About Us

About Us

With over 25 years of combined experience in criminal defense law, the talented legal team of Paul Tafelski and David Goukassian at Michigan Defense Law is devoted to the defense of good people who have found themselves in difficult circumstances. 

At Michigan Defense Law, we take the presumption of innocence seriously and fully believe that every client is due a skilled legal defense. Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or are faced with a felony conviction, we are committed to diligently defending you and achieving the best possible outcome on your behalf. 

No one should ever face the criminal justice system alone. With Michigan Defense Law in your corner, you have skilled advocates who provide the experienced legal defense you deserve. Whether we represent you in court by challenging the evidence or having a trial or work to reduce your charges, we work tirelessly to protect your rights each step of the way. Every step of the process and every strategy is best managed with our experienced team thinking about your unique situation.  

Michigan Defense Law offers skilled legal defense for those who have been accused or charged with criminal offenses, including:

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor offense or a felony crime, we are available at any time, offering guidance when you need it most.

Paul J. Tafelski

Paul Tafelski has been practicing law in the state of Michigan for over twenty years. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and earned his Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. A member of the Michigan Bar Association, American Bar Association, Criminal Defense Lawyers of Michigan, Oakland County Bar Association, and the Advocates (Polish Bar Association), he is admitted to practice law in all state and federal courts in Michigan. 

Paul has successfully defended hundreds of clients from arraignment through jury trial, maintaining a solid winning track record and a reputation as an outstanding criminal defense lawyer. He has been named as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Michigan by Superlawyers (2011-2013, and 2017-2021) and Leading Lawyer in 2017. 

Picture of Paul J. Tafelski

For Paul, no matter the client, the goal is always the same: obtaining the best possible results so they are able to move on and move forward. Through his skills of persuasion, communication, and understanding of human nature, he has saved many clients from jail time or worse. Through his efforts and skill, many have maintained their freedom and their ability to embrace a bright future.

David Goukassian

David Goukassian has passionately pursued his dream of becoming an attorney, following in his grandfather’s footsteps, a respected judge in Armenia. He earned his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Wayne State University in 2011 and his Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2017. 

During law school, David interned as an assistant prosecutor in the Genesee County Prosecutor’s office, gaining valuable skills and a hands-on understanding of the criminal justice system from the prosecutorial standpoint. He also gained valuable exposure to other civil and criminal matters by clerking for the Honorable Leo Bowman of the Oakland County Circuit Court. 

Picture of David Goukassian

After graduation, he accepted an associate position at a small law firm, where he gained significant experience in handling complex legal matters. David joined Michigan Defense Law in 2019, where he represents clients accused of criminal offenses in all state courts in Michigan as well as the Federal Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He is fluent in Armenian and conversational in Russian.

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A Criminal Conviction Can Alter Your Future

A criminal conviction can be life-altering. You should never face the criminal justice system alone. You get one chance to handle your case the right way.  You deserve a dedicated and aggressive legal team in your corner, offering skilled, knowledgeable strategies and a well-formulated plan specifically tailored for you. 

With the team of Michigan Defense Law on your side, you can have peace of mind that you have a top legal defense team advocating for your rights and your freedom each step of the way. Each case requires skills honed over years of experience.

With our years of training, experience, connections, and skills, we seek justice for those who are facing the criminal justice system in Michigan. Contact us through our website or call us at (248) 451-2200 today.

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