Criminal Defense Lawyer in Washtenaw County You Can Trust

Being charged with a crime in Washtenaw County is overwhelming. But being charged with a sex crime—especially something as serious as Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC)—is uniquely isolating.

You’re not only dealing with jail time, but your reputation in the community is also at risk, and your relationships can suffer. People will judge you, your name will be hurt, and the legal system can be unfair even before the trial starts.

If you’re in this situation, you need more than a lawyer. You need someone who knows how to navigate every twist and turn of a case that has high stakes and involves very sensitive and triggering accusations. You need the best criminal defense lawyer in Washtenaw County.

At Protect My Freedom, Kareem Johnson represents individuals with discretion, confidence, and courtroom-tested skill. From CSC charges to college campus investigations, we’ve handled it—and we’ve won.

Sex Crime Charges: Silent. Serious. And Often Misunderstood.

Sexual misconduct cases and allegations spread quickly, especially on social media. Once something is shared online, people from all over start commenting on it. Even before a real trial begins, there’s already a trial happening on social media. False accusations can seriously harm a person’s character and damage their reputation for life.

Once you’re under investigation or arrested for Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC), time is not on your side. But facts still matter. So does your defense.

Here’s why it’s beneficial for you to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Washtenaw County and how they challenge everything to prove your freedom.

SAKI Investigations Aren’t Always Reliable

The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) was set up to test and keep track of rape kits that hadn’t been tested yet. However, the process of reopening, understanding, and prosecuting these cases isn’t always just or based on good science. Errors in DNA identification, poor-quality samples, and biased thinking can affect the whole investigation.

Eyewitness Accounts Aren’t Always Accurate

Memory can be flawed, especially in cases involving alcohol, trauma, or long timelines. False accusations, mistaken identity, and manipulated testimony are real risks in sex crime cases.

Campus Investigations Can Derail Due Process

Students accused of sexual misconduct at UM or EMU often undergo internal hearings and face disciplinary actions before charges are brought against them. Kareem Johnson is skilled in navigating both campus processes and criminal charges, ensuring that students avoid making self-incriminating mistakes early on.

Real Trial Experience—Because Sex Crime Defense Requires More Than Negotiation

In cases involving Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) or other sex-related offenses, many criminal defense lawyer in Washtenaw County quietly ask their clients to accept a plea deal. This happens not because it’s the best outcome, but because lawyers feel uncomfortable with the pressure of going to trial.

They may fear:

• The emotionally charged nature of the allegations
• The complexity of forensic evidence
• Facing a jury on sensitive and high-stakes charges

You need to check this because if your lawyer isn’t willing to go to trial, your freedom and your reputation are at stake.

In some cases, accepting a plea can be a good and wise decision, but when needed, your lawyer should be ready to go to trial.

But if gone for trial – That’s not how Kareem Johnson operates.

Here’s What Sets His Trial Approach Apart

Trial Readiness from Day One

Every case is built from the start with trial in mind. That means no shortcuts, no assumptions, and no scramble in the eleventh hour.

Evidence Over Emotion

Mr. Johnson doesn’t rely on theatrics or the emotion of the courtroom. He builds strong, fact-based arguments on the basis of forensic analysis, case law, and constitutional rights.

Master-Level Cross-Examination Skills

He’s trained in questioning expert witnesses, including nurses, lab technicians, and forensic specialists. When testimony hinges on technical interpretation, he’s ready to dissect and challenge it effectively.

Courtroom Control in High-Stakes Cases

Judges and juries respond to confidence, clarity, and control. Mr. Johnson brings all three. He stays composed, speaks with authority, and never lets the narrative be driven by fear or bias.

Why It Matters

Some cases simply cannot be resolved fairly without a trial, especially when the accused maintains innocence and the prosecution relies on flawed evidence or unreliable accounts.

Always remember that if your criminal defense lawyer in Washtenaw County isn’t prepared to go the distance, you’re at risk of:

• Accepting a lifetime sex offender registration unnecessarily
• Serving years in prison based on weak or circumstantial evidence
• Living with a felony conviction that could have been avoided

How We Handle Sex Crime Defense in Washtenaw County

We treat every case with urgency, discretion, and strategic focus.

Here’s what to expect when you contact us:

1. Private Consultation

Your consultation is 100% confidential—no judgment, just facts. Mr. Johnson personally reviews your case details and identifies immediate risks or opportunities.

2. Full Evidence Review

We obtain police reports, SAKI lab results, witness statements, and any digital or forensic evidence. Every word and timestamp is thoroughly checked and scrutinized.

3. Investigation

If needed, we hire private investigators, digital forensic experts, or toxicologists to reconstruct timelines and challenge the narrative presented by the prosecution.

4. Pre-Trial Defense Strategy

We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, limit prejudicial testimony, and protect your constitutional rights.

5. Trial or Negotiation

We only accept resolutions that protect your future. If prosecutors won’t offer a fair deal, we will go to trial fully prepared.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The earlier you involve a criminal defense lawyer in Washtenaw County, the more control you have over the outcome. Whether you’re under investigation or already charged, you deserve a defense that’s honest, strategic, and unshakable under pressure.

Answers to All Your Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be charged with CSC even if it was consensual?

Yes—especially when it comes to situations involving alcohol, drugs, age differences, or power dynamics (like a teacher and student or a coach and athlete). Consent can be a tricky topic in court. We look closely at all the details to create a strong defense based on facts.

Can you represent me if I’m still under investigation but not formally charged?

Absolutely. In fact, contacting a defense attorney before charges are filed can sometimes prevent the case from moving forward. Kareem Johnson helps clients during the pre-charge phase, protecting them from self-incrimination, dealing with detectives, and preparing for potential action.

What’s the difference between a plea deal and a trial—and how do I know what’s right?

A plea deal means you agree you did something wrong to get a lighter charge or shorter sentence. A trial is when you argue that you didn’t do anything wrong in front of a judge or jury. Kareem Johnson doesn’t pressure clients into plea deals because of fear; he gets ready for every case as if it’s going to trial, giving you real power in the situation.

Deciding whether to take a plea deal depends on the evidence, the risks involved, and what you want to achieve. He helps you make this decision based on strategy, not emotions.