Laurence C Burgess, Criminal Defense Attorney in Detroit, Michigan
Over 58 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatBurgess & Burgess, P.C.
Detroit, MI
Practicing criminal defense in Detroit since 1968.
- 58+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Laurence C Burgess?
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Quick answer
Laurence C Burgess is a member based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Laurence has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burgess & Burgess, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Detroit, MI
- Experience
- over 58 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Detroit, MI.
- Over 58 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Laurence C Burgess: Laurence C Burgess is a member based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Laurence has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burgess & Burgess, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Laurence takes on
Laurence concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, dv defense, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Laurence handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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DV Defense
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General
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Juvenile
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Litigation
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Theft
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Violent Crimes
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White Collar
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Criminal Defense cases in Detroit, Michigan
Laurence takes criminal defense matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Laurence agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Detroit, Michigan
Laurence takes drug crimes matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Laurence agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Detroit, Michigan
Laurence takes dui/dwi matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Laurence agrees to represent you.
DV Defense cases in Detroit, Michigan
Laurence takes dv defense matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Laurence agrees to represent you.
General cases in Detroit, Michigan
Laurence takes general matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Laurence agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Laurence C Burgess — criminal defense lawyer in Detroit
Laurence C Burgess is a member based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Laurence has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burgess & Burgess, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Laurence C Burgess is a lawyer practicing criminal law, civil practice, domestic violence and 12 other areas of law. Laurence received a B.A. degree from Wayne State University in 1965, and has been licensed for 58 years. Laurence practices at Burgess & Burgess, P.C. in Detroit, MI.
How Laurence handles criminal defense matters
Laurence C Burgess is a lawyer practicing criminal law, civil practice, domestic violence and 12 other areas of law. Laurence received a B.A. degree from Wayne State University in 1965, and has been licensed for 58 years. Laurence practices at Burgess & Burgess, P.C. in Detroit, MI.
Who Laurence represents
Laurence reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Wayne State University
J.D. · 1968
Wayne State University
B.A. · 1965
Jurisdictions
Laurence's state bar admissions
Michigan
1968 · ACTIVE
Laurence studied at J.D. in Wayne State University and B.A. in Wayne State University.
Law school and academic background
Laurence completed J.D. in Wayne State University and B.A. in Wayne State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Laurence runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Laurence has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Laurence C Burgess's office in Detroit
Laurence's primary office is at 535 Griswold, Suite 2500, Detroit, MI, 48226. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Laurence C Burgess — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Laurence. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Detroit.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Laurence C Burgess claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Laurence C Burgess — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Laurence usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Laurence charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Laurence's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Laurence will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Detroit, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Laurence
Laurence discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Laurence confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Laurence's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Laurence C Burgess
How much does it cost to hire Laurence for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Laurence walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Laurence offer a free consultation?
Laurence charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Laurence's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Laurence's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Laurence gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Laurence take my case if I'm outside Detroit?
Laurence is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Laurence will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Laurence?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Laurence will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Laurence accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Laurence's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Detroit, Grand Rapids and Southfield in Michigan
Laurence handles criminal defense matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Michigan
If Laurence's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Detroit handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





