Mary Chartier

Mary Chartier is a Michigan criminal defense lawyer and litigator at Chartier & Nyamfukudza, P.L.C., who represents clients in serious state and federal cases. Her practice includes criminal sexual conduct, homicide, drug distribution, terrorism, human rights violations, bank robbery, health care fraud, mortgage fraud, and money laundering matters. She has served as lead counsel in many trials and motions, building defenses through careful case review, courtroom preparation, and strong client advocacy from start to finish.

Mary earned her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, graduating summa cum laude. She ranked first in her class, served as Law Review Editor-in-Chief, and received multiple honors for advocacy, writing, leadership, and academic achievement. Her legal education included strong work in criminal law, constitutional law, trial practice, advanced writing, moot court, and criminal procedure, supporting her later defense work in complex criminal litigation matters statewide.

Mary has achieved significant trial and appellate results, including acquittals in federal and state criminal cases and reversals for wrongfully convicted clients. Her appellate work includes multiple Michigan Supreme Court victories, including People v Koon and cases involving wrongful conviction issues. She has received honors from Michigan Lawyers Weekly, the State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Leading Lawyers for advocacy excellence statewide.

Mary Chartier is also a frequent speaker, writer, and legal educator on criminal defense, constitutional law, evidence, marijuana law, and courtroom advocacy. She has presented for bar groups, judges, defense organizations, and legal education programs across Michigan and nationally. Before private practice, she worked at the Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, experience that strengthened her strategic approach to trial and post-conviction matters for clients facing serious charges statewide.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner & Litigator, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, P.L.C.
• Member, American Board of Criminal Lawyers
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, First Amendment Strike Force
• Member, Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Criminal Law Advisory Board
• Member, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
• Member, Women’s White Collar Defense Association
• Member, Hillman Advocacy Federal Training Program, Steering Committee
• Member, Federal Bar Association, Western District of Michigan
• Member, Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys
• Fellow, American Bar Foundation
• Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation
• Advocates Guild, Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society
• Member, Ingham County Bar Association
• Fellow, Ingham County Bar Foundation
• Member, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)

Awards & Badges