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James J. Makowski
About James
Biography
Jim Makowski graduated from the University of Michigan - Dearborn in 1995 with an A.B. in Political Science. Jim continues his education at the University of Detroit - Mercy Law and graduated with a J.D. in 1999.
In the past, Mr. Makowski practiced as a real estate litigator with some of the largest real estate law firms in the country. He initially practiced criminal law under one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Michigan. Mr. Makowski opened his own office performing criminal defense and civil litigation. Eventually, Mr. Makowski left his previously created firm and returned to private practice, concentrating on criminal law, real estate law, and general civil litigation.
A typical client of Mr. Makowski has had minimal or no prior contact with the Courts, and is an adult or juvenile facing the most serious situation he or she has ever encountered. Mr. Makowski prides himself on giving each one his clients personal attention, and limits his caseload to meet this goal. If a conviction to some of the charges is inevitable, Mr. Makowski presents creative sentencing proposals to the Court which emphasizes treatment, not incarceration.
Mr. Makowski's typical caseload includes allegations of vehicular homicide / assault; corporate embezzlement; forgery & fraud; DUI/OVI; domestic violence; felony assault; drug trafficking, drug possession, marijuana cultivation and illicit drug manufacturing; bank, regulatory agency or government fraud; sex abuse allegations; computer crimes including importuning, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, and possession of illegal media; all juvenile crime; and, any other type of crime in Michigan in which Mr. Makowski likes the client and wants to represent him or her. In addition, Mr. Makowski continues to practice real estate litigation, on behalf of both lenders and debtors as well as general civil litigation.
Mr. Makowski is frequently a guest on various media outlets regarding legal issues realting to firearms.
Mr. Makowski serves Corporation Counsel for Michigan Gun Owners Inc., as well as a legal advisor to Michigan Open Carry, Inc.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 25 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
Makowski Legal Group PLC
6528 Schaefer Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48126-1813
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James J. Makowski's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
11 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Criminal Defense
Posted by Bethany | December 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best lawyer ever
Jim is the best lawyer around. He helped my husband with his self defense shooting and now he is free of all charges. He actually cares for his clients. He will forever be apart of my family.
Posted by Tracy | December 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
5 Star Self-Defense Attorney
Jim is a trustworthy and ethical attorney. He represented a family member who was forced to use his weapon in self-defense. Jim demonstrated care and compassion throughout our whole ordeal and worked diligently to exonerate our loved one. We cannot thank Jim enough. He is truly the best!
Posted by Rob | October 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Fantastic Criminal Defense lawyer!
I found myself in a bad situation a few months ago and was in a dark place. I had been arrested and charged for a crime I had not committed. The court appointed lawyer just wanted me to plead guilty but I wouldn't do it. I hired Jim and he was able to get my case dismissed.
Posted by Greg | April 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The Total Package
I’ve had Jim’s help on a number of issues with criminal and real estate. I found him to be honest, hard-working, and able to untangle complex messes. Few in the State are more knowledgeable regarding the law and guns
Posted by anonymous | June 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
fantastic lawyer that will fight for you
Well I was faced with my first felony and a big one for assault with strangulation and carried about a 10 year sentence,Jim told me not to worry and ofcorse i was still nervous but he got or dropped down to a misdemeanor of domestic violence,if you want a lawyer who will fight for you and be honest r...
James J. Makowski's Lawyer Endorsements
"Jim is an outstanding litigator. He is the leading expert in the State on 2A issues and his knowledge of the issues and his advocacy for his clients is unparalleled. He is a great communicator and cares deeply for his clients. He thinks fast on his feet and is an excellent trial attorney."
"Jim and I have co-counseled on several matters and I have never seen an attorney who is more knowledgeable in the area of criminal defense. He is sharp and zealously advocates for his clients. Any client would be lucky to have him as their attorney."
Judy Coleman
Probate lawyer
Experience
Work Experience
2012 - 2016
Corporation Counsel & Legislative Director, Michigan Gun Owner's Inc.
Associations
2013 - Present
Polish Advocates Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
Education
1999
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
J.D.
Speaking Engagements
2015
Second Amendment March
Current state of the law
2014
Second Amendment March
Current state of the law
Languages
English