Satawa Law, PLLC. recently has won another Title IX hearing, as the office for title 9 and institutional equity at University in Western Michigan “unanimously determined that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the responded engaged in sexual assault or sexual harassment.”Read More

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 Satawa Law, PLLC

"In my senior year in college, I was accused of sexual assault and sexual harassment. This led to a Title IX investigation that threatened my entire future. I had a full-ride scholarship into graduate school, and I earned a prestigious job position. I retained Mark Satawa for my case. Mark is an expert in the Title IX process and does not let the university or anybody else trample on your rights. It was clear from the very beginning that Mark was determined to win this case for me. In our response to the investigation, Mark vigorously attacked all the allegations – not allowing a single one to stand. During the hearing, Mark was an expert at cross-examination. He criticized my accuser's contradictions and emphasized all the witnesses that defended my side of the story. In the end, the university’s board voted unanimously to dismiss the case. When my accuser filed an appeal and my university got another hearing officer to decide the case, we won again. Mark saw my case through – from the beginning to the end. If you need a lawyer for a Title IX case, contact Mark Satawa immediately. It’s not enough to have any lawyer. Mark is an expert in the Title IX process and will hold your university accountable for following the law. Mark defended my future, and I could not recommend him enough.”

PM
"I ran into an unfortunate situation a while back — I was charged with several counts of 1st and 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct. A friend of mine that I occasionally had sex with for several months claimed I came to her house one night and raped her. We hired a lawyer that came highly recommended by a friend of the family that was a retired prosecutor. It turned out that he was not what we hoped he was. I then was referred to Mr. Satawa by a family member that has heard of him and lives in the Washington D.C. area. I was more than pleased with Mr. Satawa’s hard work and honesty. He was always available to answer questions, and took the time to make sure I understood what was happening in my case every step of the way. Even the bill he sent us was itemized, and I am positive that he did not add any extra hours onto it. As a result of his hard work and determination, the prosecutor offered me a plea deal of a misdemeanor (assault), with probation and no jail time. The deal was too good to turn down, and I ended up taking the plea because I was not comfortable with risking a life sentence if I was convicted guilty. But if I had to go to trial I would have trusted Mr. Satawa with my life. I am certain I got this amazing plea deal because Mr. Satawa was my attorney, and all of the work he put into defending the case. I would highly recommend him to anyone I knew that was in need of any legal services."A Satisfied Client
"It is my personal belief that Mark Satawa and Stuart Friedman are the absolute best at what they do. If they can’t obtain the desired result in terms of the legal relief you are hoping for, no one can. Both are completely dedicated to doing the best job possible for their clients. They take the time needed to ensure that they know everything about the case so that they can offer the best defense possible. They leave no stone unturned when preparing their cases. Every possible scenario and repercussion is taken into consideration when determining the best way to move forward. They don’t take “the easy way out” in an effort to simply be done with a case and collect their money. They are conscientious and truly care about the outcome. They realize it is not just another case they are responsible for…..it is, ultimately, a life. That is what sets these men apart from the rest. If you are faced with serious charges that have the potential to seriously impact the rest of your life, hiring one or both of these men is seriously your best possible option. You can have peace of mind in knowing that they will not be cutting corners and will give you the best, most educated defense possible. In a lot of cases today, that makes all the difference."M.S.
"I was a student at a university local to Mark’s office when I was charged with several sexual assault offenses, the most severe being a CSC in the third degree. Less than a month after the start of an investigation, my family chose to hire Mark as a precautionary measure. At this time, I did not understand the magnitude of my situation, as I later found out the witness was extremely hyperbolic and untruthful in her testimony against me. Having charges hanging over my head for a long period of time was both horrifying and burdensome. I was not charged with an actual crime until six month after the initial complaint was filed with the police, and my case was finally dropped after an entire year elapsed. The uncertainty in the case and the thought of a max sentence of 15 years in prison was almost unbearable. Hiring a lawyer expert in these cases is essential for these situations. Although the case brought much stress to my life, the knowledge that I had an intelligent and confident lawyer provided me with relief. I believe without a doubt Mark is one of the best lawyers for sex crimes in Michigan. Mark’s desire to win is undeniable. I never got the impression he was simply concerned about his paycheck. For the preliminary cross-examination of the witness, Mark arrived with an entire binder worth of notes and questions he planned on asking. He was very prepared and exposed enormous holes in the witness’ account at this exam alone. He speaks in court with articulation and presence. Mark is well connected with other professionals in various fields. Even though I lived relatively far from his office, Mark referred me to an outstanding private investigator in my area, as well as a forensic psychologist. He also performed a mock trial with a renowned law professor upon my request. It is evident Mark checks his voicemail and email regularly as he promptly responded to all my questions and requests. His office secretary is both friendly and helpful. Your future is too important not to hire the best available lawyer. I did, and Mark successfully had all of my charges expunged. He literally gave me my life back and I am grateful for his services."DM
"In April of 2017 I was faced with the most disturbing/disgusting accusations possible – criminal sexual conduct involving a 12 year old boy while at home and on vacation. He was not a blood relative, but I had taken the kid and his family into my home several months earlier. I quickly became a father figure to him, and the only real father figure he had in his life. After several months, he even wanted me to formally adopt him. When bio dad came back into the picture, I found myself charged with these terrible sex crimes. I was lost/broken and scared for my future. I initially hired an attorney who was not interested in my well-being – he was only concerned with my financial state. When I was able to post bond I immediately fired that attorney and reached out to all friends and family to find a lawyer who would defend me properly. After interviewing many lawyers I was referred to Mark Satawa. Not only did he reach out to me right away but while he was on a private get away! Mr. Satawa encouraged me to meet with other lawyers and do comparisons. Mr. Satawa left his getaway/vacation early to meet with me. Hiring Mr. Satawa was a game changer and saved my life! At first I was very skeptical and still very concerned with my future as a father/son/brother. I felt as though my life was over based on the charges I was faced with. Mr. Satawa was very tough on me and didn’t sugar coat anything. He told me the facts and what could happen to me (I was very scared). He was relentless in preparing and learning the truth, the full truth. He forced me to look at the case, and all the facts of the allegation. He made me review the discovery, the preliminary exam transcript, and the forensic interview at kid’s talk and to footnote them to help him understand the entire story. Not just the facts of the allegations, but also the story about what happened when this kid and his family all moved into my home – the relationships between everyone, and how a false allegation like this could have begun. He did a mock trial and a focus group about my case, brought in a fantastic private investigator, and hired a former prosecutor to cross examine me. Over the course of 13 months Mr. Satawa and his team of experts pushed me through this tragic time, and with their knowledge and experience were able to open the eyes of everyone involved: judges, prosecutors, detectives, etc. This is something no one is or can ever be prepared for in life, and it has made me realize how nasty a person can be to benefit their selfish needs. I am so grateful for Mr. Satawa and his team for saving my life! I would highly recommend Satawa law firm to anyone facing these types of charges as he may save your future as well."TG
"I was charged with criminal sexual conduct and would absolutely recommend attorney Mark Satawa! I’ve had experience with several other attorneys, and had a different set of attorneys represent me at my first trial. When choosing an attorney you want someone who is 100% committed to you, and will do whatever it takes to win. This is the very thing I believe puts Mr. Satawa ahead of some of his competition out there, in that he will do whatever it takes to provide you with the most effective defense possible, and he employs tools and tactics that most other attorneys wouldn’t even consider. There are too many examples of that to list, but just a few are that he did a mock trial, a small focus group, personally interviewed all of my witnesses, and hired a former prosecutor to cross examine me and some of my witnesses. We went through everything for my case in painstaking detail, helping me review and annotate the discovery and preliminary exam transcripts, preparing a roster of all relevant people/witnesses involved in the case, and did a case narrative/theory of defense. He makes you take time to really learn the case, so you can help him learn it and understand it. That process was an invaluable preparation tool because I saw first had how well it helped Mr. Satawa and I prepare for trial. I can tell you that Mr. Satawa’ s preparation for trial was impressive to say the least, including his trial binders, witness folders, and his defense themes were organized and detailed. When the trial started, I knew we were ready – both he and I together. Throughout my ordeal, Mr. Satawa was always very open and honest with me, always telling me the truth about what was happening and never sugarcoating it, and honesty is something you need from the person defending you. I learned to really appreciate his philosophy and approach towards defending his clients, and never was it more clear that I chose the right attorney until after I saw him in action during trial. Mr. Satawa is charismatic and effective in the courtroom, is clearly a very experienced trial attorney, and not just one looking for the quick and easy way out. When it was all over, I walked away knowing that Mr. Satawa did everything possible to provide me with the best defense possible. Like most things in life, there is a difference in quality and effectiveness when choosing an attorney, make sure you strongly consider Mark Satawa!"J
"I found myself in a situation I thought I would never be in; I was charged with criminal sexual conduct in the 3rd degree. I was a college student, studying full-time and playing football at this university, with no criminal history whatsoever. During summer break, I went back home to see my high school friends, and we decided to head up to a friend’s lake house for the weekend. After a day on the lake of drinking and partying, I ended up getting close and intimate that night this girl that I’ve known since middle school, and we ended up hooking up. After the weekend was over, the next thing I know my world got completely derailed. I received a call from a state detective wanting me to come in for questioning. This girl I’ve known half my life, what was consensual sex that night; she was charging me with rape. I was scared and in shock. So I started searching online for the best lawyers in my area and I came across the name Mark Satawa. I called him in the morning and he met with me that same afternoon, free of charge, to talk about my situation. Before I even laid down some money to secure him as my lawyer he offered to take care of things with the detective to get him off my back. I knew that day that I needed him as my lawyer; it wasn’t until after I hired him that I learned about his experience and successful history as being a criminal sexual conduct defense lawyer. After hiring Mark, he went straight to work on my case. I ended up losing all of my friends, being suspended from the football team, kicked out of school, and feeling like I just wanted to give up on everything. This case became my life and ultimately would decide my future whether I won or lost. My family and Mark were the only people who believed in me and believed my side of the story. Mark not only was my lawyer but my counselor – and he truly excels at both. The amount of stress and pain I felt and the tears I cried during those seven months were hell. Mark was there through it all and truly kept my mind and heart in the right place. I worked closely with Mark over those next seven months. We had a lot of meetings and phone calls to discuss things that needed to be done. I had a lot of homework to do for the case and Mark always kept me informed and up to date. Mark at all times knew what was going on, he always acted professionally, and at the end of the day even though he was my lawyer, he let me make a lot of the decisions because it was my life that was going to be affected, not his. My case went through almost every step of the criminal process before going to trial. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Take a plea and play it safe or go to trial and win. In my heart, I knew I wanted to go to trial because I knew that I could not submit myself guilty for something that I did not do. The trial lasted five days, which seemed like an eternity. I simply do not have the words to describe how masterful Mark is when speaking in the court room. He is truly an intelligent man, who knows every aspect of criminal sexual law, he has phenomenal people skills and was incredibly smooth when making his statements, cross-examining, or on direct examination. Mark barely looked at his notes because he knew the case like the back of his hand, his preparation and the amount of time and effort he put into the case was apparent. He was even able to make the jury laugh on occasion which when you’re in this type of stressful situation for everyone, was truly remarkable that showed his human side. I trusted Mark with my life because he saved my life. I am now a free man, able to do whatever I want. We still stay in touch and we’re still friends today. After everything that I went through, he gave me the best advice after my trial that I will use forever, “the best revenge is living life right.” I would not have wanted any other lawyer to represent me. Mark Satawa will get the job done for you and make your life whole again."T.J.W.
"Mr. Satawa is an outstanding attorney that is prepared to go full steam ahead to get to the truth (good and bad) using all legal avenues to accomplish this. His knowledge and willingness are what separates him from other attorneys! I can honestly say I’m not sure where I would be had I not hired Mark to represent me during the scariest time of my life! I would recommend Satawa law firm to anyone and everyone facing legal charges (big or small). Mr. Satawa you truly saved me, my son/daughter and family from the horrific situation I ended up in based on a vile false allegation. Thank you and God bless you sir!"T
"It was a great ending to a very tragic situation, and I wanted you to know we all very much appreciated the large part you played in making that happen. XXXXXX will be a better, wiser, more mature, and more thoughtful person for all of it. It had a profound impact on him, and I know he realizes how much worse, in every way, it could have played out. I appreciated your kind words to XXXXXXX after Court today. It gave XXXXXX a much needed boost. It was a pleasure to meet you. We will be certain to pass on as many glowing recommendations as we can!"K H
"I was charged with sexually touching a 15 year old girl while we watched TV. She was not a blood relative, but I had raised the girls as my own, was closer to her than any uncle could ever be, and had been the only father figure she had for almost all of her entire life. Choosing Mark Satawa and his staff was the most important decision of my life. If not for Mark and his staff, my life would be very different right now. Mark told me from the beginning that this could be a long and difficult process, and the best way to get to the end was to uncover the truth, all of it. That was his focus in all our meetings. Mark’s drive and integrity is incredible, and his knowledge of the law is impeccable. His trial preparation was unique and incredibly effective. In the courtroom, he was awesome. I still think back and say WOW! I was so impressed with how he worked. Mark saved my life and I am so grateful for all he has done for me. However, there is more. In the time that I was with Mark, he trained me and gave me new perspective. I am not the same person that hired Mark. The lessons I have learned through the trial prep has given me life lessons. These lessons has helped me at home with friends and family as well as work. I am no longer a shy person that lets the world run over him. Satawa Law firm was a God send and I am so very thankful for them. If you want someone to fight for you, to dig through the lies and uncover the truth, I recommend Mark Satawa."BK
“I would 100% recommend Attorney Mark Satawa to anyone in need of a knowledgeable, competent, and dedicated attorney! I retained Mr. Satawa for appeal after my husband’s conviction. If I could turn back the hands of time or knew all the things I know now, I would have retained Mr. Satawa prior to my husband’s conviction. Attorney Mark Satawa upholds the highest standards of professionalism in and outside the courtroom. He displays confidence and does not back down. The knowledge he possesses in criminal sexual conduct law is top-notch. His association with other experts and valuable resources is a force to be reckoned with. Mr. Satawa has earned my trust and has maintained honesty with me throughout this process. We have been to the Michigan Supreme Court. We have been to the United States District Court. He has stood by my side, through all my tears, fighting for my husband’s freedom tirelessly. He has made what seemed like the impossible, possible. Attorney Mark Satawa succeeded and my husband will be coming home!”Michelle
“We are presently engaged with Attorney Mark A. Satawa to represent our son Daniel, who has been wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit. When we met and after talking and observing Mark I was convinced that Mark is a true innovator in terms of his approach to defending our son. I feel that he uses his superior people skills and legal prowess to either convince the Michigan State Supreme Court, and at the same time the Parole Board, and also the prosecutor to do what he wants for a client and that is: that justice will be served. I noticed Mark’s focused approach in my son’s case, his solid integrity, and his zealous approach in our son’s case, have earned my highest respect and therefore I believe Mark will also have the highest respect of the judges before whom he practices. With confidence, I, therefore, state that in my opinion Mark is an outstanding attorney and counselor and we along with our son Dan put our trust and hope into his hand, to demonstrate and will prove that an innocent man was wrongfully convicted, imprisoned due to a false allegation by women, and with the hope that our son’s name will be cleared and that he will regain his Freedom again. A family that is bounded by love and caring.”Ursula
“There are times when the legal system can be frustrating and complex, and it takes an expert to intricately navigate its corridors and achieve success. That expert was attorney Mark A. Satawa. My relative was caught up in a low risk misconduct and was serving time. With the outbreak of COVID-19 and its rapid spread through the prisons, we feared he would not survive the virus because of chronic health issues. Mark’s extensive expertise, compassion, and understanding of the law contributed to my relative’s release within a very short period. Mark was in constant communication with me and kept me abreast of matters every step of the way. He’s extremely savvy, well connected, kind, and considerate. I highly recommend him.”Mary
“Mr. Satawa is an outstanding attorney that is prepared to go full steam ahead to get to the truth (good and bad) using all legal avenues to accomplish this. His knowledge and willingness are what separates him from other attorneys! I can honestly say I’m not sure where I would be had I not hired Mark to represent me during the scariest time of my life! I would recommend Satawa law firm to anyone and everyone facing legal charges ( big or small ). Mr. Satawa you truly saved me, my son/daughter, and family from the horrific situation I ended up in based on a vile human being and her selfish needs. Thank you and God bless you, sir!”Travis
“IMMIGRATION LAW – Stuart Friedman came highly recommended to help me with a U.S. Visa issue for my daughter. His expert knowledge and empathy makes him a trusted advocate. He has become a friend to our family. Thank you! Thank you!”Russ
“Stuart Friedman came highly recommended by a past client after hearing about the charge and situation I was faced with. He was incredibly professional, informative, and responsive. I would recommend him to anyone who is in need of legal representation. You will be in good hands.”A Satisfied Client
“Look no further you get what u pay for I HIGHLY RECOMEND STUART he put my worries at ease and I was able to continue my life and live I’m very satisfied we WON!”Ali
“As a family, we have dealt with many lawyers, some good and some bad. However, I can finally say that my family met a great lawyer. Mark’s passion for his clients is rare. His responsiveness, patience, and attention to detail set him apart from many other lawyers that have represented our family during difficult times. Do not ever underestimate having a great lawyer in your corner, especially when the odds are against you. Mark’s exemplary representation is definitely appreciated.”Lameese
“Mark is one of the most dedicated attorneys I have ever worked with. He has extensive experience in rape cases and is well-respected by both the bench and the bar.”Deanna K.
“Mark Satawa is a skilled and caring attorney who has been helping me address some challenging issues. He does not miss on any details, and is capable of creating a positive environment for finding the best solution. I strongly recommend him.”Tekva C.
“Mark went above and beyond for my son!”Nina T.
“I can’t say enough positive things about Mr. Satawa. He is one of the most detail-oriented, thorough, and committed attorneys I’ve ever worked with. You don’t need to worry about him exploring every option possible for your defense, he thinks out of the box and will do whatever it takes to provide you with the most effective defense possible. When looking for an attorney, I can assure you they are not all created equal, and Mark Satawa is at the top of the food chain.”J. S.
“Mark Satawa is without peers when it comes to providing legal counsel, period! Mark’s legal/technical skills and mastery of the law (with all its nuances) is brilliant! This is demonstrated with his legal briefs that are superbly crafted. Most importantly, Mark cares about his clients and ensures their legal rights have been protected. Thank you Mark Satawa.”Mark D.