1. Krupp Law Offices P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 95+ years experience and downtown Grand Rapids location
Practice Areas: DUI/OWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Krupp Law Offices PC can defend you and protect your rights. You can trust the 95 years of experience and skills of aggressive Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Attorneys at Krupp Law Offices PC to defend your case in court. A criminal conviction can have serious life-altering consequences. Do not attempt to fight the criminal system alone. The firm has been highly recognized in the legal community as one of the criminal defense attorneys in Grand Rapids. Krupp Law Offices P.C. is located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan and has the right criminal defense attorney for you. The firm represents clients in all criminal matters throughout West Michigan, including the cities of Grand Rapids, Holland, and Grand Haven, and the counties of Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Newaygo, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ionia. Christian G Krupp II was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Chris attended Michigan State University and graduated in 1988. He attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he was a member of law review and one of the few students that had his law review article published.
Location: Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan (serves Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Newaygo, Montcalm, Muskegon, Ionia Counties)
Contact: (616) 459-6636 | https://krupplaw.com/
Consultation: Free phone consultation available
2. Shawn Haff Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with focus on expungements and driver’s license restoration
Practice Areas: Domestic violence, drunk driving/OWI, felony OWI, retail fraud, criminal sexual conduct, shoplifting, expungements
Background: Attorney Shawn James Haff, a distinguished criminal defense attorney in Michigan, brings unparalleled expertise to individuals across Grand Rapids and West Michigan. His focus on protecting your rights and ensuring optimal outcomes positions him as a steadfast ally. Beyond courtroom defense, Shawn Haff is committed to helping you rebuild. From expunging criminal records to restoring driving privileges, his comprehensive services are designed to help you move forward. Your reputation, freedom, and job are at stake when accused of a crime. Never go to court alone and never just plead guilty. Always talk with a criminal defense attorney before going to court. Usually either the charge itself can be reduced or one of the criminal charges dropped. Your rights will be protected, and the firm will raise effective defenses, file appropriate motions, and protect your Constitutional rights. The office is located at 2675 44th Street, about 15 minutes from the Kent County Court House.
Location: 2675 44th Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan (serves West Michigan)
Contact: (616) 438-6719 | https://www.criminaldefenselawcenterwestmichigan.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. The Fiorletta Law Group, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 35+ years experience in state and federal courts
Practice Areas: Assault, drug offenses, theft, sex crimes, white collar crimes, immigration violations, federal crimes
Background: The Fiorletta Law Group, PLLC in Grand Rapids defends Michigan residents who have been accused of criminal misconduct. Individuals who have been accused of a state or federal crime have fundamental rights, but it takes a proven Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney to assert those rights effectively. At The Fiorletta Law Group, PLLC in Grand Rapids, the firm defends Western Michigan clients who have been arrested and are facing possible incarceration and other types of punishment. With more than 35 years of experience assisting individuals, the attorney knows how prosecutors work and doesn’t back down regardless of the specific allegations. Misdemeanor crimes carry a jail sentence of up to one year. Felonies are punishable by a term in state prison that could last for a year or much longer. Throughout Western Michigan, the firm handles all types of felony and misdemeanor cases. The firm works tirelessly to investigate allegations and find evidence that opposes the counts brought by the authorities against you.
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan (serves Western Michigan)
Contact: (616) 717-1334 | https://www.fiorlettalaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Grabel & Associates
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 100+ years combined experience and local court familiarity
Practice Areas: DUI/OWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes
Background: If you are facing a criminal charge or are under investigation in the Grand Rapids area, you probably have a growing list of questions relating to your case about what might happen, and how you can fight to start to put this situation behind you. At Grabel & Associates, the firm has over 100 years of combined experience successfully helping people in Grand Rapids and around the state of Michigan. At Grabel & Associates, the attorneys understand that each case is unique in its facts and situation. They also understand the burden that a prosecutor carries when they authorize charges against someone. A prosecutor is required to prove each and every element of every criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt in order to properly secure a conviction against someone. If you’re charged with a crime in Grand Rapids, you should retain an attorney who’s based there. The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office is located at 82 Ionia Ave. NW, Suite 450, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Contact: (616) 213-4133 | https://grandrapids.grabellaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Gordon & Hess, PLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with aggressive advocacy and constitutional rights protection
Practice Areas: DUI/OWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: Gordon & Hess, PLC are criminal defense attorneys in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The criminal defense attorneys are there to make sure that your rights are recognized by law enforcement, the prosecution and the court. Criminal convictions can significantly affect your life, your rights, and your reputation. The firm understands what is at stake and fights diligently to protect you. The team has successfully defended clients throughout West Michigan. The attorneys are knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorneys who will aggressively defend you in the criminal justice system. They will work to protect your constitutional rights and liberties from beginning to end. If you are arrested or facing potential criminal charges, you need a criminal defense attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial. An attorney can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your case by ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan (serves West Michigan)
Contact: (616) 369-7452 | https://www.gordonhess.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Michigan
Felony Classifications
Michigan does not use a traditional class system. Felonies are categorized by maximum sentence:
Life Felony: Includes first-degree murder and certain criminal sexual conduct. Penalty is life imprisonment.
High Court Felony: Offenses with maximum sentences of 10+ years. Examples include armed robbery and drug trafficking.
Low Court Felony: Offenses with maximum sentences under 10 years. Examples include larceny over $1,000 and certain drug offenses.
Misdemeanor Classifications
High Court Misdemeanor: Maximum 2 years in jail. Examples include assault with a dangerous weapon and indecent exposure.
93-Day Misdemeanor: Maximum 93 days in jail. Examples include retail fraud under $200 and disorderly conduct.
90-Day Misdemeanor: Maximum 90 days in jail. Examples include certain traffic offenses.
Expungement (Set Aside)
Michigan significantly expanded expungement under the “Clean Slate” laws:
Eligibility: Up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors can be expunged. Waiting periods range from 3-7 years depending on offense.
Automatic Expungement: Certain misdemeanors are automatically expunged after 7 years; certain felonies after 10 years.
Excluded Offenses: Life felonies, most assaultive crimes, crimes against minors, human trafficking, and terrorism offenses.
DUI/OWI Laws
Michigan OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense is a misdemeanor with up to 93 days jail, up to $500 fine, up to 360 hours community service, and 30-day license suspension followed by 150-day restriction. Second offense within 7 years carries up to 1 year jail, $200-$1,000 fine, 30-90 days community service, and minimum 1-year license revocation. Third offense is a felony (OWI 3rd) with up to 5 years prison and indefinite license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Grand Rapids?
Criminal cases in Grand Rapids are handled by multiple courts depending on the offense. The 61st District Court handles misdemeanors and felony arraignments in the City of Grand Rapids. The 17th Circuit Court handles felony trials in Kent County. Both courts are located in downtown Grand Rapids. The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office is located at 82 Ionia Ave. NW, Suite 450, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Phone: (616) 632-6710. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Having a Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors provides an advantage.
What is Michigan’s “Clean Slate” expungement law?
Michigan significantly expanded expungement eligibility with “Clean Slate” laws effective April 2023. Under the new laws, you can petition to expunge up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors. Waiting periods range from 3-7 years depending on the offense. Certain misdemeanors are automatically expunged after 7 years without petitioning. Certain felonies are automatically expunged after 10 years. Excluded offenses include life felonies, most assaultive crimes, crimes against minors, human trafficking, and terrorism offenses. A Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the appropriate petition.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Michigan?
Michigan has reduced penalties for simple drug possession. Possession of marijuana is legal for adults 21+ (up to 2.5 oz). Possession of controlled substances (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine) is a felony with up to 4 years prison for first offense. Possession of analogues is a felony with up to 2 years prison. Michigan has a “7411” first offender program that allows dismissal after successful probation for first-time drug possession. Drug Court provides treatment-based alternatives for qualifying offenders. A Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney can evaluate defenses and negotiate for treatment alternatives.
What is the “7411” program in Michigan?
Michigan’s 7411 program (MCL 333.7411) is a first offender program for drug possession charges. If you have no prior drug convictions, you may be eligible to have your case dismissed after completing probation. You plead guilty, but the court defers acceptance of the plea. If you successfully complete probation, the case is dismissed and does not appear on your public record. The program is available only once in your lifetime. A Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for 7411 status.
What happens if I am charged with OWI in Grand Rapids?
An OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charge in Grand Rapids carries serious consequences. First offense is a misdemeanor with up to 93 days jail, up to $500 fine, up to 360 hours community service, 30-day license suspension followed by 150-day restriction, and possible vehicle immobilization. High BAC (.17%+) carries enhanced penalties including up to 180 days jail and 1-year license suspension. Second offense within 7 years is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and minimum 1-year license revocation. Third offense is a felony with up to 5 years prison. A Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results.