History
James E. Czarnecki II and Genevieve L. Taylor met while working on criminal cases in Michigan. They both had a dedication to criminal defense and often discussed legal topics. James worked at a well-known law firm for ten years, supervising the criminal department. Genevieve was a solo practitioner who also focused on criminal defense. They found that their individual dedication to criminal defense and unique approaches complemented each other. This made them eager to cultivate their own practice that would effectively intersect their expertise with their respective skills. They believe winning a case involves passion, knowledge, dedication, and experience. That focus sets Czarnecki & Taylor apart from other law firms.
Czarnecki & Taylor opened its doors in 2013. Since then, they've represented clients all over the State of Michigan with excellent results. They have established themselves as successful criminal defense attorneys. One thing you will notice immediately when working with Czarnecki & Taylor is that they will never convince you to take a plea if you want a trial. That is your right. Czarnecki & Taylor will advise and educate you, but you will decide the course of action. When you are a client, you are part of the legal team. Czarnecki Taylor will help you understand the options and consequences to make the best decision for your situation.
Contact us.
The best way to contact us with any legal matter is to set up an appointment. We can discuss your specific situation and work together to come up with a plan of action that will help you move forward with confidence. Call today for a free consultation or fill out our online form for more information about our services and how we can help.
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Attorneys
Founding partner
James E. Czarnecki II, Attorney
James graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. While at Wayne State, he was awarded the university’s first undergraduate research grant for criminal justice, where he authored a paper on community policing. He presented the paper at a discussion forum at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Before forming Czarnecki & Taylor PLLC, James Czarnecki spent nearly ten years working at a well-known law firm where he was head of the criminal department. James was born and raised in Michigan. He is a 2004 Graduate of Wayne State University Law School. While in law school, he served as Editor-In-Chief of the Moot Court program. He also interned at the State Appellate Defender Office, Federal Defender Office, and Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
Upon graduation from law school James went to work for a law firm in Downtown Detroit as a criminal appeal lawyer where one of the most important aspects of his job was to help ensure that those who have been wrongfully convicted get the chance to clear their name and reclaim their freedom. To further that goal he also volunteered to assist the ACLU with criminal cases.
James has dedicated himself to criminal defense. He has handled cases in every aspect of the criminal justice system, from trials to appeals in federal and state courts. He has dealt with cases ranging from traffic tickets to homicide cases. He has also represented clients in federal court with charges ranging from conspiracy, alien smuggling, assaulting federal agents, and union fraud, among other charges.
Together with his partner Genevieve, they completed a comprehensive study on the adequacy of appointed criminal defense in Macomb County. The study used the standards implemented by Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to explain what Macomb County needed to adopt to ensure that indigent defendants receive criminal representation delivered in a fair, cost-effective, and constitutional manner. The study showed how Macomb could increase the quality of defense provided by court-appointed attorneys.
James has litigated over a thousand cases. His very first trial out of law school involved attempted murder. The result: Not guilty. Since then, he has continued to get great results for his clients. He is an experienced litigator who has successfully taken jury and bench trials to verdict. He has won not-guilty verdicts on felony and misdemeanor cases ranging from multiple criminal sexual conduct charges, assault with intent to murder, domestic assault, assault, and battery, among others. He has successfully had cases dismissed at preliminary examinations or from motions to suppress illegal searches and seizures.
He has appealed cases to the Michigan Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court, and Federal Court, where the clients' convictions were overturned and given new trials or reduced sentences on charges of felony murder,criminal sexual conduct, delivery and manufacture of a controlled substance. If there is a legal issue, he will find it.
Litigation is not always the answer. James Czarnecki has negotiated plea deals where his clients avoided convictions, had charges reduced and dismissed, and avoided jail or prison sentences. He has negotiated with local prosecutors, police departments, United States Attorneys, the FBI, and the ATF.
James has dedicated his entire career to criminal defense. In the courtroom, he is passionate about seeing that his clients receive every benefit of the Sixth Amendment guarantee of a defendant's right to a fair trial. James’ successes are due mainly to his elaborate pretrial preparation, brief writing, and analysis of the facts of the case.
Education
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL
Juris Doctor, 2004
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
B.A., Political Science, 2001
B.S. Criminal Justice, 2001
Activities & Affiliations
• Macomb County Bar Association
Bar Admissions
State Bar of Michigan
Federal Court Eastern District of Michigan
Attorney Genevieve L. Taylor
Founding Partner
Genevieve L. Taylor, Attorney
Genevieve L. Taylor was born and raised in Michigan. She graduated with Honors from Thomas Cooley Law School. While in law school Ms. Taylor interned at the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office. She is involved with criminal committees at the Macomb County Circuit Court.
Genevieve has a well-earned reputation for working tirelessly on her cases. She never gives up on any case because she knows it is important to her clients. She operates with one philosophy, every client deserves the right to the best legal representation no matter his or her background.
It is upon that deep belief that she has built her entire career. She believes that there is always hope for every client and that every avenue should be pursued regardless of the time and energy it takes. For Genevieve, creating the finest criminal defense for her clients must be applied in every case.
Genevieve has successfully litigated both felony and misdemeanor cases. She has handled minor traffic offenses all the way to the most serious of offenses carrying life sentences. She has had motions granted to dismiss cases and suppress evidence. She has assisted in appeals that resulted in overturned convictions.
Genevieve was awarded a Macomb County grant to study the quality of court-appointed criminal defense. Together with her partner James, they completed a comprehensive study on the adequacy of appointed criminal defense in Macomb County. The study used the standards implemented by Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to explain what Macomb County needed to adopt to ensure that indigent defendants receive criminal representation that is delivered in a manner that is fair, cost-effective, and constitutional. The study showed how Macomb could increase the quality of defense provided by court-appointed attorneys.
Genevieve is extremely active in Macomb County criminal defense committees with the Macomb County Circuit Court. She has volunteered her time to increase the quality of criminal defense representation in the Macomb County legal community.
When a trial is not an option, she successfully negotiates with city attorneys and prosecutors to have charges reduced, dismissed, or avoid incarceration. Genevieve focuses on avoiding convictions at every opportunity. Whether in court or behind the scenes with judges, prosecutors, and police, she uses her experience, professional relationships, and persistence to fight for her clients and believes in defending people’s constitutional rights.
Education
COOLEY LAW SCHOOL
Juris Doctor, 2008
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
B.A., Mathematics, 2003
Activities & Affiliations
Macomb County Bar Association
Indigent Criminal Defense Panel
Swift & Sure Program (alternative to incarceration) - Macomb County Circuit Court
Animal Law Section State Bar of Michigan
Criminal Law Section State Bar of Michigan
Former President of Macomb Community Drug Courts - Macomb County Circuit Court
Member of the task force to implement Constitutional standards in Macomb’s public defense to increase the quality of criminal defense representation
Bar Admissions
• State of Michigan