Our Attorneys

Michelle Margoles practices in the areas of criminal law and juvenile law. With extensive experience at trial and on the appellate level, she zealously defends both adults and juveniles charged with committing crimes, ranging from serious felonies to minor citations.

Extensive Trial Wins and Case Dismissals

Michelle’s numerous trial wins include acquittals in cases involving Murder charges, Criminal Sexual Conduct charges, Burglary charges, among many others. Extensive pre-trial defense preparation and filings have led to dismissal of all charges on the day of trial, including in First Degree Assault cases, Felony Threats of Violence cases, and Domestic Assault cases. Her successful attacks on illegally obtained evidence and confessions have resulted in the dismissal of charges, including First Degree Controlled Substance Cases, Felony and Misdemeanor Assault matters, and DWIs.

Michelle has helped clients facing criminal cases who struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse.  In some cases, the clients were unaware of their mental health diagnoses prior to facing charges. She has obtained not guilty by reason of mental illness acquittals in cases including a murder charge, as well as keeping clients who are not competent to proceed due to mental illness or head trauma from being prosecuted altogether. Even when charges cannot be dismissed, mental health and substance abuse issues can be used to obtain better negotiations and keep clients from spending time in prison or jail.

Each Case is Unique

Michelle thoroughly researches her clients’ cases, advises them of their legal options, explains what they can do to help their own cases, and tailors her representation to the individual demands of each case.

Unlike many attorneys who use the same strategy with similar-looking cases, Michelle believes no two cases are alike, and no two clients are alike. She enjoys working directly with clients and takes time to determine the best route for each particular client.'

Looking Beyond the Charges

Michelle understands that criminal charges and juvenile delinquency petitions carry many direct and indirect consequences on individuals’ lives, such as loss of freedom, loss of employment, financial burdens, predatory offender registration, loss of driver’s licenses, forfeiture of property to the government, academic consequences, and many others.