Martin Drias
Michigan criminal defense lawyer Martin Drias is driven by a desire to help people in his city who have been wrongfully accused and are facing criminal charges.
In a criminal prosecution, the state wields a lot of power. People accused of crimes often have little or no voice in the system — but as a defense lawyer, Drias knows that he can be their voice, tell their side of the story, advocate for their rights under the Constitution, and bring some balance to criminal proceedings.
He attended college at Michigan State University in Lansing, where he made the dean’s list while majoring in political science. He also was a parliamentarian for Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, which helps its members develop leadership skills, and promotes brotherhood and academic excellence. Drias found inspiration from past Alpha Phi Alpha members, including Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, civil rights activist Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and social justice pioneer and author W.E.B. Du Bois.
He knew that a career in law would allow him to help people, and he found he had a talent for persuasion that would serve him well as a trial lawyer. He earned his Juris Doctor degree at Florida State University, one of the top-ranked law schools in the country. While at FSU, he honed his skills as a member of the Public Interest Law Society Association, Dispute Resolution Society, and a recipient of the Florida Bar Association Summer Fellowship.
“If you have been charged with a crime in the Michigan area, the Detroit criminal defense attorneys at Drias Law Group PLLC can help.”
After law school and prior to opening his criminal defense practice, Drias worked as an assistant state’s attorney in Macon County, Illinois. He focused on prosecution, and gained experience with jury trials, bench trials, negotiating plea agreements, and arguing motions in criminal cases.
He also has experience working as a public defender, working in a private personal injury practice, and working in a legal services clinic dedicated to equal access to justice.
When Drias decided it was time to put down roots, he returned home to Detroit where he could be close to family. He opened his law practice, where he puts the skills he acquired in law school and his professional career to work for regular people who encounter legal troubles and need the help of a skilled attorney.
As an attorney, he takes pride in providing excellent communication and service to each client who comes to him for help. He also relishes the challenges of taking a case to trial and advocating zealously for clients.
When he isn’t working in his law practice, Drias enjoys traveling and spending time with family, including his infant son. He is also active with his church and community.
Media Mentions
- NBC News – ““Target Fires Security Guard After Black Customer Says She Was Racially Profiled“
- WKYZ Detroit – “Second Woman Alleges She Was Racially Profiled at Southfield Target Store”
- The Detroit News – “Shooter Gets Probation in Friend’s Death on Instagram”
- Detroit Free Press – “Top Takeaways from Our Investigation into Michigan’s Reserve Cops”
- Detroit Free Press – “They Look Like Cops, But They’re Not. And They’re All Over Michigan“
- Fox 2 – “Attorney: Worthy Dropped Dodgeball Assault Charges Against Boy Due to Media Pressure“
- CBS News – “Alexander Morris, Lead Singer of Motown Group Four Tops, Plans to Sue Hospital for Racial Discrimination”
- The Detroit News – “Four Tops Singer Alleges Racism, Mistreatment at Warren Hospital“
- WXYZ Detroit – “Four Tops Member to Sue Ascension Hospital”
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Michigan State University
- Juris Doctor, Florida State University
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
- Illinois
- U.S. Eastern District of Michigan
Professional Memberships
- Oakland County Bar Association (Michigan)
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Pro bono attorney for First Defense Legal Aide
- Pro bono attorney for the Family Defense Center
- Volunteers for and supports Lutheran Child & Family Services
- Member of Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church