Rita C Chastang, Criminal Defense Attorney in Detroit, Michigan
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and General
Fed. Defender's Off. Legal Aid and Defender
Detroit, MI
Practicing criminal defense in Detroit since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Rita C Chastang?
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Quick answer
Rita C Chastang is a fed. defender's off. legal aid and defender based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Rita has over 50 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Detroit, MI
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Criminal Defense and General matters from Detroit, MI.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Rita C Chastang: Rita C Chastang is a fed. defender's off. legal aid and defender based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Rita has over 50 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Rita takes on
Rita concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Rita handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Detroit, Michigan
Rita takes criminal defense matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Rita agrees to represent you.
General cases in Detroit, Michigan
Rita takes general matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Rita agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Rita C Chastang — criminal defense lawyer in Detroit
Rita C Chastang is a fed. defender's off. legal aid and defender based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Rita has over 50 years of legal experience.
Rita C Chastang is a lawyer practicing general practice, criminal law. Rita has been licensed for 50 years. Rita practices in Detroit, MI.
How Rita handles criminal defense matters
Rita C Chastang is a lawyer practicing general practice, criminal law. Rita has been licensed for 50 years. Rita practices in Detroit, MI.
Who Rita represents
Rita reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and general matters in Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Howard University School of Law J.D.
—
Jurisdictions
Rita's state bar admissions
Michigan
1976 · ACTIVE
Rita studied at — in Howard University School of Law J.D..
Law school and academic background
Rita completed — in Howard University School of Law J.D.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Rita runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Rita C Chastang's office in Detroit
Rita's primary office is at 613 Abbott St Fl 5, Detroit, MI, 48226-1348. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Rita C Chastang
Rita has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Rita C Chastang — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Rita usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Rita charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rita's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Rita will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Detroit, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Rita
Rita discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Rita confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Rita's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Rita C Chastang
How much does it cost to hire Rita for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Rita walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Rita offer a free consultation?
Rita charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rita's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Rita's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Rita gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Rita take my case if I'm outside Detroit?
Rita is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Rita will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Rita?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Rita will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Rita accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Rita's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Detroit, Grand Rapids and Southfield in Michigan
Rita handles criminal defense matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Rita's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Detroit handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





