U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan is the exclusive court that has jurisdiction of all federal criminal cases – cases prosecuted by the United States government instead of the state of a city. Prosecuting on behalf of US government is the United States Attorney’s Office who institutes prosecutions from investigations from several federal law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Department of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Secret Service and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). There are dozens more.

Federal crimes prosecuted in the USCD typically involve large amounts of drugs for trafficking and distribution, fraud (health care, tax, securities, mail), immigration and boarder violations, firearms or offenses committed on federal properties. Because Detroit shares a federal boarder adjacent to Canada, the Eastern District litigates a high amount of boarder and immigration offenses.
Federal court has different procedural rules than state court. A case typically begins with a grand jury indictment or complaint. The initial appearances are very important because the bond decisions are made and must be handled properly to ensure the best chance at pre-trial release. Sentencing guidelines and penalties in Federal prosecutions are very complicated and high, most involving certain prison sentences. Therefore, it is important to have an attorney who regularly and effectively practices in federal court to ensure that everything is done properly.

My father, Barton W. Morris, Sr. began his legal career as a very successful Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan in the 1960s. Most of the judges on the bench today were colleagues of my father and new him well. Because of those relationships, I have built a good reputation before the entire bench of the USDC. Most of the judges know me well and respect the skills I possess.

I defend several federal criminal cases every year. In the recent past the types of charges successfully defended have included unlawful border crossing, major controlled substance distribution conspiracies, murder of a federal witness, and mortgage and health care fraud cases.
When considering an attorney to retain for a federal criminal case, there is no choice but to hire one with Federal experience and with a reputation of respect and success. I have that reputation, track record of success and skill necessary to obtain the best results in federal court.