Equipping criminal defense attorneys to win.

“While I have extensive trial and litigation experience in cases ranging from drugs to homicides both as an assistant prosecutor and as a defense criminal practitioner, I never in twenty-five years litigated a so-called “shaken baby case” until recently. Through the NACDL list-serve, I became acquainted with Mark Satawa a few years back and knew him to be a highly experienced and accomplished practitioner in this area. Knowing that I would be re-inventing the wheel, so to speak, if I began my case from scratch, I reached out to Mark to see if he was available for retention as a trial consultant to review the record and to coach me up on issue identification, fruitful avenues of defense, and potential pitfalls in my case. Happily, he was, and we met for a day at his office in Michigan and did just that. Afterwards, I knew absolutely that I had made an intelligent choice. Having reviewed the discovery prior to out meeting, Mark provided me with an entire blueprint for litigating an SBS case. He honed right in on infirmities in the prosecution’s case, warned me where we would be attacked, and showed me the path to a not guilty verdict. Mark freely shared contact information from his stable of highly qualified expert witnesses and generously made himself available for follow up questions. The fact of the matter is that he took a genuine interest in my case and wanted me to succeed. I enthusiastically recommend Mark Satawa as a trial consultant for any lawyer venturing out into SBS waters. He is an extraordinary resource and a good man.”

“I have had the opportunity to work with Steve Palmer for many years. I routinely refer clients who are facing a criminal investigation or charges in state or federal court to Mr. Palmer for representation. I have always been impressed by Mr. Palmer’s responsiveness, preparedness and knowledge of the law. I regularly hear from clients that he listens to their concerns, answers their questions and treats his clients with respect. Mr. Palmer brings a no-nonsense approach to problem solving and has the experience to know when to enter into settlement negotiations or when to take a case to trial. I have had the opportunity to be a participant in a focus group organized by Mr. Palmer. The purpose of a focus group is to review the facts in a particular case with a mock jury to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the defense. This level of detail and preparation is highly effective and sets Mr. Palmer far ahead of others in the field. In my practice, I regularly represent professionals (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists) who are subjected to a criminal investigation or criminal charges for the first time. Mr. Palmer takes the time to explain the criminal court process and to make sure that his clients make informed decisions after reviewing all the allegations, charges or evidence presented by the State. I highly recommend Mr. Palmer to any client facing criminal charges without reservation.”

“I have had the opportunity to work with Steve Palmer for many years. I routinely refer clients who are facing a criminal investigation or charges in state or federal court to Mr. Palmer for representation. I have always been impressed by Mr. Palmer’s responsiveness, preparedness and knowledge of the law. I regularly hear from clients that he listens to their concerns, answers their questions and treats his clients with respect. Mr. Palmer brings a no-nonsense approach to problem solving and has the experience to know when to enter into settlement negotiations or when to take a case to trial. I have had the opportunity to be a participant in a focus group organized by Mr. Palmer. The purpose of a focus group is to review the facts in a particular case with a mock jury to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the defense. This level of detail and preparation is highly effective and sets Mr. Palmer far ahead of others in the field. In my practice, I regularly represent professionals (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists) who are subjected to a criminal investigation or criminal charges for the first time. Mr. Palmer takes the time to explain the criminal court process and to make sure that his clients make informed decisions after reviewing all the allegations, charges or evidence presented by the State. I highly recommend Mr. Palmer to any client facing criminal charges without reservation.”

“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 court room. He displays confidence and does not back down. The knowledge he possess in criminal sexual conduct law is top notch. His association to other experts and valuable resources are 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!”

“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 practice. 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 proof that an innocent man was wrongfully convicted, imprisoned due to a false allegation by a 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.”

“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.”

“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 is what separates himself 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!”

“I am an appellate lawyer. I work with Mark on many of his appeals. He is passionate, organize, committed, and has an excellent command of facts and stays on top of legal developments. I’ve also read several of his transcripts. At the trial level he is very thorough. I would rather have a root canal than be in the witness box being cross examined by him.

Steve always gives his best to his clients and one would be hard-pressed to find better representation in legal matters. Steve provides excellent advice, service, and value and has, for not only myself, but for many people I know and have referred to him.”