit Police Department.
People v Urquhart, Mich. Court Appeals Docket No. 246001 N o. 246001
Unarmed Robbery
My client was originally sentenced to 15 to 40 years in prison. I obtained a new sentencing hearing where I was able to present evidence of my client’s significant mental problems, and the judge reduced his sentence to 4 to 20 years in prison. He was released from prison soon after.
People v. Harper, Michigan Court of Appeals Docket No. 265067
Murder
My client was charged with murdering a man or aiding and abetting his friends in the murder of a man in a park during a night of drinking. I argued in a pre-trial motion that there was insufficient evidence to convict the client, and the trial court agreed, dismissing the case against him.
Home Invasion
My client pled guilty to home invasion, but the Court of Appeals reversed, agreeing with my argument that there was not enough evidence in the record that my client entered the home with the intent to steal any property.
Criminal Sexual Conduct
My client was convicted of criminal sexual conduct, but he was charged outside the statute of limitations (meaning the crime happened too long ago for the prosecution to charge him). The trial court agreed and dismissed the case against him, leading to his release from prison.
Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm
My client had been convicted of two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm. Years later, he was trying to get a job that required a thorough background check. Because he had two convictions, he was unable, under normal legal procedures, to get the convictions expunged from his record (normally, a person can expunge only one conviction). I was able to convince the prosecutor and judge to allow him to remove both convictions so that he could proceed with his career plans.
Armed Robbery
My client pled guilty to armed robbery in exchange for the dismissal of a murder charge. He was initially sentenced to 9 to 20 years in prison. I filed a motion to reduce that sentence, and the trial court agreed, sentencing him to a minimum of 5 years and 10 months instead.
Murder
My client was convicted of first-degree murder, and I argued that the trial court prevented him from exploring an insanity defense by being examined by a neuropsychologist. The Court of Appeals agreed and sent the case back to the trial court to allow my client to be examined by a neuropsychologist and present an insanity defense.
Armed Robbery
The Court of Appeals reversed my client’s armed robbery conviction because the trial court failed to give a proper jury instruction.
Home Invasion
My client was originally sentenced to prison, but I successfully argued that he should have been sentenced to a county jail sentence only, changing a 43-month to 30-year prison sentence to a 12-month jail sentence.